About Aikido & City Aikido
Aikido is a martial way created and developed by Master Morehei Ueshiba (O'Sensei) (1883–1969) as a natural expression of his spiritual development and lifetime of training in the martial arts. In the budo lineage, aikido is practiced in the dojo as a martial art, while in daily life its applications for harmony and peace are much more far reaching. A highly respected and effective response to conflict, aikido is an approach toward life that respects and promotes harmonious solutions.
Rather than clashing with opposing forces aikido seeks to blend. Instead of dominating people and situations aikido sets the stage for collaboration. Measured responses replace emotional reactions. Impulsiveness and stubbornness give way to patience and understanding.
O'Sensei's teachings embrace the majesty and inherent intelligence of the natural world and our relationship to it. In addition, they provide a way to receive and respond to the day—to—day realities of interacting with the challenges of a changing society. Combining the knowledge and skills of a long line of martial art masters, the inspired principles of peace and harmony, and the natural order of personal development, aikido teaches a way of being with oneself in relationship to the world.
When we are ok with ourselves, grounded, and in touch with our center we have an ability to interact with the world and each other in a way that works and makes sense. Conflicts begin to look like misunderstandings. Win—win solutions begin to look possible. Communication begins to expand the way for a more viable future.
The practice of aikido is a personal training in conflict resolution, personal development, and relationship building. Studied as a martial art, aikido provides a physical training ground for embodying new approaches and more enlightened ways of being. It is an extremely satisfying form of deep learning in action. Looking to the future and based on its’ principles of harmony, Aikido introduces a way of personal transformation, an enlightened approach to the survival of all species, and a model for sustainable growth. It is up to each student to recognize and advance the way forward.
At City Aikido we provide a direct lineage to the founder's teachings. Robert Nadeau, Shihan, our Sensei, studied under O'Sensei's direct tutelage in Japan in the 1960's. With a lifetime of training in the martial arts (almost 50 years with aikido), Nadeau Sensei leads our dojo in this martial way — drawing out the very best in each student and teacher. We are fortunate at City Aikido to have access to this depth of knowledge and to have a dojo where exploring the more hidden and subtle dimensions of aikido is the norm.
If your interest is in checking out aikido first hand or of finding a dojo you can call home, we recommend you visit City Aikido and discover if what we are doing and becoming here is right for you. We have a world class Sensei, highly qualified and experienced teachers, and a community of students that are enthusiastic, helpful and friendly. We share respect, trust, and our safety with each other in a dojo that is grounded with deep roots in personal experience and ancient teachings.
Please visit us, train with us, and join our community of like-minded souls as we learn and explore together what it means to live in peace in a turbulent society.