The Founder

Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969), also known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher), developed Aikido from established battlefield techniques during the 1920’s. He was a dedicated martial artist who early in his life achieved mastery in grappling, sword, staff, and spear and earned widespread acclaim.

He was not satisfied with victory over others and a deep conviction drove him to reconcile the violent aspects of martial arts with his search for harmony and internal peace. In his awakening he realized that martial training was futile when it relied on victory over others and began to develop a different type of martial path.

The paradox

In Aikido do not resolve to conflict through achieving victory or avoiding defeat. Rather we approach conflict as a given and view it as vehicle for transformation. Aikido is the only martial art that cultivates harmony for the sake of harmony.

While grounded in a study of martial principles, and consisting of a full curriculum of techniques for self defense, O-Sensei established Aikido as a martial path meant for polishing the spirit, and the body. He is often quoted as having said that “the purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.”

Empty Hands — Aikido practice can improve muscular strength, balance, and flexibility.  In the course of regular practice students learn how to unify body, mind and intention, fostering a potential for dynamic action and a sense of relaxation and well-being. Aikido techniques generally consist of throws and immobilizing holds practiced as students learn how to redirect and neutralize the force of an attack. The circular movements of Aikido do not rely on strength, making it’s principles accessible to people all sizes and abilities.

Weapons — Training in the use of Bokken (wooden sword) and Jyo (four-foot staff) is integral to understanding the principles of kokyu (connection, also breath), extension, timing, and distance. Welding a weapon we learn to animate an otherwise inanimate object and practice expanding our perception beyond our own body. Due of the increased risk of inattentiveness in this type of training we are also pushed deeper into our ability to cultivate relaxation and focus. Instructor permission is required to begin weapons training. Consistent weapons training is strongly encouraged for serious students. 

Ukemi — Historically in Japanese martial practice the art of falling/receiving technique was the responsibility of sempai (senior students). In the modern structure of Aikido practice, pairs of students alternate between the role of nage (do-er) and uke (attacker/receiver of the technique). Taking ukemi (receiving technique) is integral to the learning process, and warrants special consideration. Ukemi practice also provides one of the most truly lifelong benefits of Aikido practice—working within whatever fears we have of being in close contact with other bodies, and potentially falling as a result. By gaining confidence in our ability to safely fall by rolling we establish a sense of freedom and choicefulness in our ability to move from standing, to the ground, and back—a liberating and freeing quality of movement to strive for.

Zazen — Aikido emerged from, and is related to, a number of traditions all of which share a common connection to the practice of seated meditation. Zazen is seemingly simple, sitting still and observing the actions of your mind. While the experience of seated practice can be difficult to describe the practice can be simple and accessible with proper supervision.  The desire for personal transformation is useful in relating to this discipline, but not necessary. Seated practice is an important part of training at East Lake Aikido. If you have an interest in learning please ask—community members are invited to join zazen, donations welcome!

The dojo provides space and opportunity for students to participate in a community of dedicated practitioners in a focused and joyful training environment.

There are many different ways of practicing Aikido. Some styles emphasize a soft, dance-like approach, other schools of aikido teach a more linear emphasis on martial technique, while others focus almost exclusively on the internal aspects of the art.

At East Lake Aikido we strive to balance elements of softness and hardness, unifying internal organization and awareness with clear and precise movement. While at its essence Aikido is martially effective it can be practiced without sacrificing the imperatives of sensitivity, awareness and the cultivation of harmony.

The relationship between weapons and empty-handed techniques, the importance of keeping strong solid connection in taking ukemi (receiving technique), and the intrinsic value of engaging with seated meditation practice are all integral to the learning that we pursue.  

The dojo is a space dedicated to the work of self-transformation. We work, have fun and then we rest. While in the dojo everything we do is considered part of our practice and is engaged with a spirit of curiosity and play. We strive to embody lighthearted seriousness and as we practice the space takes on the polish of our efforts. 

The relationship between a dojo and its members is one of interdependence. Practice is deeply personal but not possible without collective efforts of all members. In exploring our capacity for action in both physical and psychological projection we share a very genuine part of ourselves with one another. 

East Lake Aikido does not discriminate on the basis of identity and is committed to making practice accessible to all who are interested. However, if you want to remain unchanged by the practice this might not be for you, maybe.