About Us — Aikikai of Philadelphia

ABOUT US

Aikikai of Philadelphia is the first Aikikai dojo established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1991 by the late Henry Smith Sensei, our dojo has been a leader in the Philadelphia martial arts community for more than two decades.

Our purpose is to develop and improve physical and mental health as well as gain a sense of cultural diversity through the practice of Aikido as established and founded by Master Morihei Ueshiba (“O-Sensei”). The Aikikai of Philadelphia is a member dojo of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei and is allied with the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the Aikikai Foundation Headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan.

We are open to anyone who wishes to practice and learn Aikido with diligence and friendliness.

Having successfully disarmed Carlton, Asimina proceeds to murder him with his own knife, demonstrating why aikido is the “martial art of peace.” 🤔

Garland redirects John.

John K and Barb blend

Thanks to Nizam Sensei for a great class (photo by @9bladed John K)

No, humans can't fly, but we can certainly roll! This technique is called "tsuki kaiten nage" Come on down to Aikikai of Philadelphia and try out the martial art of peace. All are welcome. #philadelphia #aikido #ukemi #aikidoaikikai #kaitennage #justmove #japanesemartialarts

Nizam Taleb Sensei is celebrating his 50th year in #aikido. He will be teaching tonight Wednesday, Oct 19, at 6p and Saturday, Oct 22, at 11a. All are welcome to attend. #aiki #aikikai #aikidoaikikai #ukemi #martialarts #philadelphia Photo courtesy of @barbaracraig26

Nizam Taleb Sensei will be back next week to teach two classes, Wednesday, Oct 19, 6-8pm and Saturday, Oct 22, 11am-1pm. All are welcome, don't miss out! #aikido #aikiweapons #hakama #sensei #aiki #aikikai #aikidoaikikai #philly #justmove #philadelphia Photos courtesy of @barbaracraig26

Nizam Sensei will be visiting/ teaching at the Aikikai of Philadelphia on Saturday, October 8th, from 11am – 1pm. Smith and Nizam Senseis worked together for the past 25-plus years to create the foundation for the Aikikai of Philadelphia. Please welcome Nizam back into the area by attending one of his scheduled classes. Be prepared for a lively class - please bring your weapons. #aikido #sensei #aikidoaikikai #martialarts #philadelphia #hakama #ukemi #aikiweapons #japanesemartialarts #justmove Photo courtesy of @ultravox79

"To appreciate the best opportunity for attack and defense, you must fully understand the rhythm of movement." - Sadami Yamada, Principles And Practice Of Aikido Congrats to the new 1st Kyu! . . . #aikido #aikidoka #aikikai #dojo #budo #martialarts .#japanesemartialarts #justmove #philadelphia #eastfalls

Part 1 of the Kamiza project is complete... Cherry wood (and lots of it). Sunday dojo was closed for construction while attaching it to the wall. Monday all systems, go! . . . Thanks to Rex and friends at @philadelphiawoodworks for everything, and to instructors @jholt252 for spearheading the project and Carlton Harris for setting it up! . . . . Next, a free standing middle shelf for the weapons and @barbaracraig26 flower arrangements. Always improving! . . #aikido #aikidoka #aikikai #dojo #budo #martialarts #japanesemartialarts #justmove #philadelphia #eastfalls #kamiza #woodworking

“Warriorship is none other than the vitality that sustains all life.” - Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace #aikido #aikidoka #dojo #aikikai #budo #martialarts #japanesemartialarts #justmove #philadelphia #eastfalls . . photo courtesy of @ultravox79

Roderick Johnson Sensei 4th degree black belt (Yondan): #sankyo with elbow #atemi . #aikido #aikidoka #dojo #budo #martialarts #japanesemartialarts #justmove #philadelphia #eastfalls . . . photo courtesy of @ultravox79

another amazing moment from the October visit of Sensei Nizam Taleb . . #aikido #martialarts #japanesemartialarts #dojo #ukemi #budo #aikikai #meditation #samurai #philadelphia #eastfalls . . Photo courtesy of @ultravox79

The moment when Sensei does something amazing... . . . . #aikido #japanesemartialarts #aikikai #budo #aikidoaikikai #philadelphia #aikidoaikikai #dojonation

Martial arts for the family... another great training Saturday . . . #aikido #aikikai #aikidoka #philadelphia #martialarts #dojo #budo Photo courtesy of @ultravox79

Nizam Taleb Sensei visited the Aikikai of Philadelphia in October. There were some excellent moments in training. . . . #aikido #ukemi #martialarts #aikikai Henry Smith Sensei and Nazim Taleb Sensei worked together over years to create the foundation for the Aikikai of Philadelphia.

#jokata

What’s happening at the dojo?

New Years Eve Misogi pracitice

Please plan to participate in our annual Misogi Purification Practice.

The Misogi practice will be held at the dojo on 12/31/24 Tuesday at 6pm.

This long tradition at the dojo helps to bring in the New Year and to refocus our minds and bodies on the challenges of the upcoming year.

After class, we normally have a toast to the New Year and to Henry Smith Sensei.

Please welcome the New Year with a vigorous mindful Aikido class.