Another basic design assignment, this is a poster based upon a subject about which I have strong feelings. Aikido is not primarily a system of combat, but rather a means of self-cultivation and improvement. It has no tournaments, competitions, contests, or "sparring." Instead, all aikido techniques are learned cooperatively at a pace commensurate with the abilities of each trainee. According to the founder, the goal of aikido is not the defeat of others, but the defeat of the negative characteristics which inhabit one's own mind and inhibit its functioning. At the same time, the potential of aikido as a means of self-defense should not be ignored. One reason for the prohibition of competition in aikido is that many aikido techniques would have to be excluded because of their potential to cause serious injury. By training cooperatively, even potentially lethal techniques can be practiced without substantial risk. The intention here was to evoke a direct emotional response even before it is read (literally and visually). The words have particularly strong meaning for me since I began studying product design: many times I have worked hard and long on a project only to make a mistake and either destroy or nullify all the work that I have done. The only thing to do after that is to get back up and keep going . . .