Well, if you go back to the founder's words, he said clearly that Aikido is the true Budo.
Obviously we are doing one of the most refined, sophisticated and modern martial arts. The true Budo is the one which preserves life not takes it away. It is by being able to cause damage but choosing not to that you can be a real Martial Artist.
Of course, Aikido is also the Martial Art which is most Law-friendly. By not causing damage, you stay away from jail
Cheers,
Edward