@Yoong Liat,
Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba, is one of the oldest forms of Japanese martial arts. In aikido, force is never opposed with force. The aikido practitioner will harmonise with the attacking force, guiding it with flowing circular motions to control and overcome the attacker. Various techniques can then be applied in the form of locks or throws.
Aikido’s graceful movements make it appear to look like a dance. Being non-aggressive, aikido does not initiate an attack. In aikido, punches and kicks are seldom used.
Aikido's movements and techniques are circular. A firm centre is needed to create this circle. An example of a firm circle is a spinning top that turns at fast speed. Without a firm centre, the speed of movement will only create imbalance. The stillness of the spinning top while in speeding motion is what is called ‘sumikiri’ in aikido language. This is achieved only by what aikido founder calls "total clarity of mind and body."
Training, as well as concentration, is important in aikido because, while it may be easy to create a centred being when inside a martial arts gymnasium, it is different when the practitioner is involved in a real situation when
[or 'where] it will not be easy to remain calm. Aikido aims to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centredness when involved in real situations when their lives are at stake.
Aikido is not only a form of self-defence, but it is also effective as an exercise to promote physical health, peace of mind and concentration. Although there are different styles of aikido, the most basic ideology is their emphasis
[is] on achieving peace and harmony.
That's dandy, YL.