Twin Cities Aikido Center

The Twin Cities Aikido Center is one of the largest dojos (practice hall) in the Midwest. On average, 80 adults and 30 children practice here during the month. We have at least two classes every day, taught by a variety of instructors, both men and women. Please feel free to come and visit our dojo to watch and observe or to join us in practicing in the way of the spirit of harmony.

News and Updates

12/30/09 Beginner's class starting in January

We are trying something new to ease beginners into Aikido. We are offering a beginner's class in mid-January (starting Sunday, January 17th) for six weeks for $60. The idea is to prepare you with the basics to enjoy Aikido and/or to take your first Aikido test (6th Kyu). Here is a brochure with information about the class.

Classes will be held Wed 6:30pm & Sun 1pm, starting mid Jan 2010 if we can sign up enough interested beginners.

If you’ve been thinking about trying Aikido, but were hesitant about it, now is your chance to try it in a fun environment with other beginners.

If interested, or if you have any questions, contact us via e-mail or phone at 651-644-3360

12/19/09 Kagami Biraki Seminar, January:

We are pleased to announce we will be holding a free Kagami Biraki Seminar, which will be held January 15-17 2010 with Cal Blanchard, 4th Dan, our chief instructor. More detailed information and flyer here.

07/25/09 Fall Seminar Update:

Our Fall Seminar, was held Sept 11-13, 2009 with Donovan Waite Sensei, 7th Dan, Shihan. Pictures have not yet been posted

07/25/09 Friendship Seminar Update

A Friendship Seminar with Bill McGouirk, 5th Dan, from Rochester Aikido and Jack Hayes, 4th Dan, Fukushidoin from Minnesota Aikikai was held May 29-31, 2009.

Friendship Seminar pictures are posted here.

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a martial art but it is different from other martial arts in that the practitioner seeks to achieve self defense without injury to attackers.

The Aikidoist tries to harmonize with their attacker rather than confront them, and converts the attack into a circular motion, converting the attacker's energy and attack to a circular motion to render the attacker helpless. Various wristlocks, arm pins, or unbalancing throws are then used to neutralize aggressors without serious injury. In contrast to other martial arts, you don't need pads, helmets, mouthguards or other protective devices, even when practicing at full speed.

Aikido is a relatively new martial art, although it is based on a number of very old martial arts, both unarmed and armed. Morihei Ueshiba, now called O-Sensei, founded what is now known as Aikido because he felt that most martial arts relied strictly on force and physical prowess, which would naturally fade with age. He felt that felling an opponent by force was not the Way, but instead it was important to "accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, correctly product, protect, and cultivate all things in nature".

O Sensei's 3 principles of Aikido are:

Why Practice Aikido?

Most importantly, Aikido develops self-improvement. Aikido is more than the study of physical techniques; proper etiquette, attitude and behavior are also emphasized. Throwing and falling are stressed equally - your partner is not an opponent, but an assistant: you acquire the technique by being thrown, and practice the technique by throwing. 

Aikido has an ethic: to defend yourself without vengeance, to forgive your enemies, and to harmonize with any attack of any description. Aikido technique is a metaphor for a way to lead your life: avoid confrontations, harmonize with unavoidable ones, and maintain grace under pressure through good times and bad. Because Aikido doesn't depend on physical strength, it is especially attractive to women, children and older adults.