About
Hikari no Ken Aikido
“Swords of Light”
Hikari no Ken Aikido Dojo was created with one simple vision: Aikido should be accessible, beautiful, and open to all.
We are a small, heart-centered dojo offering free and affordable classes in the parks and public spaces of our community. Our practice honors the traditional spirit of Aikido while adapting to the needs of the modern world: focusing on awareness, connection, and flow over formality or hierarchy.
We begin with fundamental hand techniques, practicing the essence of Aikido up to the point of falling. This allows anyone to join regardless of age, experience, or physical ability and without the need for mats or falls.
From there, we expand into Aiki Ken (sword-based movement), using wooden swords (bokken) and short staff (Jo) to deepen timing, distance, and presence.
Why sword work?
Because it’s safe, joyful, and immediately accessible in outdoor spaces. Because a sword teaches clarity of intent, respect for distance, and the flowing rhythm of connection. Because it is a gateway to Aikido—not separate from it, but a reflection of its heart.
Our classes are gentle, precise, and collaborative.
We laugh. We focus. We sweat.
We move in rhythm with one another, as if dancing with the wind.
More about Aiki Ken
Roots & Lineage
Our practice is inspired by the teachings of:
Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei) — the founder of Aikido
Saito Morihiro Shihan — for structure and body weapons integration
Shoji Nishio Shihan — for blending weapon and empty-hand movement with grace and innovation
We are not directly affiliated with any of these teachers or organizations, but we move with deep respect and gratitude for the paths they opened.
We are also honored to be in dialogue with the Itto Ryu tradition, offering students an open door to deepen their study of classical sword work.
Our Name
Hikari no Ken means Sword of Light.
It represents the clarity, purity, and awareness we bring to each movement.
It’s also a reminder: in every moment, we have the choice to move with light.
Our internal sword path—Tsuki no Kage Ryu, the Style of the Moon’s Shadow—is a poetic reflection of our journey.
Conceived by Hikari no Ken’s Founder, it blends intuition, flow, and the quiet power of Aiki swordwork.
A Living Dojo
We don’t train behind closed doors.
We train under the sky, in gardens, by rivers, on sunlit trails.
Eventually, we may find an indoor space—if students want it, and the community supports it.
But for now, we are here. Present. Rooted. Moving.
Whether you’re experienced or just beginning…
Whether you’re curious, cautious, or quietly seeking…
Whether you’ve never stepped on a mat before or have stories etched into your joints…
You are welcome. Aikido belongs to everyone.
Aikido