About Aikido

What is Aikido?

"Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat an enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family."
- Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei, Aikido Founder

Aikido is a physical and spiritual discipline aimed at unifying body and spirit. It is a Japanese martial art which is non-violent and non-competitive. Aikido's movements are natural movements, seated in principles of balance, relaxation and movement or focus of energy. It is a way to connect with ourselves and with oth

Aikido is practiced with a partner. Partners take turns being "attacker" and "defender." Because students work in connection with each other, emphasis is on working in harmony with a partner. There is no competition, no "winners" or "losers." Men and women practice together, as do younger and older people, and people of different skill levels. Aikido does not depend on size, strength or any other physical characteristic. It is accessible to any student willing to try.

Aikido's spiritual side teaches us to look within, find courage when we are struggling, move through conflict with integrity and to value each other. It teaches us to walk in peace with ourselves and each other, and fosters an attitude of respect toward and compassion for all living things.

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Why practice Aikido?

Aikido practitioners find that training improves both their physical and mental well being. In the physical realm, students find practice improves their:

• Focus
• Timing
• Balance
• Flexibility

Other students find that practice develops an ability to cope with stress, confidence, adaptability and self esteem.

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