Philosophy
The Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba continually called aikido a spiritual art. Â He described it this way:
Aikido is not the art of fighting using brute strength or deadly weapons, or the use of physical power or deadly weapons to destroy one’s enemies, but a way of harmonizing the world and unifying the human race as one family.  It is a path of service that works through the spirit of God’s love and universal harmony by the fulfillment of each individual’s respective role.  This way is the way of the universe; the training in Aiki is training in divine technique.  Begin to put this into practice, and the power of the universe will come forth and you will be in accord with the universe itself.
Taking this description to heart requires us to embrace the value of those who would attack us, seek to understand the nature of their desire to attack, and transcend the fear that may reside in us so that we may meet any attack as if it is a cry for help. Â Aikido is a training in proactive compassion.
In viewing aikido as a spiritual art, one must also understand that an attack has, at it’s root, a spiritual component.  At its most fundamental level an attack arises from the attacker’s need to reconnect to the source of his being.  Everything that exists shares this creative source.  Whether we call it universal energy, or God, or ki, this creative source is the basis for our material and spiritual existence.  It is also synonymous with love.
Mohandas Gandhi once said that the benefits of violence are temporary, but the detriments of violence are everlasting. Â Violence in answer to violence, hatred in answer to hatred, selfishness in answer to selfishness are nothing but selfish hatred and violence. Â Through aikido we intend to erase contention from our hearts so that we can meet aggression of any and all kinds with loving kindness and the intention to protect everyone, even the person or persons attacking us.
Aiki is love.
It is the way that brings our hearts into oneness
with the the spirit of the universe,
to complete our mission in life
by instilling in us a spirit of love
and reverence for all things.
- Morihei Ueshiba