History of the Dojo
The Seattle School of Aikido was founded in 1976 in its current location by Mary Heiny sensei. It is dedicated to the study of Aikido as practiced by Morihei Ueshiba in his later years. The school was incorporated in 1985 as a non-profit educational institution. Seattle School of Aikido now operates as a cooperative, with instructors who have a wide breadth of martial arts experience. The instructors collaboratively create and develop the training program which is designed to continue the traditional teaching of Aikido.
The Founder of Aikido
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) developed Aikido after mastering many traditional martial arts. Dissatisfied with the prevalence of combativeness in his studies, Ueshiba developed Aikido as a path of personal growth. Experiencing a spiritual awakening, he realized that conflicts with other people could be addressed only after an individual resolved the discord within. O-Sensei ("great teacher") devoted the rest of his life to the study of his Aikido and refined it into a "way of compassionate protection for all beings."
Training Philosophy
"Aikido is, among other things, a way to re-frame experience" (Terry Dobson). Through Aikido training the student will learn to use extension and centering techniques to unify his/her mind and body. Aikido practice can stimulate personal growth and offer new options for resolving conflict on many levels.
Training Principles
We engage in challenging, meaningful practice at all levels, with a welcoming spirit toward beginners.
Teachers and students inspire each other in an atmosphere of exchange, giving themselves freely and creatively to their training.
All members are invited to find ways to contribute to the cleaning and upkeep of the dojo (our practice space). Through this we enjoy a sense of participation in the community.
A diversity of teaching approaches addresses all levels of experience, enabling students to develop individual training goals while exploring their personal styles.
We approach each Aikido class with a sense of responsibility, sincerity, collaboration, and generosity.
The Method of Practice
Aikido practice is dynamic and highly interactive, requiring cooperation and mutual respect between partners. Aikido neutralizes the energy of an attack by blending with it rather than opposing it, then redirecting it. Practice takes place on a padded mat. Partners throw or subdue each other, alternating the roles of attacker and defender, using techniques demonstrated by the instructor. Through simple exercises and repeated practice, students learn to roll and fall safely as ways of absorbing and redirecting force. Opportunities to sharpen one's practice through testing are offered several times a year.
TRAINING GOALS include practicing safely using effective rolling and falling techniques, with emphasis on compassion for training partners. Mind/body coordination develops centeredness, physical confidence, and overall awareness.
TRAINING BENEFITS include stress reduction; improved balance, flexibility, and coordination; spiritual refinement; and interpersonal development.
