Our member dojo compose a diverse group, from across the United States:

• Aikido of Annapolis (Millersville, MD)
• Aikido of Franklin Park (Sewickley, PA)
• Aikido of Winchester (Winchester, VA)
• Allegheny Aikikai (Altoona, PA)
• Capital Aikido Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)
• Capital Aikikai (Silver Spring, MD)
• Capital Aikikai of Syracuse (East Syrause, NY)
• Eastern Shore Aikido (Cambrige, MD)
• George Washington University Aikido (Washington, DC)
• Jackson Hole Aikikai (Jackson, WY)
• Kokyu Kan (Valrico, FL)
• Mushin Aikido Dojo (Batavia, IL)
• NRL Aikido Club (Washington, DC)
• Potomac Aikikai (Ashburn, VA)
• Rochester Aikido Club (Rochester, NY)
• Rockford Aikikai (Rockford, IL)
• Western Maryland Aikikai (Hagerstown, MD)

CAF ranks are recognized by Aikikai Hombu dojo and the International Aikido Federation.

The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as "the way of spiritual harmony." Aikido is a budo or "martial way," evolved in the tradition of Japanese warrior arts, yet has a unique approach to self defense. Aikido is more than a martial science of strategy and tactics, it is a discipline for training the mind and spirit.

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), known to Aikido students as O Sensei (Great Teacher). As a young man, he overcame debilitating childhood illnesses through martial arts practice, eventually becoming a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. O Sensei also held strong Shinto religious convictions concerning the ultimate futility of conflict and the illusory character of victory based on strength. This internal contradiction, which drove O Sensei to adopt a life of austerity and rigorous training, was resolved through an enlightenment experience which led to the development of Aikido, a martial art influenced by a philosophy of universal harmony.

Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular, sending the opponent flying through the air. Others are more subtle: small deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved not through the use of brute strength, but by blending and neutralizing the attack, followed by circular and flowing techniques to unsettle the opponent, and completing the movement with a throw or immobilization. Because great strength is not required, Aikido can be practiced by men and women of all ages.

Most practice is done with a partner: each working at his or her own level of ability, alternating as uke (the attacker) and nage (the one who is attacked). Both roles are stressed; each contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control.

Wooden practice weapons — a sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto) — are sometimes used in aikido training, not to understand how to use the weapon, but to better understand the techniques and movements of aikido itself.

(photo of Morihei Ueshiba courtesy of North Bay Aikido)

Students train to neutralize the energy of the opponent's attack and to redirect and focus it into techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, the student can use the same philosophy to deal with stress and conflict in daily life, and learn to remain calm under all conditions.

In Aikido, such an integrated person is said to be "centered." A centered person displays a confident and relaxed posture, and centering gives Aikido movements their appearance of grace and simple elegance. Thus, Aikido training helps a student to become calm and centered and enables the student to deal with stress and aggression in an efficient and decisive manner on the mat, at home, at school, or at work.