THE ART OF AIKIDO: A non-competitive Japanese martial art based on mutual respect, cooperation and friendship. Although its techniques can be extremely effective and dynamic from a self-defense perspective, the philosophy is non-violence ——— not aggressive as has unfortunately been portrayed in some popular movies.

Its practice includes self-defense training using holds and throws. Instead of using strength, Aikido uses circular motions to blend with an attack and neutralize its force. Without aggression and violence, practicing partners take turns at repeating techniques against an attack, the negativity of an attack is diverted or neutralized in a harmonious manner, manifesting a peaceful resolution of conflict and creating a positive and enjoyable training experience.

Because Aikido techniques are not based on pitting one’s strength against another’s, it is readily practiced by men, women and children of all ages. 

Regular training of Aikido can go far beyond learning its powerful self-defense applications, when practiced in the correct supportive environment, it permeates the psyche, affecting intellectual, social, and spiritual levels of awareness in a positive way.

THE FOUNDER: Aikido was founded by the late Master Morihei Ueshiba, who made a lifetime study of martial arts and gained wide recognition for his exceptional skills. Master Ueshiba was, however, deeply troubled with the conflict that arose between his martial skills and his spiritual training. He felt that winning at someone else’s expense was not really winning, and that true victory was victory over the conflict within ourselves. The result was the birth of Aikido, an entirely new martial way based not on destruction, but on the harmonious resolution of conflict in all its varied forms.