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Aikido is a relatively modern martial art, founded in Japan by the late Morihei Ueshiba in the 1940’s.  Aikido now has millions of practitioners (aikikai) world-wide.  “Aikido” loosely translated means "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe", and was referred to by the Founder as the Art of Peace.  It is comprised of a non-competitive, yet rigorous, physical training program.  Techniques are applied by redirecting the attacker’s energy back at them, safely defending one’s self while also limiting harm to the attacker. Practice mats for St. Matthew's Aikikai have been supplied through a grant from the St. John's Community Wellness Coalition and through a capital recreation grant from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.