That skirt is named a hakama and we wear it out of respect for the Japanese
origins of the art and the samurai background. Aikido, “the way of harmonious
spirit” as it roughly translates, is a non-violent Japanese martial art developed in
the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. He developed Aikido as a way to
subdue attackers without injury. Aikido grew to become a practice as well as a
philosophy. It’s also a great excuse to roll around on a mat, while still maintaining
the pretense that you are an adult.

Aikido also incorporates empty handed technics as weapons practice with bokken
and jo (sword and staff). While the weapons training is not the primary focus, it
does help inform the empty-handed techniques, and some of us find it fun.
We are a dedicated Aikido community and find that Aikido works great for our
well-being. We develop our balance, posture, flexibility and cardiovascular health.
As part of our training we learn to fall safely and painlessly, which has saved many
of us from injury over the years. We know that it is not so much about falling down
but getting up after every fall.

We practice blending, or harmonizing with those who attack us, literally viewing
the world from their point of view. We practice subduing opponents and defusing
situations. We blend and flow, and try not to take things personally. Taking these
principles of the mat we notice that we harmonize and blend better with our
partner, children and colleagues. We are way more relaxed dealing with stress
and conflict at home or work and catch ourselves smiling way more often.
If you see us training, feel free to come in and watch. Check the schedule, and
come for a free introductory class, we LOVE having new people to train with!