What Is Aikido

The modern Japanese martial art of Aikido was founded by Morehei Ueshiba as a profound way of resolving conflict and creating harmony in the world. Aikido, a philosophy with a physical expression, is a dynamic form of self defense.

Adults and teens who train at Hikari dojo can expect to develop confidence, inner peace and conflict resolution skill.

Reverend Louis Jumonville Shihan 6th degree black belt, chief instructor of Hikari dojo studied extensively at the founder’s dojo in Iwama, Japan.  Sensei has been training for over 40 years in Japanese martial arts.

Hikari Dojo is dedicated to transmitting the teaching of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, as taught by his longest standing student and world renown teacher, Morihiro Saito Shihan. Equal importance is given to training in the body oriented arts of empty hands techniques, Aiki Ken (sword), and Aiki Jo (staff), and misogi purification is also emphasized. Meditation and yoga, in the tradition of Kundalini Maha Yoga, as taught by Dhyan Yogi and Sri Anandi Ma, support and enrich the training. All styles are welcome.

Adults and teens train in a supportive and challenging atmosphere that is charged with “Ki” and “Shakti”. Ki and Shakti are the Japanese and Indian terms for divine or spiritual energy. Empty hands technique, and staff and sword techniques, form the core of training. Students develop coordination, balance, flexibility, strength and stamina, and dynamic self defense skills. Essential to all Aikido movements is that the practitioner embody the principle of “awase”, or the harmonizing of one’s energy and movements with one’s training partner, the environment, and with universal “Ki”. Training in such a manner leads to peace.

Hikari Dojo also emphasizes the spiritual, and transformational aspects of Aikido, Shugyo classes emphasize misogi practices of breath control, chanting and Chinkon meditation. In addition, Hikari Dojo also provides training in meditation classes in Kundalini Maha Yoga emphasizing mantra meditation, and pranayam. Special ritual fire ceremonies, and pujas provide significant boosts of energy to help accelerate students development. Ceremonies to mark the seasonal changes, new, and full moons provide significant community opportunities to come together to harmonize with nature, and support each other on the path.

Hikari Dojo is a member of the California Aikido Association, and affiliated with the international Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Hikari Dojo has a history of being closely connected to O’sensei’s original dojo and Aiki Shrine in Iwama, Japan. Hikari Dojo also supports Tanrenkan Dojo in Iwama, Japan where Hitohiro Saito Soke, the son of Morihiro Saito Shihan continues transmitting his late father’s teachings.