VietNamNet Bridge - Nearly 200 athletes and coaches of 23 delegations from five countries and territories around the world have gathered for the Hanoi International Aikido Festival being held in the capital city from October 28-30.

During the festival, martial artists, instructors and coaches exchanged experiences and perform unique techniques of Aikido.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs.

Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba (14 December 1883 – 26 April 1969), referred to by some aikido practitioners as Osensei ("Great Teacher"). Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but as an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation.

The martial art entered Vietnam 50 years ago. Currently, it has been developed in many cities and provinces over the country such as Hanoi, HCM City, Danang, An Giang, Khanh Hoa, Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Hanoi has about 3,000 Aikido martial artists. They are practicing at 12 clubs in the city.

An Aikido drilling of Vietnamese martial artists under the instruction of Japanese master Shihan Fukakusa Motohiro:


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