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Our Dojo

About Aikido
The name Aikido is composed of three Japanese words: "ai," meaning harmony; "ki," spirit or energy; and "do," the path, the system or the way. Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony. Aikido is a form of self-defense founded in Japan around the 1920s and brought to the United States in the early 1960s. Aikido is different from other forms of self-defense in that the motions are circular rather than linear. An attack is not met with force against force. Rather, the force of the attack is met with a blending motion and then returned upon the attacker.
Vecchio Aikikai follows the training, techniques, and fundamental principles of Aikido as established by its founder, Master Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei).
Head Instructor
Sensei James S. Vecchio, Sr.
Always Motion | Always Blade
The purpose of Aikido is to teach self-defense while establishing self-confidence and strengthening inner peace!
Master Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei)
The Art of Peace
“The art of peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotten that all things emulate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.”
Master Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei)
Joining The Dojo
Students interested in joining the Dojo are first invited to watch a class and even participate. Most classes are mixed levels of experience. Beginners will have the opportunity to work with students of varying levels of proficiency. Beginners are first taught basic Japanese etiquette, which is as much a part of training as is learning technique. The next part of learning is how to fall and protect the body from injury. Falling correctly is an integral part of daily practice. Once the beginner has learned these basics, they will be able to workout with the rest of the class. In addition to regular Aikido classes, the Dojo also offers special classes and workshops, self-defense and survivor's self-defense classes, and advanced weapons training which includes: Knives, Guns, and Jo Staff, along with close hand to hand and ground techniques.