Martial arts enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend in Delhi with the visit of an American grandmaster.

Shihan Gaku Homma Sensei, a student of Morihei Ueshiba the founder of Aikido will hold a seminar and public demonstration of this spiritual martial art based on harmony (ai), spirit (ki) and finding ones way in life (do).

Adapted from the more violent fighting art jujutsu, this gentle martial art combines circular movements, breathing and meditation which increase a person’s energy, fitness and peace of mind.

It can also prove very effective for self defence. Rather than meet an attacker head on, aikido practitioners use circular movements to avoid an attack and use their opponents own force against them.

“You don’t have to be strong and you certainly don’t have to be aggressive to do Aikido,” said Delhi’s only Aikido master Paritos Kar, who trained in Japan for more than 15 years.

The lessons students learn about neutralising aggression can help to bring harmony to everyday life, he added, explaining that the spiritual aspects of the art have to be practiced to be properly understood.

“We are very fortunate to have a teacher of this calibre visiting us in Delhi.”

Shihan Gaku Homma Sensei who hails from the Rocky Mountains is known for his spiritual approach to martial arts. He also has a unique teaching method which combines kenjutsu (sword) and jojutsu (staff) and taijitsu (open hand).