Aikido emphasises control of the situation -- and of yourself.
Self defence is a side effect, Aikido embodies the use of the aggressor's force against them.
Aikido, the Way of Harmony, is a path well worth following. And it can be followed for a lifetime
Although aikido is a relatively recent innovation within the world of martial arts, it is heir to a rich cultural and philosophical background. Aikido was created in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Before creating aikido, Ueshiba trained extensively in several varieties of jujitsu, as well as sword and spear fighting. Ueshiba also immersed himself in religious studies and developed an ideology devoted to universal socio-political harmony. Incorporating these principles into his martial art, Ueshiba developed many aspects of aikido in concert with his philosophical and religious ideology.
Aikido is not primarily a system of combat, but rather a means of self-cultivation and improvement. It is an Art which, in it's original form, is opposed to violence, conflict, and competition, stressing the importance of self development, rather than the defeat of others.
Aikido techniques generally work with the force of an attack, avoiding direct opposition, and great physical strength is not required to perform effectively.
It must be emphasized that there are no shortcuts to proficiency in aikido (or in anything else, for that matter). Consequently, attaining proficiency in aikido is simply a matter of sustained and dedicated training, improvement comes with hard practice and personal effort. No one becomes an expert in just a few months or years.