Half sport, half religion, aikido translates as "the way of harmonious spirit", and blends elements of judo, karate and kendo into a form of non-body-contact self-defence. It's one of the newer martial arts having only been created in Japan in the twentieth century and, as a rule, is performed without weapons.

The International Aikido Federation , 17-18 Wakao, Shinjuku-ku (tel 03/3203-9236), is around ten minutes by bus from the west exit of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. You'll also find the Aikikai Hombu Dojo at the same address and telephone number, where visitors are welcome to watch practice sessions.