In contrast to martial arts in general which prioritizes physical strength training and speed Aikido bases its practice on self-mastery and technical perfection. The techniques used in Aikido are in the form of elongation locking throwing which look the same as slamming. In many aikido colleges punch and kick techniques in practice are rarely used or even eliminated. Actually the punch and kick techniques in aikido are not known so narrowly so there is the term "atemi" as a way to use all possibilities as widely as possible in using the body to beat and match (including using the forehead elbows knees and others). ) However for various reasons this atemi technique tends to be abandoned or eliminated by many aikido colleges.

The uniqueness of Aikido is its motion which almost never retreats in overcoming various types of attacks. The movements tend to be circular rather than straight. In this concept of motion we will understand aikido philosophy in real terms. Many people are interested in learning aikido because of their high interest in philosophy. However the unique fact lies in the continuity of understanding between a practitioner and a philosopher. So the advice of every aikido teacher to those who want to know aikido carefully is to "practice".

The philosophy underlying Aikido namely love and the concept of ki makes Aikido a unique martial art. In general Aikido can be classified as locking and struggling martial arts (English: grappling).

Aikido does not recognize the system of competition or competition such as martial arts in general for the purpose of correcting. However the way in which aikido is used to socialize itself is by a system of exclusion or a kind of demonstration in martial arts.

Until now Aikido also had many branches of "technique" (Japan: waza; English: style) which also enriched techniques that did not abandon the basic technique. more emphasis on techniques to speed in overcoming the opponent's attack (nage).