Rather than leave the old traditions behind, he refined them to create a new art for a modern world. Moving beyond mere technique, Aikido provides a mirror by which we can examine and refine ourselves and our community. Aikido stresses protecting an attacker from serious harm even as we protect ourselves. Aikido techniques utilize joint locks, throws, and strikes to blend with an attacker's power and neutralize it in a manner that creates the best possible situation. Aikido provides a method of self defense that is both ethical and effective.