Aiki 合氣, or its Korean hapki 합기, is the joining or combining of energy.

Techniques are accomplished with subtlety and require little mechanical force. Emphasis is upon blending with the the opponent to redirect the force of the attack rather than opposing it head on.

Aiki is about engaging an attack, not retreating from it. One applies aiki by understanding the rhythm and intent of the attacker to find the optimal position and timing to apply a counter technique.

Aiki martial arts styles incorporate weapons techniques such as the sword and stick, as well as empty hand strikes, kicks, projections, strangulations, dislocations, and immobilizations.

The aiki arts share many similarities with much of their differences coming in the way they are taught, organized, and applied.

The arts of Aikido, Aiki-jujutsu, Hapkido, Jhapkido, and Aiki-budo are practiced at our school, the Kyuusasi Budo Kai in Roanoke, VA.

Aikido 合気道 is an art of self-defense which emphasizes good body movement and posture, throws, and joint locks in an effort to subdue and control rather than damage or destroy the opponent. It is the way of harmonious spirit; the art of protecting the attacker and the attacked.

A parent art of Aikido, Aiki-jujutsu 合気柔術, or Aikijitsu 合気術, is a is a combat oriented system used by the samurai. It is a form of jujutsu emphasizing “an early neutralizing of an attack” with aiki principles.

Hapkido 합기도 , the way of coordinated power, is an eclectic Korean martial art stemming from the combination of Aiki-jujutsu with Korean kicking arts such as Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do.

The Korean/American art of Jhapkido 잡기도, the way of catching the opponent’s energy, is a form of aiki stressing the combination of trapping and locking with striking techniques.

Aiki-budo 合気武道, is an martial system combining aiki precepts with techniques from Aikido, Judo, Karate, Jujutsu, and Kickboxing.

While our practice includes each of these forms, our base or common system is Aiki-Budo - the Harmonious Energy Way. This is the training method we most closely adhere to and cultivate.

As a system, unlike an individual style, it provides the practitioner with the ability to be exposed to a much more diversified set of skills which can be applied in combative or defense encounters.

It unites the body arts, weapons, and healing arts through a common set of principles and is taught in an integrated curriculum.

Additionally, modern first aid, basic sports medicine procedures, as well as acupressure and other traditional methods are researched and practiced.