CultureAugust 15, 2026

aikido

eye-KEE-doh

Definition

A Japanese martial art that emphasizes using an opponent's own energy and momentum against them, often through joint locks, throws, and redirects.

Etymology

Aikido is derived from Japanese, combining the characters for 'harmony' (ai), 'spirit' or 'energy' (ki), and 'path' or 'way' (do). It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century.

In the news

The article uses aikido to explain why Steven Seagal’s fight choreography in the film is intentionally defensive in nature, contrasting his actual martial arts style with the brutal, aggressive violence depicted in the movie.

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Read the full article ↗

Giant Freakin Robot

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