Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969) advocated unarmed combat. However, he still understood the wisdom of being skilled in the use of weapons. Ueshiba was unique in his ability to manipulate Ki force, and he realized that proper training in using Aikido weapons will allow you extend your Ki power even further.

Aikido training incorporates a strong weapons foundation and any training with Aikido weapons will simply enhance the basic techniques of the martial art. The circular motions of sword strikes share the same fundamental moves as many open handed Aikido techniques.

Consistent with its focus on defence over offense, Aikido weapons training does not concentrate on teaching students the way to attack with particular weapons, but on how to protect themselves in the event of being assaulted by someone carrying one.

Aikido weapons training ordinarily consists of learning the traditional Japanese weapons of the bokken sword, jo staff and tanto knife. These three serve as the primary Aikido weapons being taught today, and have been included in Aikido weapons training since it was founded in the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba.