There are many ways to benefit from aikido. Some practitioners want to learn how to defend themselves, while others are looking for physical fitness or to improve their posture. Still others are interested in mental and character development through martial arts. Most of these reasons change over time, and the motives that get you started are often not the same as those that keep you going. In any case, aikido is a lifelong journey.

Most of the time, these reasons change over time, and the motives that lead someone to start practicing are often not the same as those that keep them practicing. In any case, Aikido should always be enjoyable, and everyone must continually discover for themselves what Aikido means to them.