Doshinkan Aikido

Aikido is a martial art with roots in the samurai arts of jujutsu and kendo (sword fighting). In contrast to many of the violent, hard-style martial arts, aikido is non aggressive, and focused on keeping peace, rather than fighting. "Aikido" may be translated as "A Way or Spirit of Harmony." Its focus is on blending with the actions of an attacker, and redirecting his force, rather than opposing it. For a practitioner (called aikidoka), fighting is considered the last resort, and techniques are designed to control, rather than injure.

The study of aikido teaches smooth, balanced and coordinated movement in a non-competitive, cooperative atmosphere. Workouts combine the training of mind, body and spirit in a single unified discipline. Many aikido techniques involve throwing the attacker to the ground… therefore the study of safe falling is paramount. Aikidoka become skilled in the art of "ukemi," or graceful falling. This skill helps protect them in practice, as well as in unexpected accidental falling.

Instructor:  Rick Hamilton