Aikido is a relatively new martial art synthesized by Morihei Ueshiba, based on his training in many styles of martial arts. Aikido is the martial way of harmonizing with energy (internal and external) to yield a desirable outcome when faced with aggression.
It is one of the few martial arts in which the training eventually builds to deal with the threat of multiple attackers; a situation very different from those found in modern competitive martial arts.
Aikido is the study of the self, and the study of conflict resolution.
In its many forms, and through proper training, fatal damage to an aggressor is negated, and a balance obtained that results in minimal injury to all those who may at times find themselves at the center of conflict. In essence, it is the path of least resistance.