Aikido is a Japanese martial art whose origins can be traced back to the 12th century. It is based on an attitude of non-resistance rather than confrontation of strength. An attack is not checked, it is met and guided in a way that causes the assailant to be thrown by the directional force of their own attack. Aikido offers a versatile and effective method of self defense which may recommend itself to those for whom the more aggressive and competitive martial arts have less appeal.