Unifying Mind, Body & Spirit to develop self and community through the arts and practices of Aikido. The founder of Aikido was Master Morihei Ueshiba, also known as O-Sensei or 'Great Teacher' (1883-1969). He created Aikido as a path to universal harmony and world peace, believing that Aikido was a way of attaining this goal and that violence and aggression could be turned aside by harmony of spirit.
Aikido is a highly refined martial art, developed this last century as a means of self-defense and spiritual training. Aikido develops coordination of mind and body. Through its philosophy and techniques, Aikido brings us into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves. Unlike many martial arts, Aikido requires no advantage in strength or speed and is practiced successfully by people of all ages and abilities.
Aikido is a highly refined martial art, developed this last century as a means of self-defense and spiritual training. Aikido develops coordination of mind and body. Through its philosophy and techniques, Aikido brings us into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves. Unlike many martial arts, Aikido requires no advantage in strength or speed and is practiced successfully by people of all ages and abilities.
Services
Aikido Olympia has grown out of an Aikido tradition begun in 1971 at The Evergreen State College by Hirata Yoshihiko Sensei, a student of the founder of Aikido. Aikido Olympia has existed at our current location for over 6 years and is going strong. The Aikido Olympia dojo is affiliated with Aikido Yuishinkai.
Although adults might practice Aikido to develop inner peace, relaxation, or self-defense, most children don't even think about these concepts. So why is Aikido a good idea for kids? Aikido teaches kids calmness. Of course, kids shouldn't be calm all the time. Aikido gives them a choice. If they need to sit still at school, or concentrate on homework, or focus during sport, Aikido shows them exactly how to do that.
Zazen, often practiced as seated meditation, is a compliment to the moving meditation of Aikido. It refers to the total interfusion of mind and body to attain realization of The True Self. According to Eno Daikan Zenji (Hui-Neng in Chinese, the Sixth Patriarch of Rinzai Zen), "to sit mean to be free from all obstacles and not allow thoughts to rise from the mind, " to be immovable yet completely free.
The following few paragraphs and quotes are from John Stevens' "Abundant Peace"- the Biography of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. O Sensei concluded that Aikido IS Misogi, purification of body and mind, a Way to reform and transform the world. In addition to the above thoughts from O Sensei, OUR practice of Misogi at Aikido Olympia uses the cold water as a way of learning about our center.
Payments provide for you dojo membership and not skill or rank. They help maintain dojo activity and stability. Payments provide for the opportunity to preserve the tradition and spirit of Aikido as brought to the Olympia area by Yoshihiko Hirata Sensei in 1973. Payments sustain our dojo through financial stability.
Reviews (2)
Michael McNamara
Jan 29, 2019
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I thought more of this place before I actually entered it and watched a class. The payment options are inflexible, the business is not accommodating, and like many of the other businesses in the area, it seems to serve a "select local clientele." Being a low income individual, I could not afford the monthly fee, but I asked if I could pay a half month fee that I could afford and only attend classed half the month. they refused and as a martial arts student of many years, I was shocked. I do not recommend this place to learn this esteemed Japanese art.
Murphy Smith
Aug 17, 2018
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Aikido of Olympia is a great place to join a community and learn this martial art! My children and I have taken classes here - the volunteer instructors put so much into the classes and the nonprofit organization as a whole. The kids’ instructors help their students learn at their own pace. I highly recommend Aikido of Olympia!
