Class Structure
The Aikido class involves 55 minutes of drills and theory. When space and time allow, students may participate in structured sparring after we bow out of class.
Aikido
Our Aikido program is led by Kevin Smith (Sensei). Kevin began his Aikido journey in 1985 with Sensei Steven Weber, then with Sensei John Wyndham in the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido (aka NGA).
History:
Goshin Aikido is a blended hand-to-hand fighting system founded around 1940 by Shodo Morita who lived in Chitose Japan on the island of Hokkaido. Morita dedicated his life to mastering many Japanese martial arts including Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu, Kobudo, Judo, Shotokan Karate, and others. He combined these arts into a well-rounded system he called Goshin (self-defense) Aikido that includes evasion, striking, joint-locks, throws, pins, etc.
Sensei Richard A. Bowe trained directly with Soke Morita and brought Goshin Aikido to America. Out of respect for the Japanese origin, Sensei Bowe referred to the art as Nihon (Japanese) Goshin Aikido which we still used today. After Morita’s passing, Sensei Bowe continued his training under the direction of Morita’s grandson Tominosuki Nara and was awarded the rank of 5th degree along with the title of Shihan or Professor.
Purpose:
Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) is a mixed martial art, however there is no competition. NGA focuses on practical self-defense from day one. Techniques are designed to be highly effective in combative situations where there are no rules. We strive to train safely and respectfully. Knowledge and skill in NGA build self-confidence and respect for oneself and for those around you. Calm proficiency has a quieting effect on your spirit and on those around you, and a less selfish, more harmonious, and balanced pattern of behavior develops. This is why we call Aikido the “art of peace”.
There is also an emphasis on positive thinking and concentration of energy. We call this “Total Mind” — your total being (mind, body, and spirit) is developed to work in the most efficient and effective manner possible. This focus on total mind/body coordination allows one to overcome size, age, and strength limitations.
Today:
Sensei Smith brings 25+ years of experience in NGA, as well as Aiki-jujutsu, traditional Aikido, Kempo Karate and other striking arts. He also practices and is a coach in Filipino Martial arts (FMA) and Silat (Inosanto blend) in under Guro’s Nathan and Adrian Hayes since 2019, and has integrated FMA weapons use, defense, and retention techniques into the NGA curriculum.
Sensei Smith believes that every martial art must evolve. NGA is a great foundation for practical self-defense and offers a rich platform on which to build and grow.