Aikido
A Path of Harmony, Awareness, and Movement
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei) in the early 20th century. The word Aikido (合気道) is often translated as:
Ai (合) – harmony or blending
Ki (気) – energy or spirit
Do (道) – the way or path
Together, it means:
“The Way of Harmonizing Energy.”
Unlike arts that rely on striking or brute force, Aikido teaches how to blend with an incoming force, redirect it, and neutralize conflict without aggression. It is often described as “graceful” or “circular,” but at its heart, it is deeply practical and rooted in awareness.
A Brief History
Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平, 1883–1969), a Japanese martial artist and spiritual seeker born in Tanabe, Japan. Deeply moved by both the martial traditions of his country and the spiritual teachings of Shinto and Ōmoto-kyo, Ueshiba sought a path that unified physical technique with inner harmony.
He was a master of several classical martial arts, including Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, kenjutsu (sword), and sōjutsu (spear). But after years of training, combat experience, and deep spiritual insight, he came to believe that true martial power was not in domination—but in harmony.
From this realization, Aikido was born.
Rather than meet force with force, O’Sensei developed a system where one blends with the attack, redirects its energy, and resolves conflict without harm. He called it a path to peace, not only for the practitioner, but for the world.
Aikido continued to evolve throughout his life, becoming a living philosophy of nonviolent resolution, spiritual awareness, and refined martial skill.
Today, dojos across the globe preserve and adapt his teachings, each one a branch of the same great tree.
We are one such branch—rooted in his spirit, growing in our own direction, always seeking harmony.
What You Can Expect in Class
Our Aikido is focused, joyful, and accessible.
In every class, you’ll experience:
Body awareness & posture – learning how to stand, move, and center yourself
Connection drills – partnering to feel timing, distance, and flow
Blending techniques – entering and redirecting energy, not clashing with it
Unbalancing & neutralizing – using the attacker’s energy to resolve conflict
Aiki Ken (sword practice) – developing rhythm, intention, and focus through bokken movement
Optional ukemi (falling practice) – only when you’re ready, and never required
Classes begin with gentle movement and breathing, followed by partnered technique and sword work.
No yelling. No competition.
Just presence, cooperation, and growth.
Is Aikido Right for Me?
Yes—if you want to move with grace instead of force,
Yes—if you’re looking for a nonviolent martial path,
Yes—if you’re curious about energy, awareness, or embodied mindfulness.
Our classes are for all bodies, all backgrounds, and all levels of experience.
We’ll meet you where you are.
Aikido is a path. Not a race.
Come walk it with us.
Morihei Ueshiba in 1938
Morihei Ueshiba in 1938