Chief Instructor: Eric Karalius

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." has been described as "Moving ZenA school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition.." As with all Zen arts, though the final aim is personal transformation, the focus of the dojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall (training hall) is practical. Repetition and hard work are required to master the fundamentals of movement, timing and breathing. "This is not merely a theory," O SenseiGreat teacher; the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba said, "you must practice it."

Practicing with partners, each working at his or her own level, students alternate as the attacker and the one who receives the attack. Learning to take falls safely is an important aspect of training. Whether executing the technique, or taking a fall, the Aikidoist trains to blend with or capture the opponent's energy and harmlessly redirect it.

The rewards of training include stamina, flexibility, improved muscle tone and self-awareness. But effectiveness does not depend on size or strength. Ultimately, it is the attack that brings down the attacker. Above all, training is an encounter with oneself. The student of Aikido seeks to identify and gain control of the ways in which he or she reacts to opposition while remaining centered under all conditions.