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AIKIDO CENTER OF ATLANTA NEWS
Whether you’re a current student or visiting us for the first time, this section can provide helpful information for you. Take a look below and check back often for the latest updates. For questions, please fill out the Contact Us form below.
MORE ABOUT AIKIDO CENTER OF ATLANTA
The Aikido Center of Atlanta is one of the oldest aikido dojos in the continental United States. Founded in 1967 by Sensei Rodney Grantham, we are a charter member of the United States Aikido Federation. We are very proud of our long affiliation with the USAF and its leaders, Chairman Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, Mitsunari Kanai Shihan and Seichi Sugano Shihan (all 8th Dan), all of whom were uchi-deshi (live in disciples) of Aikido founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Through these Shihan, we have established a long standing relationship with Aikido world headquarters (Hombu dojo) and the Ueshiba family. Our dojo was included in the late Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba's first tour of the U.S. in 1974 and his son, the current Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba visited and taught at our school in 1980. We are proud of the fact that the Aikido being taught at our dojo for over fifty years is a direct transmission of the art as taught by the founder's senior students.
Aikido is a Japanese Martial art based on techniques derived from traditional Samurai battle tactics. Developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (known as O’Sensei), Aikido is a purely defensive art. Rather than meeting force with reciprocal force, the practitioner blends with and redirects the power of the attack resulting in the attacker either being thrown or immobilized. Thus, it is the attackers own force and aggression which causes their downfall. Because of this principle of “active non-resistance”, Aikido can be effectively performed even against larger, stronger attackers. At the higher levels of the art, it is equally effective against multiple attackers.
Aikido is not a sport or a game. There are no tournaments or competitions. Rather, practice is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. Aikido is distinguished by a highly developed moral code which seeks to protect the assailant while simultaneously neutralizing his will and ability to attack.
While Aikido is an extremely effective martial art, self-defense is considered the foundation rather than the ultimate goal of our practice. Aikido is path or “way” which, if practiced diligently, can enhance all aspects of ones life.