Aikido is a non violent martial art that was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969), referred to as O Sensei (Great teacher).  Throughout his life, gaining experience from Daito Ryu Ju Jitsu, the Omoto Kyu religious movement in Japan and many other influences, O Sensei founded an effective art for conflict resolution and personal growth.

Aikido as a martial discipline seeks to neutralize an opponents attack while keeping both the practitioner and the attacker safe from bodily harm.  The concepts of ki flow, blending energy and centering are central to it’s principles.

Apart from it’s relatively unique place among the martial arts, Aikido can also be a creative tool for self improvement.

We strive to view the world in not an “us vs them” perspective, but rather see the connectivity within everyone.  As such, there is no competition in Aikido.  The physical training becomes a reference for growth and development rather than the goal itself, and ultimately we measure ourselves not from an outward perspective but an inward one.

The dojo provides a more tangible laboratory for testing its somewhat subtle principles. It is also important to note that doing Aikido is also a lot of fun!