The name Aikido is composed of three Japanese characters: ai , harmony; ki, spirit or energy; and do, the path, the system or the way. Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony. Aikido is different from other martial arts in that the practitioner seeks to protect him/herself without injuring others. Aikidoists harmonize with, rather than confronts an attack and train to neutralize aggressors by blending and avoiding causing injury.