Aiki is sometimes called a "non-aggresive" art because there are no strikes, but this is only true of the lower levels of practice. Aikido is a martial art which evolved under Morihei Ueshiba from his earlier training under sword, spear, staff and Daito-ryu Jujutsu. This training, combined with his spiritual pursuits led to modern Aikido. The style of Aikido studied at the Sandia Budokan is from his lineage, in affiliation with Robert Nadeau Sensei, 7th Dan, Shihan, and the California Aikido Association.
As a martial art, Aikido aims to neutralize an attack by blending with the force of the attack. Techniques are studied to redirect the attack force in many ways, including throws, pins and joint locks. Aikido requires considerable touch and timing to produce dramatic effects.
Aikido is more than a physical art. It is a way of life that develops the mind-body principles of centering, grounding, blending, relaxation, timing, intuition and energy (Ki) flow. At Sandia Budokan we are concerned with developing strong and focused spirit, together with a sensitive and powerful technique.