Our Practice

Aikido, the Art of Peace

Aikido is a martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei. Known worldwide as the Art of Peace, Aikido emphasizes blending with an attacker’s energy rather than opposing it, often using circular, flowing movement.  At a deeper level, Aikido invites us to recognize the power of applied nonviolence as a way to reconcile conflict and foster peace in the world. 

Aikido techniques can be adapted for all ages of students, from kids to seniors. Through Aikido training we cultivate self-awareness, resiliency, and a calm spirit.  Movements that begin as basic self-defense techniques later become intuitive responses to resolving conflict within ourselves and our surroundings.  Inherent in our art is the principle of protecting both ourselves and our attackers from harm.

While Aikido training often takes place on a mat in our dojo, it doesn’t have to. We train in many other settings as well, including schools and parks. Ultimately, we aim to take our training off the mat and into all our life interactions.

Aikibojitsu, The Art of the Staff

“Aikibojitsu is a sophisticated and powerful martial system within which, through precise flowing movements with a staff, practitioners explore a wide range of techniques from the depths of silent stillness to peaks of explosive power. While Aikibojitsu's technical expression is complex and its techniques are martially potent, its real challenge comes down to confrontation with a simple stick of wood. In this challenge there is no hiding from oneself because the staff is a perfect mirror.”

- Tom Read Sensei, Aikido, Aikibojitsu, and the Structure of Reality