Welcome to Portsmouth Aikido

Aikido, translated as "The Way of Harmony," is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969).  Aikido's techniques are derived from ancient Samurai battle tactics, though paradoxically Ueshiba (or O'Sensei, as his students called him) said that, "Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat the enemy.  It is a way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family." 

In this way, Aikido is a defensive art based on the principle of non-resistance.  Rather than meeting violence with reciprocal violence, the aikidoka (practitioner) learns to evade and neutralize the power of the attack by unbalancing the attacker and safely redirecting his energy.

Aikido is Budo, a true martial way, with an array of powerful techniques that could potentially cause pain or injury, and in Aikido we do very little solo or kata practice, with the majority of our training done in partners.  For these reasons, we conscientiously train with a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation,  allowing us to practice safely and reap the many benefits Aikido has to offer.
 
A guiding principle of Aikido is that martial and personal development is best achieved through cooperative practice, with partners helping each other to safely learn techniques.  O'Sensei said that, "Aikdo is medicine for a sick world," and for us it is a path to refining the body (balance, flexibility and coordination), mind (self-confidence, concentration and awareness) and spirit (centering, positivity and peace).
 
Aikido teaches practitioners to blend with the opponent's attack, thereby neutralizing it without relying on brute strength.  Consequently, Aikido is appropriate for men and women of all ages, backgrounds and body types.  At Portsmouth Aikido, we offer instruction for students ages 12 and up.  If you have questions or would like to join us, please call (603) 275-1262 or email us at info@portsmouthaikido.org.
 

Portsmouth Aikido is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that welcomes members of any race, gender or background.