Tatsu Dojo Martial Arts And Fitness

Aikido translates to "The Way of Harmony." It is a mondern (gendai) martial art founded in the early 1900s by Morihe Ueshiba, a master of Japanese fencing (kenjutsu) and a form of jujutsu known as Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu. Like other modern Japanese martial arts, is more than just a form of self-defense.  It is a form of physical, mental and spiritual discipline predicated on the principles of Budo.

 

What is Budo? 

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Bu (Warrior) Do (Path) describes the adaptation in philosophy and technique of the ancient samurai (Koryu) arts.  One of the forerunners of these is Ju (supple) Jutsu (method).

 

Jujutsu, also spelled jujitsu, became popular in the 1860s when Japan's warrior class was dismantled and ex-combatants began to teach martial arts to the public.  Many schools and styles of jujutsu started to appear, along with increased violence, fighting and deaths.  Due to these instances along with the fear of the reemergence of the Samurai, the Japanese government initially outlawed all martial arts, giving way to the emergence of Budo, or the path to enlightenment through warrior training.  

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With the acceptance of budo as a way of life and societal pride and harmony, martial arts were transformed into acceptable forms of combat sports and pursuits, such as Judo, Kendo, Aikido and Karate-Do.  

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Our Aikido curriculum includes many aspects of traditional jujutsu, including locks, pins, throws and ground fighting. ​

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Key Elements Of Aikido At Tatsu Dojo

• Japanese sword and quarter staff (jo) training are essential to learning the art.

• Students learn various forms of falling and rolling in a controlled and safe environment.

• Emphasis on evasion, body movement and blending rather than clashing with an attack.

• Throws, joint locks and pins are emphasized over striking.

• Though self training is important for development, Aikido practice requires a partner.

• Training focuses primarily on self-defense and close-quarter combat.  

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Common Questions

"Am I too old to start learning Aikido?"

• No.  We take into account any physical concerns and adapt your training.

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"Do you practice grappling and ground-fighting?

• Yes, but our methods are very simple.  You will learn to fight from the ground and some pinning techniques.  But you will not learn the more intricate forms of grappling seen in other styles such as BJJ.  

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"Do you have classes for children?"

• Unfortunately, no.  Our space and time is limited to students 18 years and older.  ​

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"Does Aikido have any striking or kicking?

• Yes, here at Tatsu Dojo, our training involves basic strikes and kicks. But this is not the primary emphasis in Aikido training.    

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"How do I get started?"

• Follow the link below to sign up for your first ftwo classes.  All new students at Tatsu Dojo receive two class passes absolutely free.  There is no obligation to join and you can cancel any time.