Martial arts training in general contributes greatly for character building, mental and physical inner strength, confidence, discipline, leadership, tolerance, proper judgment and of course, self defense skills. Aikido training in particular can help develop a more peaceful approach to resolving any interaction (conflict, self defense situation etc.), increasing health, vitality (Ki) and body awareness, and spiritual strength. By keeping a safety and peace of all sides, while subduing aggression, we gain more then “victory”. It takes greater skill but much bigger reward! The founder of Aikido, Sensei Ueshiba Morihei, often used the saying: “Masagatsu Agatsu“, which means: victory is accomplished by concurring oneself.