Multnomah Aikikai provides training in the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido.
Through mindful embodied practice, body awareness is awakened, the mind is sharpened, and the spirit is nourished. We value sustainable movement practice and cultivate the following qualities:
Centeredness: Sense the center of your body clearly, in terms of front and back, left and right, upper and lower; well-supported by the ground. Explore the elements of balance and how to recover from imbalance. Establish a strong foundation.
Connectedness: Feel your practice partner through the point of contact. Explore distance and options in contact. Meet energy rather than resisting it. Cultivate awareness of one's effect on others. Move in harmony with opposing energy. Learn to relax and breathe rather than freeze up under pressure.
Wholeness: Power comes from integration, not muscular strength. Practice whole-body movement, develop proprioception, explore the interrelationship among thinking, feeling, sensing and taking action. Develop self-efficacy and the maturity of movement as you integrate all parts of yourself, fueled by the ground.
Liveliness: Develop responsiveness and fluidity in movement. Learn to absorb and dissipate force. Explore breath power and continuous movement.
Openness: Embrace “beginners mind.” Maintain a receptive attitude, adapting to changing conditions. Welcome new possibilities and unpredicted outcomes. Become nimble and creative.
Begin your journey