Chief Instructor: Garry Blaine

“O SenseiGreat teacher; the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba” Morihei UeshibaThe founder of Aikido (dec 14, 1883 - apr 26, 1969), also known as O'sensei developed the Daito Ryu Ju-jutsu style into what the world knows today as AikidoThe word "Aikido" is made up of three japanese characters: ai - harmony, ki - spirit, mind, or universal energy, do - the way. Thus Aikido is "the way of harmony with universal energy.". O SenseiTeacher; anyone who gives guidance along the way; literally "born before" encompassed the styles taught to him- Jyo staff, BokkenWooden sword, Tanto and empty handed (tai-jutsu) into a flowing, practical application of the martial arts These are still evolving from teacher to teacher. Focusing on circular and entering movements, Aikido is the perfect art for women and menHead no matter how strong or flexible they are when they enter the art.

"Aikido is like a spice and not all schools or teachers use them the same way"

The art of ending conflict: this is the basic idea behind Still Waters Aikikai. Aikido is not about fighting, winning or losing. It is about the individual journey to discover your relationship with your body and mind and to experience spiritual development though intense martial practice. Aikido is not a sport! It is practiced for many more reasons than self defense and should not be confused with sports that award points and compete with matches and sparring. Aikido, in a martial sense, is lethal and cannot be practiced as a sport or the art would be affected in a negative (non-corresponding) manner that this author believes would be the demise of the art- Aikido.

If you are interested in a classic “martial art” that empowers the mind before the muscle: non confrontational and free of conventional sparring, a martial art that can be practiced safely through your senior years, that’s thought provoking and highly efficient, look no further. Come try a class or simply observe!