| Aikido is the modern Japanese martial art | | | | the students depending on their rank. Students will |
| developed between the 1920 to 1960 by Morihei | | | | commonly enter the dojo from the lower left |
| Ueshiba who was said to have been influenced by | | | | corner while instructors will enter from the upper |
| Omoto-kyo. It is the pacifist nature of | | | | right corner. The traditional dojo also contain |
| Omoto-kyo that is said to be the fundamental | | | | certain artifacts and objects to enhance the |
| principle of this "art of peace" martial art form. | | | | formal gatherings. For instance, a traditional dojo |
| This particular martial art espouses relaxation and | | | | may have a place for a Shinto shrine and a |
| peace to be able to execute the Aikido | | | | spectator area for special visitors. |
| techniques and moves properly. Through authentic | | | | These traditional practices however may only be |
| Aikido training, the practitioner is expected to | | | | found in Japan in a few remaining Aikido dojo. |
| develop spiritually and philosophically and this should | | | | Today, to learn and be a student of Aikido, one |
| reflect in their ability to employ Aikido martial art | | | | must find an Aikido dojo conveniently near you to |
| techniques in an Aikido dojo. | | | | be able to attend practice regularly. |
| Dojo is the Japanese term for a formal training | | | | More than the actual structure of the Aikido dojo |
| structure for martial arts. A truly authentic and | | | | however, you must choose the right one to |
| traditional Aikido dojo is used only as a place for | | | | attend to be able to suite your needs. It is also |
| formal and symbolic gatherings, and is rarely used | | | | probably important to note and find out whether |
| a place to actually train. The actual Aikido training | | | | the Aikido dojo you are planning to attend |
| from a traditional dojo is done outdoors in a less | | | | remains true to the authentic teachings of Aikido, |
| formal setting. | | | | which lies in the principle of peace and relaxation |
| A modern day Aikido dojo however loses most | | | | to enable to ki to flow. |
| of its formality. Most of the time, there is no | | | | Aikido is a martial art form that paradoxically |
| distinction from an Aikido dojo to the actual place | | | | promotes a peaceful end to aggression through |
| of training and practice. In fact, in most cases, the | | | | various Aikido techniques. It might be prudent to |
| two are one and the same. | | | | find an Aikido dojo that will continue to uphold its |
| Some of the modern Aikido dojo that are run by | | | | spirituality and philosophy. A relaxed demeanor is |
| small groups of individuals who want to remain | | | | key to being able to perform advance Aikido |
| authentic to the spirit of the traditional dojo, | | | | techniques. |
| students conduct a cleaning ritual after each | | | | The relaxed manner is not something one can |
| training session. This is done not just for hygienic | | | | build through exercise like muscles. It is something |
| purposes but it is done also to reinforce that the | | | | that must be cultivated from within and |
| dojo is made up and run by the Aikido students | | | | maintained without. For this purpose, it would |
| rather than the institutions that put them up. | | | | probably be good to keep the Aikido spirit in mind |
| Most traditional dojo observes a set pattern of | | | | when find an Aikido dojo to join and learn Aikido |
| precise entrances that need to be adhered to by | | | | martial arts from. |