The students of Northern Virginia Aikikai study one of the world's most mysterious martial arts, Aikido, an incredible system of graceful movements combined with the ancient, deadly skills of Japan's most famous fighting arts.

When people see Aikido demonstrated, many different opinions emerge. Some say it is Zen in motion. To certain people the movement appears so graceful that it takes on a dancelike quality. Others remark that Aikido technique is very effective in controlling potential attackers. A common viewpoint is that Aikido is beneficial for one's health because the body movement is natural, inducing calmness and relaxation.

Each of these opinions has a certain validity. However, Aikido is still budo, a martial way. An often-used description of aikido is that it is a "non-fighting art." This does not mean that one stays passive against attacks. On the contrary, Aikido is an outpouring of positive energy and we must keep this in mind when practicing the art.

Aikido is a way to develop a state of mind and body harmony within ourselves and with our surroundings. Aikido is not to be used only on the mat, but more importantly, in your daily life.

Aikido students learn concentration and relaxation. We gain a deeper knowledge of many aspects of ourselves, develop sensitivity, perception and build self-confidence.

The Northern Virginia Aikikai is a club dedicated to learning Aikido as developed by Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei), the founder of the art. We are a member dojo of the United States Aikido Federation, which is directly affiliated with Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. We are proud to have a student of Master Ueshiba, as our chief instructor and shihan of our area, Gordon Sakamoto.