Welcome to Upstate Aikido. Now Open in Anderson SC!

Is Aikido Right for Me?

Selecting the correct martial art is a challenge. The pervasive search for the singularly "best" martial art is a historical and logical fallacy; if one were truly supreme, all others would be obsolete. The true inquiry must shift from external comparison to personal introspection.

Before training, define your individual objectives: Is it the specialized mastery required for high-level Mixed Martial Arts competition, the rugged necessity of self-preservation in high-risk environments, or the pursuit of discipline, cultural insight, balance, and lifelong health? The spectrum is vast - from Tai Chi's fluidity and Taekwondo's athleticism to BJJ's specialized combat and Aikido's philosophical harmony. Therefore, when a practitioner champions their art, they testify only to its efficacy for their specific journey.

The "best" martial art is not a fixed destination; it is the one perfectly aligned with your unique purpose and desired evolution. Most martial arts are a mixture of many offerings which could include physical work outs and general fitness, to combat training and self defense - as well as self discipline, patience, focus and so much more. But each has a collection of attributes that they focus on the most.

Aikido is not an art created for competition or to dominate a sport. Aikido has many facets but is focused on more of a self improvement and health and wellness perspective. The goal, even as in the martial sense, is peace. The practice of Aikido offers a strong physical workout and stretching as a part of the warm ups, martial techniques and the physics behind them, a philosophy of movement redirecting the energy of an opponent to work in your favor, a glimpse into Japanese culture and a great spirit of camaraderie amongst its practitioners.

The practice sessions can be altered or regressed to adapt to the individual allowing for very physical people to participate with full throws and pins, while allowing other less flexible and physical persons to still participate fully, though not taking full Ukeme (falls) and perhaps taking time outs more often than others.

Every one of the participants practices with all of the people in the class (including the Sensei) so Black belts work out with beginners, and each works out with those below and above them in rank or size, aiding in the focus of peaceful resolutions, rather than domination of a sport.

Classes are significantly lighter and less "military" in nature than typical martial arts classes, and are somewhat quiet, light hearted and perhaps even fun.

I encourage everyone to try Aikido regardless of age, fitness level or any other typical reason to not try martial arts.

::Get or stay in shape, learn, have fun and meet new friends::
Aikido Logo in Gray USAF Logo

Benefits of Learning Aikido

Aikido is a martial art, and there are great benefits to studying martial arts in general. But there are many reasons to study this particular martial art other than just self defense.

Some insight into Aikido from Florida Aikikai: Video Interview

An article about Upstate Aikido: News Article

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Increased Balance

By focusing on maintaining one's center of gravity, understanding leverage, and practicing circular movements, Aikido helps develop both physical and mental balance. Repeated practice of falling and regaining equilibrium also strengthens the body's ability to recover balance quickly.




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Coordination

Aikido significantly enhances coordination through its emphasis on mindful movement, balance, and body awareness. By focusing on blending with an attacker's movement and redirecting their force rather than resisting it, Aikido develops a strong connection between mind and body, improving overall physical coordination and responsiveness.


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Reaction and Sense of Timing

Aikido enhances reaction time and timing through focused practice on body awareness, balance, and efficient movement. By emphasizing blending with an opponent's energy rather than resisting it, Aikido trains practitioners to anticipate and respond to attacks with fluidity and precision.


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Improved Posture and Flexibility

Aikido movements emphasize maintaining a balanced and integrated posture, even during dynamic techniques.

Relaxation is crucial in Aikido for generating power and executing techniques effectively, and this focus also encourages the release of tension that can restrict flexibility. The techniques themselves involve controlled bending and twisting, improving the flexibility of the joints and connective tissues over time.

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Aerobic Conditioning

Aikido can contribute to aerobic conditioning through its emphasis on dynamic movements, falling techniques (Ukemi), and the overall physical activity involved in training. While not a primary focus like in some other sports, the continuous movement, paired practice, and cardiovascular demands of Aikido can improve endurance and overall fitness.






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Greater Awareness of our bodies

Aikido enhances body awareness through its focus on coordinated movement, posture, and breathing, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body. Practitioners learn to move from their center, understand how to use their body as a unified unit, and develop sensitivity to their own body and the movements of others. This leads to improved balance, flexibility, coordination, and a greater sense of overall body control.


Aikido Schedule.

Classes are generally one (1) hour. Please attend any applicable classes as often as possible.

Why learn Aikido?
Tuesday
4:30 pm
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- Christine

Kids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.

5:30 pm
Adults- Open Tatami
6:00 pm
Adult Class- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.

Wednesday
8:30 am
Adult Class- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down. - The Wednesday morning class has a bit less impact on the body then the other classes.

6:00 pm
Beginners Class - STARTING SOON!
Please call, email or fill out the form to get onto the schedule.
- Sensei Mike
7:00 pm
Weapons Class- Sensei Mike

The weapons class at Upstate Aikido focuses on the general handling of the Bokken and the Jo. The focus is more on Suburi, Kata, Kumi-jo and other practice techniques, but using the weapons in conjunction with Aikido throwing and such is done within the main Aikido classes.

Thursday
4:30 pm
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- Christine

Kids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.

5:00 pm
Adults- Open Tatami
6:00 pm
Adult Class- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.

Saturday reserved for special events
Unscheduled
Reserved for Special Events and Testing