The Wide-ranging Benefits of AIKIDO Training

Self Protection & Self Discovery
 Feel-Good Interaction
Aikido is a unique, hands-on interactive experience that is not found in any other activity. Not only is it a sensible, safe method of staying fit and a practical method of self defense for anyone — but you're having fun at the same time!
And it provides the human contact and social aspects that we missed so much due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
No Contracts
We want you to join—and to stay—because you appreciate the value you receive from our Aikido training, our friendly, world- class instructors and the relaxing atmosphere of our traditional Aikido dojos — not because you're stuck in a contract..
No Contests
Competition-based arts have limitations that do not address the reality of one's self protection needs and options.
Aikido has no contests, competitions or tournaments. Its unique approach allows one to be fully aware of and address any potential concerns and dangers while emphasizing the value of practicing resolutions to conflict that are mutually beneficial.
No Fighting
Aikido teaches real-life protection skills — situational awareness, threat assessment,
de-escalation, evasion, escape and effective techniques for practical self defense — 
all while having fun and with safety and mutual respect as paramount.

Fitness...Plus!

Regular Aikido training builds a body that is relaxed, open, resilient and supple yet naturally strong and vibrant.
During Aikido training you have a quality of contact that is uniquely refreshing and a safe interaction with other like-minded people that feels more like play—at whatever level you want to train.

Mindfulness

Aikido training is mindfulness training from start to finish.
Mindfulness of yourself, your surroundings, of your training partner and the range of options available to you in any situation.
And, of course, the best and most effective self protection starts with mindfulness.

Real Self Defense

Aikido training provides the essentials of REAL self defense: 
Strength of character, mindfulness of oneself and one's situations and the ability to detect, evade, escape and, if needed, make use of a full range of practiced skills that one can unleash to fully and appropriately defend one's self or others.

A Calm Confidence
A true confidence that manages life's challenges with a cool, calming demeanor that enriches and rewards you on a daily basis and empowers you with options to handle and situation.

A Healthy & Resilient Body
Aikido training combines relaxed breathing with sensible, comfortable  movements that open up the whole body while strengthening it naturally.

Strength of Character
You become empowered with options you may not have been aware you had. You learn how to comfortably stand your ground, how to control the natural responses of fight-flight-freeze
and how to be flowing, fast and free.

Like-minded Friends
Aikido attracts a wide-ranging caliber of people who seek the power of internal and external peace. Who seek the multi-level benefits of Aikido and, although developing highly effective self defense skills, strive for mutually beneficial solutions.

Beautiful & Dynamic

Aikido makes use of principles of absorption and redirection that blend with, rather than clash with, any on-coming force or attack. Its principles and techniques make intuitive sense and are a welcome effective alternative to other self defense methods. 
This natural, circular approach also applies to our safe falling skills....

Safe Falling Skills

In Aikido we're known for our natural, circular movements and this also applies to our safe falling skills. Learning how to fall safely is an extremely valuable life skill—especially as we get older. 
But even though safe falling skills are an integral part of traditional Aikido training falls and falling are never mandatory in any of our classes.

It Will Change Your Life

The unique, interactive physical training of Aikido develops an open yet strong and resilient body and a strong yet resilient character. 
By practicing the actual principles with our partners those principles naturally transfer over into our everyday experience expanding and enriching your daily life.
We teach Aikido's full range of options and capabilities for all ages, sizes and professions...and we help you learn at your own pace and comfort level.

Basic Aikido Training

In the words of our chief instructor, Greg O'Connor, "Aikido is not something you do TO someone else. It's something you do WITH someone else."

Basic Aikido training invloves two or more students practicing together and taking turns role playing "defender" and "attacker". They take turns practicing the Aikido techniques and options of blending with a simulated "attack" and redirecting it safely away or into a come-along, pin or dynamic throw. When in the "attacker" role they are still learning how to protect themselves, blend and neutralize as well as practice a variety of ways to fall easily and safely.

Aikido's Ethical Philosophy

The ethical principles of Aikido make safety for all the the primary focus. Even the safety of the attacker is taken into consideration and essential to the full and proper execution of any advanced Aikido technique.

Of course, if a real-life situation is serious, and if a serious response is warranted, then Aikido techniques can be applied swiftly, decisively and with appropriateness.

Regular Aikido training strives for a win-win resolution to any conflict where all parties are mutually respected and benefited. Our interactive, safety-first training reflects those principles — striving for both internal and external harmony for both is the goal.
Adults & Teens
Adults and teens of all ages, including senior citizens, practice Aikido together in the same classes with an open friendliness and respect and sharing mutual support.
Kids
Our Madisom and Manasquan dojos offer Aikido classes that are specifically designed to be enriching and appropriate for children.
Ages 6 to 12.
"I joined Aikido Centers for exercise, spiritual development, & learning a martial art that was not aggressive but still defensive. What is so special about Aikido Centers is that Sensei Greg O'Connor and his instructors and senior students are so positive, have a great sense of humor and are always willing to teach newcomers to the dojo with patience & understanding."
Victor M.
"I feel so much better now about myself and everything around me. Being a member of this dojo has really enhanced my entire life." 
Jennifer T.