Welcome to Upstate Aikido. Now Open in Anderson SC!

What is Aikido?

The word aikido is composed of three Japanese characters: ai, meaning harmony; ki, spirit or energy; and do, the path or the way. Thus, aikido is "the way to harmony with life energy". In this regard, O-Sensei created a martial art in which the preservation of one's attacker is equally important as one's own self defense.

Aikido is more than the study of physical techniques; attitude, behavior and respect are also stressed. The basic movements of aikido are circular in nature. One trains to harmonize with, rather than confront, aggression.

As a traditional Japanese budo, aikido maintains the qualities of martial spirit, effective technique and intense training. This, coupled with the premise of mutual respect and caring, and the important balance between attacker and defender, embodies the spirit of O-Sensei's desire for universal peace.

Aikido Logo in Gray USAF Logo

Who is O-Sensei

Morihei Ueshiba, known by aikido students as O-Sensei ("Great Teacher"), was born on December 14, 1883 in Tanabe City, Japan. As a young man he mastered many martial arts, both empty hand styles and weapons. In 1912, he and his wife, Hatsu, moved to Hokkaido where he began studying Daito-ryu jujitsu under the guidance of Sokaku Takeda Sensei.

O-Sensei studied intensively, becoming quite technically proficient; however, his spiritual unrest mounted as his awareness of the futility of a path based on victory over others came to light. Transformed by his spiritual insights, O-Sensei's technical mastery evolved into AIKIDO, a martial art of refinement and astonishing power, fundamentally different from those that preceded it.

In 1927, O-Sensei moved to Tokyo, where he founded his first dojo, the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, which still exists today as the Aikido World Headquarters. On April 26, 1969, O-Sensei passed away, leaving his son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, to become aikido doshu ("aikido headmaster") of the Aikikai World Headquarters. Kisshomaru Ueshiba Doshu was in turn succeeded by his son and O-Sensei's grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu in January 1999, who to this day continues to spread the art of aikido throughout the world

Aikido Continues

The origin of the above information is from the United State Aikido Federation (of which Upstate Aikido is a member)

Benefits of Learning Aikido

Aikido is a martial art, and there are great benefits to studying martial arts in general. But there are many reasons to study this particular martial art other than just self defense.

Some insight into Aikido from Florida Aikikai: Video Interview

An article about Upstate Aikido: News Article

Ready for an introductory class? Pick a Time

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Increased Balance

By focusing on maintaining one's center of gravity, understanding leverage, and practicing circular movements, Aikido helps develop both physical and mental balance. Repeated practice of falling and regaining equilibrium also strengthens the body's ability to recover balance quickly.




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Coordination

Aikido significantly enhances coordination through its emphasis on mindful movement, balance, and body awareness. By focusing on blending with an attacker's movement and redirecting their force rather than resisting it, Aikido develops a strong connection between mind and body, improving overall physical coordination and responsiveness.


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Reaction and Sense of Timing

Aikido enhances reaction time and timing through focused practice on body awareness, balance, and efficient movement. By emphasizing blending with an opponent's energy rather than resisting it, Aikido trains practitioners to anticipate and respond to attacks with fluidity and precision.


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Improved Posture and Flexibility

Aikido movements emphasize maintaining a balanced and integrated posture, even during dynamic techniques.

Relaxation is crucial in Aikido for generating power and executing techniques effectively, and this focus also encourages the release of tension that can restrict flexibility. The techniques themselves involve controlled bending and twisting, improving the flexibility of the joints and connective tissues over time.

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Aerobic Conditioning

Aikido can contribute to aerobic conditioning through its emphasis on dynamic movements, falling techniques (Ukemi), and the overall physical activity involved in training. While not a primary focus like in some other sports, the continuous movement, paired practice, and cardiovascular demands of Aikido can improve endurance and overall fitness.






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Greater Awareness of our bodies

Aikido enhances body awareness through its focus on coordinated movement, posture, and breathing, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body. Practitioners learn to move from their center, understand how to use their body as a unified unit, and develop sensitivity to their own body and the movements of others. This leads to improved balance, flexibility, coordination, and a greater sense of overall body control.


Dojo Schedule.

Classes are generally 40 minutes to an hour.

Why learn Aikido?

Why learn Tai Chi?

Ready for an introductory class?

Date
( Weekly Schedule )
Tuesday
4:30 pm
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- Christine

Kids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.

5:30 pm
Kids 15 mins/ Adults 15 mins- Open Tatami
6:00 pm
Adult Class- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.

Wednesday
6:00 pm
Aikido Basics- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down. This class focuses on Aikido Basics and is great for beginners or those wishing to polish up their Aikido basics.

7:15 pm
Tai Chi- Sifu Christine

Tai Chi class offering balance, mobility, breathing and focus.

Thursday
4:30 pm
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- Christine

Kids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.

5:30 pm
Kids 15 mins/ Adults 15 mins- Open Tatami
6:00 pm
Adult Class- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.

7:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Weapons Class- Sensei Mike

The weapons class at Upstate Aikido focuses on the general handling of the Bokken and the Jo. The focus is more on Suburi, Kata, Kumi-jo and other practice techniques. Students are generally not required to take ukemi/falls during this class - weapons practice of that kind is during norrmal Aikido classes.

Saturday reserved for special events
Unscheduled
Reserved for Special Events and Testing