Unarmed discipline. To create a deeper understanding for your own body is the goal. You will learn this by reaching your bodily borders. Throws - Locks and Hits are the main repertoire of this discipline.

In ancient times AIKI NO JUTSU was always combined with other disciplines, like IAIJUTSU or archery ("KYUJUTSU"). Nowadays sometimes AIKI NO JUTSU is described with "Gathering and combining forces" or "Way of harmony" or "Using the power of the opponent".  This was not mentioned in any ancient notations.
This topic is often discussed between western martial artists for the last decades. This happens because AIKI NO JUTSU is thought to be the source or even the same as the modern AIKIDO, founded by Morihei Ueshiba at the beginning of the 19th century.
This is wrong anyway and shows a lack of understanding the japanese history and philosophy.
AIKI NO JUTSU is several hundred years old, as ancient notations proof. Futhermore AIKI NO JUTSU was always considered as an art itself, which means that there are not only techniques. It also included philosophy, meditation and breathing lessons. AIKI NO JUTSU is a principle.

The modern Aikido however was found by Morihei Ueshiba. (His notations say at 1925) Between 1918-1926 Ueshiba was the bodyguard of Wanisaburo Deguchi, the founder of the Omoto-Kyo sect. Ueshiba got his ethical and moral fundamentals directly from himself. In his book "The Art of peace", Ueshiba clearly explains his understanding of his school. With it he himself declares the main differences to ancient Bujutsu and proclaimes a strict division to all other martial arts. Among other things there are no combats in modern Aikido.
Therefore it is otiose to discuss about connection to AIKI NO JUTSU, because is does not exist.

The old masters like Soke Nakamura,  are always talking about an ability, which requires the entity of the body, mind and soul, when they talk about AIKI NO JUTSU. AIKI NO JUTSU is a very sophisticated art, which needs the whole individual to be understood.

AIKI NO JUTSU always stands at the beginning of Bujutsu, because first it shall teach you an understanding of your bodily possibilities. The student gets in contact with himself. Mental and physical borders will be reached, understood and crossed under the supervision of the teacher.
The body itself, absolute knowledge about its possibilities assumed, is the best weapon if your are able to trust him for hundred percent. A sword, a stick, a bow can break, but if you are aware of your body you will not let it break.
You will know how to handle exceptional conditions without destroying your body. You will succeed.
Self reflexion implies to work on mental capabilities. The asian world does not know any difference between body and soul. It is a consistent whole out of the holistic way of thinking.

Equipment: Bujutsu-training clothes  obligatory
on higher level Uchi-Kote (Handprotection for combat)