Aikido uses the force of gravity, weight alignment, joint manipulations, pins, and throws to neutralize attacks. A primary focus in Aikido is to maximize physical power by expending the least amount of energy possible. We do this by developing balance, stability, and flexibility; learning to align bodily structure and working efficiently with gravity; and learning to initiate each movement from the “hara” (the physiological center of gravity). Through its sophisticated system of spherical, flowi …