Aikido
Aikido provides a "way to harmonize with the life force of the universe," and is a martial art that meets contemporary needs. The art was originated by Morihei Ueshiba in Japan in 1925. Aikido is a way of spiritual and physical cultivation. It emphasizes the improvement of the personal self, in mind, body, and spirit. Development occurs when one overcomes one's own limitations, fears, and weakness, rather than achieving victory over an opponent. Consequently, there are no competitive contests in Aikido. The aim of Aikido is not to harm the attacker, but to control and subdue him. This is achieved by blending with the motion of an attack or conflict and taking control of its force, making it possible to redirect the power of the attack back onto the attacker. Agility, balance, speed and coordination are utilized rather than brute strength.
There are numerous sources on Aikido available through the Web, print publications and video. Given the large body of material of various degrees of accuracy, interpretation and reliability, we suggest persons who wish to find out more information about Aikido first go to the Aikikai Foundation web site.
Aikido of Honolulu
Aikido of Honolulu is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Japanese martial art of Aikido through instruction and training, and is affiliated with Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the Aikido World Headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan. Classes are held seven days a week, with separate classes for adults and minors. All instructors are from the local community and serve on a volunteer basis. They hold full-time jobs in a variety of fields. Since our instructors do not receive any compensation, Aikido of Honolulu has been able to maintain low membership fees. Revenues from fees go toward facilities maintenance and dojo-sponsored Aikido-related activities. Aikido of Honolulu Chief Instructor is Robert H. Aoyagi, 7th Dan. He has been teaching and training in Aikido for over 50 years. This organization currently oversees the Waialae Dojo.
Waialae Dojo
Aikido was introduced to Hawaii in 1953, and practices were held in a variety of spaces including gymnasiums and parking lots. The current structure that houses Aikido of Honolulu, often called the "Waialae Dojo" (for the busy avenue it sits on), was the first Aikido dojo constructed outside of Japan and represents a significant hallmark in Aikido history. Located in the Kaimuki district of the city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the dojo resides on land purchased for the express purpose of building an Aikido dojo. Its acquisition and subsequent construction were the result of the dedication of Aikido practitioners in Hawaii. The groundbreaking commenced in the summer of 1960 and the entire structure was completed by 1961. Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido, came to Honolulu to preside at the official grand opening of the new dojo on March 12, 1961. It would be the only trip outside of Japan for the Founder, and the only dojo outside of Japan that he would ever visit.
Over the years, the Waialae Dojo has welcomed thousands of new members through its doors. Students who practice at the dojo are as diverse as the community it serves. Men, women and children of all ages and ethnicities come from the local, national and international community to train at this particular dojo.
Aikikai
Aikido of Honolulu is directly affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu), Aikikai Foundation, located in Tokyo, Japan. The current head of the Aikikai Foundation is Moriteru Ueshiba, third generation doshu and grandson of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. According to the Hombu website, the Aikikai Foundation was officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940, and is the parent organization for the development and popularization of Aikido throughout the world.
