NEWPORT BEACH AIKIDO
ABOUT US
PROUDLY Affiliated with the United States
Aikido Federation FOR OVER thirty YEARS
Our DOjo
Most commonly translated as “the way of harmony”, aikido promotes life, understanding, and deep gratitude. Harmony is blending with our environment by changing difficulties into joy and conflict into peace.
All physical practice of aikido builds upon principles of gratitude, courage, love, and empathy to develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and to bring forth our true nature. The philosophical aspects of aikido is so integral to the proper study and practice of aikido that the founder O’Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba) often said, “No Philosophy, no aikido.”
Aikido training is not confined to the rectangular matted area of our dojo but also into our homes and offices where we interact with others on a continual basis. Only through practice inside and outside the dojo can one find understanding and true character growth. Aikido is highly relevant and applicable to daily life and how we relate to the emerging global culture. Our dojo is dedicated to offering the highest level of aikido training. Inquire about our adult classes, children classes and weapons training on selected days.
United states AIKIDO FEDERATION
The United States Aikido Federation (USAF) is a non-profit educational institution created for the purpose of spreading and maintaining the integrity of the Japanese martial art of Aikido, as exemplified and developed by its Founder, Master Morihei Ueshiba, and as disseminated by the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido Hombu Dojo, the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
The main goals of the USAF are to develop and guide the practice and instruction of Aikido as established by Hombu, to promote and develop good will, fellowship, and lines of communication among its members, to standardize gradings, to register dan (senior level) grades with Hombu, and to establish and maintain close contact with the Shihan (master teachers) officially dispatched as representatives by Hombu.
To accomplish this, the USAF organizes, promotes and conducts Aikido demonstrations and seminars, encourages activities of member dojos, and researches, studies, and publishes information and materials pertaining to Aikido. Newport Beach Aikikai is proud to be a member of the USAF Aikido Federation since 1987.
“For me, this dojo is as good as it gets: an experienced and helpful sensei, positive atmosphere, and focus on the core priciples of aikido.”
OUR CLASSES
Adult Classes
Children’s Class
Weapons Class
Corporate Wellness
LEADERSHIP
Our Senseis
O’Sensei
Aikido founder, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was a Japanese soldier, farmer, philosopher and was one of the greatest martial artists in history.In 1922, he started teaching his own brand of fighting called aiki bujutsu (martial art for the harmony of physical and spiritual energy). This later became bujutsu (martial art) to budo (martial path) and finally to just “do” (path).
Sugano Shihan
Seichii Sugano Shihan, 8th dan, was an uchi deshi (inside student) who lived at the Hombu dojo (Japan) with O-Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido) and remains one of the legendary figures in the aikido world community. He in fact became an emissary for O-Sensei’s philosophy of love, kindness and compassion.
Gentil Pennewaert Shihan
Gentil Pennewaert Shihan, is a second generation student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. His teaching embodies the traditional spirit of Aikido. Sensei’s credentials are recognized by the World Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan (which is directly related to the founder of Aikido) and the United States Aikido Federation Headquarters (USAF)
Continuing tradition
Our AFFILIATES
Aikido Hombu Dojo (Japan)
Hombu in Tokyo Japan is the center of the Aikido World with Moriteru Ueshiba, O’ Sensei’s grandson, in the position of Aikido Doshu.
United States Aikido Federation (USAF)
The USAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to Aikido with the president being Yoshimitsu Yamada 8th Dan, Shihan.
United States Aikido Federation
Shin Do Kan (Belgium)
Founded by Pennewaert Sensei and the current Chief Instructor is Michael Moyses 6th Dan, Shidoin.
In Belgium, there are a number of dojos that Gentil Pennewaert Shihan visits every year as a guest sensei. Please contact Shin Do Kan Uccle if you are interested in hosting a seminar in Belgium along with the following dojos.
- Aikido Brugge
- Aikido O Kami
- Aikido Wachtebeke
- Aikido Merchtem
- Aiki O Kami Gent
- Dojo Bredene
- Kami Dojo
AIKI KAI (AUSTRALIA)
Established in 1965 by Sugano Seiichi 8th Dan, Shihan. Tony Simbert, 7th Dan, Shihan is the Chief Instrucutor and the president of the National Aikido Federation of Australia.
aikido of chester county (UNITED STATES)
Led by the Technical Instructor Donavan Waite 7th Dan, Shihan and Chief Instructor Tony Fiore and Senior Instructor Ken Cadogen.
heaven and earth aikido (UNITED STATES)
Led by the Chief Instructor Brian Eriksen, 5th Dan Aikikai.
harmony