Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese Budo (martial art) based on principles of blending with your attacker and neutralizing aggression.

What is Aikido?

The word Aikido has its roots in the Japanese words Aiki (harmonizing mind, body and energy) and Do (a way, a practice for self-realization). It is sometimes called the Peaceful Way, as it is based on principles of blending with and redirecting an attacker’s force, regaining balance and neutralizing aggression. Aikido, a Japanese Budo (martial art) developed by Prof. Morihei Ueshiba in the early 1900s, is derived from traditional martial arts like Jujutsu (free-hand techniques) and Kenjutsu (sword techniques) and ultimately trains the practitioner in dealing with multiple attackers as well as in resolving conflict without harm.
Instructor performing a wrist lock.

Weapons

Weapons training is a key element of our approach. We offer basic and advanced training in bokken (wooden sword), jyo (staff) and tanto (knife). The use of weapons catalyzes focus, a sense of urgency, and improved precision in body movement and application of force. Weapons become an extension of the self, transforming students’ awareness of their body/mind and influence on their environment.

Iaido

Iaido is the Japanese art of drawing the sword.
Two instructors demonstrating how to sheath the sword, a technique called "nōtō."

Our Lineage

We teach Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido in the lineage of H. Nakayama Shihan. Okuyama Sensei is 6th Dan and Shihan (grand master) and the only long-term student of Mitsuzuka Shihan, the last student of Nakayama Shihan, teaching in the United States.
Requirements: Students who have trained diligently with us in Aikido for a year can apply for the study of Iaido. Iaido equipment must be approved by the instructors.