Aikido is unique in its approach. It offers a technical format including both weapons and open handed movement that a student studies in order to master, a vast dimension of body, mind, and spirit principles that are discovered during the training, a wonderful perspective that challenges us to meet aggression with harmony, and an opportunity to explore the dimension of Takemusu Aiki, the spontaneous creative flow of response to an unknown attack. At Aikido Montreux, the technical mastery of Aikido, the embodiment of its principles, the understanding of the Art's wonderful philosophical perspective and the embodiment of the freedom that is discovered within, are all recognized as vital and important for the development of each student.

Aikido is translated as the “Way of Being in Harmony with the Energy of Life”. It is a martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba also known as O’Sensei. O’Sensei was born in the late 1800’s and grew up immersed in the ancient traditions of Japan and Asia. He spent his life studying the classic spiritual teachings of his time. He also gave himself completely to the mastery of Martial Arts (Budo). As he developed he became known throughout Japan as an impeccable and unbeatable warrior. Perhaps the best that the country had ever seen. Due to his spiritual yearnings, mastery of the martial arts was not enough. At one event involving a duel with a swordsman, O’Sensei saw how his abilities allowed him to meet the attack without himself having to become destructive. After the swordsman gave up, O’Sensei sat down by a well to cool off and spontaneously had an experience of great Enlightenment. His perspective opened and suddenly he knew what the true meaning behind Life was. He saw that the martial arts don’t have to be a vehicle for destruction but can be a path of transformation. The Universe opened up to him and he saw the interrelatedness of all Life. Out of his mouth came the proclamation “I and the Universe are One!” From this discovery, Aikido was born.