What is Aikido?

Aikido is a modern, non-violent, non-aggressive Japanese martial art, which was developed early in this century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). "Aiki" means "blending body with mind to the movements of energy." "Do" means "a way or path chosen towards self-realization." Aikido is a system of self-defense employing techniques based upon circular motions that blend with the attack and energy of your opponent. Aikido's movements are generally smooth and fluid. Circles and spirals predominate in the techniques. Rather than meeting the force of an attack head on, the defender moves his or her body out of range, taking the attacker's balance and culminating the technique in either a throw or hold-down. In the rhythm of practice, partners change roles allowing each to feel both aspects (attack and defense) of the technique. The general atmosphere of training is one of mutual cooperation and respect. Aikido is a way of coordinating both body and mind through the training and discipline of learning technique, thereby energizing the body and increasing awareness.

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What are the benefits of practice?

Men, women and children of all ages and body types practice Aikido. The benefits of practice are many. Aikidoists develop good balance, breath capacity, flexibility, coordination, increased range of motion, good posture, a confident outlook, and greater awareness of their body.

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What is practice like for a beginner? 

Beginning students are typically paired with senior students. Virtually any technique can be practiced quickly and powerfully or slowly and gently. The instructor gears the class to be stimulating and challenging to each student. The teaching approach is developmental and individualized allowing students to develop to his/her potential. It is through regular practice of the techniques that students, over time, embody and express their potential. 

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Typically, classes begin with a warm-up period of stretching and flexing exercises to limber up all muscles and joints. Breathing exercises improve the coordination of breath and motion for more efficient action. Basic exercises teach footwork patterns and hand motions fundamental to all techniques. Regular practice in rolling and falling decreases the possibility of injury during execution of actual techniques. Vigorous exercises increase strength and endurance. Most of the class time is spent practicing with partners, under the supervision of the instructor. 

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Do you practice with weapons? 

Aikido is primarily practiced as an empty-handed art. However, many of our techniques were derived from weapons arts and we study the principles of Aikido through the use of the wooden sword, wooden staff, and wooden knife. Weapons work reveals the importance of proper distance, timing, and precision of body movement. It also develops a student's breathing and concentration. Techniques for responding to multiple assailants are also studied. What distinguishes Aikido from Jiu-Jitsu and other arts is its integration of body arts (unarmed) and weapons techniques. Posture, movement, and awareness for both attacker and defender are virtually identical whether or not an actual weapon is present. 

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Why are there no competitions?

Aikido is a non-competitive martial art. There are no tournaments and students are never pitted against each other. Each student challenges him/herself to constantly improve. Progress is marked by an individual's deepening embodiment of the art, and the clarity of his/her spirit expressed through their movement. Through consistent, mindful, practice the student reaches periodic milestones of training and tests for a rank. The first test usually comes after a minimum of fifty class hours. For the first five adult ranks students wear a white belt. After about five or six years of dedicated and consistent training a student is ready to test for his/her first black belt rank. For longtime practitioners the benefits of training transcend words. It is a path of self-discovery, deeply life-changing, a continually stimulating and balancing influence in their lives. 

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Forest Grove Aikido

Forest Grove Aikido is a member of Birankai International, founded by T. K. Chiba, Shihan (Master Teacher), 8th dan. The dojo was founded in 2001 by Dave Dewberry Sensei when a group of local parents requested training for their children in Forest Grove. Forest Grove Aikido enjoys friendly, professional relations with other regional dojos and is a satellite/sibling of Multnomah Akikai in Portland. 

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We invite you to observe a class! 

We encourage prospective students watch at least one class before joining. Visit fgaikido.com for schedule and event information.