Mission Statement

 The fundamental mission of THE SARASOTA Aikikai is to cultivate an environment in which students can learn the principles and foundations of the martial art Aikido, while fostering a harmonious spirit within themselves and others. To create a community based on mutual respect and a desire to grow as individuals.

WHAT IS AIKIDO?

Aikido, "the Way of harmonious spirit," is a Japanese martial art founded by the late Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) in the 1920s and 1930s. The founder's goal was to create a martial art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. 

We welcome students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds! Anyone can practice the art of Aikido, regardless of gender, age, race, size or religion. All that is required is a positive attitude and willingness to learn. 

The main focus of Aikido is self-development, character refinement and the reeducation of one’s instinct and intuition through the physical and mental practice of a martial art. An Aikido dojo is not a gym. It is a place where you wash and polish your spirit and technique. You enter and leave with respect. You help clean and maintain it as a reflection of how you refine your technique and self.

There is no quick and easy way to become proficient in the art. It is only through consistent and sincere training, dedication, self refinement and an open mind does one grows. It is a journey that can last a lifetime with the goal of continuous improvement and discovery of both self & technique. Aikido techniques are designed to be the physical expression of the highest aspirations of Budo (the warrior’s path): Nothing less than the spirit of protection for ALL things, both one’s self and attacker, not protecting one at the expense of the other.

Aikido originated from Budo principles and the basic laws of nature; It is not a sport but a martial path.  Aikido nurtures a spirit of harmony and mutual assistance through paired practice, rather than fostering a competitive spirit. There are no competitions in Aikido: your greatest competitor is yourself. Aikido movement is known for its circular & harmonious blending movements.  Its foundation of movement stems from older arts such as Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu and the sword. We continue to train elements of both of these arts as part of our regular practice. 

Aikido movement aims to optimize one’s body power and defuse the attackers’ effectiveness through the power in balance manipulation, body positioning, momentum, and rotation. There are Atemi (strikes), grabs, joint locks, & Ukemi (falling/receiving).  There are empty hand throws and take-downs, multiple attacker scenarios, as well as paired weapons practice and weapons takeaways. The three main "weapons" used in Aikido are the tanto (knife), bokken (sword) and Jo (staff).