Aikitaiji is a blend of two martial arts: aikido and tai chi. The Japanese martial art called aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, who referred to it as "the art of love" and "the art of peace." Disciples of Ueshiba often refer to him as "O Sensei." Aikido differs from other martial art forms in that its focus is on using your opponent's energy against them, as opposed to punching and kicking. The spherical, total body movements revolve around a stable center of gravity. The word "aikido" can be translated as "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit," or "The Way of Unity with the Fundamental Force of the Universe."

After O Sensei's death in 1969, some of his students carried out his work. The dynamic nature of aikido made it subject to differing interpretations of the Sensei's original martial arts form. As a result, we now see many different styles of aikido.

The older aikido techniques were developed before World War II. They bear a closer resemblance to jujutsu, the martial arts form O Sensei practiced before he developed aikido. Aiki-Budo is similar to jujutsu. Yoseikan blends judo and karate. Yoshinkan is a robust technique which is taught to the Japanese police.

Of the modern schools of aikido, Shin-Shin Toitsu deserves special mention. This is probably one of the softest of all of the aikido styles. Shin-Shin Toitsu aikido training focuses on the concept of Ki, and how it can be used your daily life to create a unity of body mind and spirit. Sensei Jack's earliest influence and training was in Shin-Shin Toitsu. Aikitaiji combines the body mind elements of the aikido and tai chi with a practical combat style that can be used for self defense.

see video examples of aikitaiji blending of aikido and tai chi ideas and techniques in aikitaiji theater