Aikido was created in the early twentieth century by Morihei Ueshiba (known as O’Sensei, or “Great Teacher”). The essence of all Aikido techniques is spherical motion around a stable, energized center, and concepts that are central to its practice include balance, harmony, rhythm, timing and Ki development—that is the cultivation of one’s life force.
Shinshin Toitsu Aikido (literally “Aikido with Mind and Body Unified", but commonly known as “Ki Aikido”) was created by Tohei Sensei, 10th degree black belt and Chief Instructor under O’Sensei. Tohei Sensei developed a teaching system that taught Ki principles to all students, which he felt would make their Aikido techniques stronger, and also allow them to use Ki development in everyday life.
Techniques can range from the spectacular no-touch or breath throws that might send an attacker flying through the air to small, precise movements that immobilize an attacker through joint manipulation. No matter the technique, all utilize and seek to blend the natural movements of the Aikido practitioner with those of an attacker--thus minimizing the physical effort needed for the Aikido practitioner to deal with the attack.
