AIKIDO | GRAND RAPIDS

Aikido is a contemporary martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba. The word “Aikido” can be translated as “the way of the harmonious spirit.” Aikidoka — practitioners of Aikido — train the mind, body, and spirit to resolve conflict through awareness, balance, and connection.

The GRMCA’s Aikido Program — Grand Rapids Aikikai — is committed to maintaining the highest standards of Aikido instruction and training in West Michigan. We are a member dojo of Birankai North America and affiliated with Hombu Dojo, Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan.

We offer students a traditional Aikido training experience. Students train regularly in empty hand techniques, defense against armed attackers, multiple person attacks, and weapons training which include bokken (sword), jo (staff), and tanto (knife).

“Traditional martial arts — aikido, iaido and karate — in a beautiful setting. The people I train with here are dedicated but humble, and the instruction is both friendly and rigorous. This is a world-class dojo.”

Tim7th Year Student

“Getting back into the martial arts was one of the best decisions I have made, especially, Aikido. I am happy to have the opportunity to study Aikido in a traditional dojo with world class instructors and wonderful students. It is a place to train the whole person in martial capabilities, but also develop character. I am extremely grateful to have found Kyoseikan Dojo.”

Brandon3rd Year Student

“An amazing place, professional and authentic. I’ve only been going here a few months and I absolutely feel like I am with family.”

Luke1st Year Student

“This is an amazing place to train. The instructors are incredible, passionate people who care deeply about transmitting their art. I couldn’t recommend a place more!”

Paul8th Year Student

“A beautiful and nurturing place to develop your inner warrior!”

Dave11th Year Student

Physical Fitness and Conditioning

Balance, flexibility and core muscle conditioning are integral to Aikido. We begin every class with exercises to warm up the body, and some of our weekly classes focus on basic body movement and building strength and stamina. Our students can testify to how Aikido training has improved their physical well-being.

Spiritual and Mental Readiness

Aikido is traditionally practiced alongside Zen. As in zazen meditative practice, Aikido teaches greater awareness of the world around us, and to approach each situation with an open mind. The application of “ki,” often translated as “spirit” or “energy,” is another aspect of aikido that bridges the spiritual and physical worlds. (For more on the spiritual side of Aikido, see this essay by Moore Roshi, who happened to provide the name “Kyoseikan” to our former dojo.)

Martial Arts

Aikido is practiced in a variety of forms, including empty-hand throwing and pinning techniques, weapons practice with sword and staff, and an unusual but powerful form of combat performed from a kneeling position. Students learn martial awareness of distance, timing, balance, and taking balance. Control of an opponent through joint lock techniques is also a deep focus of study.

Without Sparring

As opposed to classical martial arts sparring, such as in karate, Aikido practitioners pair up and take turns applying and receiving a technique. We spend as much time learning how to be safely thrown as we do learning how to throw. And since we are constantly studying both sides of the conflict, we emphasize a focused awareness on the physical and mental connection between the two sides, both to avoid injury, and to take advantage of opportunities.

Martial Arts Training for Adults and Families

Members of Grand Rapids Aikikai pay a monthly fee of $60 and attend as many classes as they like. We offer two Aikido classes on Monday evenings following a brief session of seated meditation (zazen). We look forward to training with you!