Aikido

The roots and trunk of aikido stand in the soil of the great warrior tradition budo, where the fighting arts were studied and practiced for defense of society and also as a personal path for awakening. The vision of the founder of aikido is unique among martial arts. Students train to learn to protect all life, even the life of one's enemies. Creating compassion this vast is a lifetime undertaking.

Aikido wisdom and skills are developed through lively partner practice. On the mat we engage with varied attacks and defenses in order to learn to become calm, centered and receptive during intense encounters. Whole-body training takes place through watching, listening, feeling and doing.

Aikido is not verbal philosophy but lively, kind-hearted, harmonious action that reconciles conflict without killing the life spirit from which it comes. We practice aikido not because we are realized beings but to further develop that source within ourselves. At the end of each semester, students may test for rank through the international organization, the Aikido School of Ueshiba.

Aikido Requirements