Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art that has its roots in the combat art of Aiki-jujitsu. Morihei Ueshiba who was a very religious man developed an art that controlled the attacker without causing any undue harm. Ueshiba thought through Aikido the attacker could be guided to the right path.

Kenji Tomiki was the first of Ueshiba's students to be given a menkyo kaiden teaching licence this is equivalent to the rank of 8th Dan. Tomiki set about to modernize Aikido. As a high ranking Judo master 8th Dan and a professor of education he systemized Aikido and introduced free play & competition to attract younger people to Aikido. Tomiki's thoughts were once these young people were practising Aikido they would continue and gradually learn the deeper aspects of the art. Tomiki Aikido includes the use of traditional Japanese weapons these include Bokken (sword) Tanto (knife) and Jo (stick)