Welcome to Emory Aikikai

Emory Aikikai is a traditional aikido dojo in Atlanta, Georgia. Emory Aikikai holds class in the Woodruff Physical Education Center (WoodPEC) at Emory University. Emory Aikikai invites Emory students and members of the Atlanta community to train. We also invite Atlanta visitors who practice aikido to train with us.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art based on principles and techniques of bujutsu. As a martial art, aikido uses principles of nature and physics in armed and unarmed classical fighting. The principles of aikido focus on harmonious resolution to conflict and confrontation. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969); Ueshiba Sensei is commonly referred to as "O'Sensei" (an honorary title translated as "great teacher").

The Doctrine of Emory Aikikai

Aikido is principled upon non-violent conflict resolution. Aikido students identify, align, and use minimal violence to de-escalate confrontations and resolve conflicts. Emory Aikikai students learn grappling, striking, kicking, and throws to provide a wide variety of tools with which to resolve conflicts. Emory Aikikai students also learn to use several weapons as part of their training.

Learn About Training Aikido

There is more to training in a classical martial art. Aikido is a traditional martial art and there is more to learning aikido than just showing up. Learn about training aikido in the "Training" section of this website.

A Word About Committing to a Martial Art

How many people do you know who "did" a martial art? There is a difference between "doing" a martial art, and committing to a martial art. There is a difference between "fitting in" a martial art in your weekly schedule of work, errands, exercise and pleasure time and committing to a martial lifestyle. In fact, only a small percentage of individuals who train in a martial art commit to that martial art. Most students participate in an art for a time then become interested in something else. Before you begin training in any martial art, first ask yourself three questions: Am I willing to train regularly? Am I willing to seek training outside of the dojo? Am I willing to commit to a period of study? The path to becoming a warrior begins with affirmatively answering these three questions.

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