Aikido is a Japanese martial art with techniques based on unarmed Samurai combat. Aikido training offers the opportunity to learn how to control ourselves, so that we are able to respond to any situation gently and with confidence both in and out of the dojo. Aikido is not a striking or kicking art. It teaches how to get out of the way of an attack and keep yourself safe. Learn techniques that take your attacker's balance, use their negative energy to your positive advantage and disarm them without harming them. Training includes stretching, breathing and centering practice, mind-body coordination exercises and martial arts tumbling and rolling practice. KOKIKAI AIKIDO Kokikai Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that teaches coordination of mind and body using self-defense techniques to develop one's internal energy or "ki". Kokikai-Ryu was founded by Shuji Maruyama Sensei, who has taught Aikido since 1957. Maruyama Sensei was one of the esteemed uchi deshi (resident students) of O Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Maruyama Sensei came to the U.S. with Koichi Tohei Sensei and the Ki aikido movement, and then opened schools in the U.S. starting with Philadelphia Aikido in 1968.