What is Aikido?

Aikido is a modern, nonviolent Japanese martial art that was developed in the earlier part of last century by the late master, Morihei Ueshiba. The Founder passed away in 1969 at the age of eighty-six.
Effective as Aikido is as a martial art, its essence goes beyond the resolution of physical conflicts. Based on his background of rigorous training in several traditional Japanese jujutsu, the Founder spent the years from the middle of his life developing his art as a means of refining and uplifting the human sprit. The Founder succeeded in creating what he then named "Aikido", "The Way of Harmony with the Forces and Principles of Nature." Aikido is a true "budo", a path in which the keen edge of martial training is utilized as a "Way" to spiritual growth.
Despite its growing popularity, Aikido remains true to the goals of "budo". Its methods are based on the Founderﾕs deep faith in "austere training for the sake of improving the human sprit through tireless polishing and perfection of the mind and body." In accordance with the Founderﾕs ideals, the art has been kept separate from sports, in which one person competes with another. Aikido is rather, a path of personal development for people who sincerely desire to perfect their own human nature. As such, Aikido places great importance on the Oriental conception of the universal principle, "Ki"―the life-force or breath. Aikido seeks to achieve the total unification of this universal "ki" with the "ki" of the individual human "self". Aikido is a budo to harmonize the individual with the universal Principle, and to establish concord among all peoples. Out of the ancient traditions of Japanese martial arts, Aikido thrives today as a source of harmony to counter the disharmonious forces that exist in the world today.

Igarashi Sensei teaches at Four Dojos in the Kanto area, which together are known as "Igarashi Dojo".

These are :
1. The main Dojo at Hashimoto, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, established in February, 1983
2. Hachioji Dojo, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
3. Honatsugi Dojo, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa
4. Umegaoka Dojo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

At all five locations there are separate classes for children and adults.

In the children's class emphasis is placed on etiquette and courtesy, not only towards the instructor but also the other students. However, Sensei also makes sure that everybody is having a lot of fun. Those Aikido techniques are practiced which are easy to understand and save to execute.

In the adult class training is more rigorous, but naturally always under the strict guidance of the instructor, everyone participating to the extent they enjoy. While　placing emphasis on basic skills, such as empty-handed techniques, there is also　practice with weapons, primarily the aiki-sword and staff. This includes mainly partner drills with weapons, but also other combinations, such as one against many.

The Igarashi Dojo has friendship agreements with training centers in Canada and the Republic of China. There are also ongoing exchange programs with Dojos in other countries, including the United States, Sweden, Finland and Australia.

AIKIDO IGARASHI DOJO
　5-20-2 Hashimoto, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa 252-0143 JAPAN
　Tel: 81-42-773-6362 　Fax: 81-42-773-6375