Aikido is a martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba that emphasizes harmonizing with an attacker. Aikido is practiced by young and old, holds no competitions, and can be incorporated into your daily life. Morihei Ueshiba had clear views on how aikido should be practiced; on other subjects O-Sensei was more subtle and there is a strong tradition of aikido philosophy.
The OGI Aikido Club is affiliated with the Aikido Association of America founded by Shihan Fumio Toyoda. Fred Phillips, a fifth degree black belt, teaches each Wednesday. Sean Caffee is the current dojo cho.
The OGI Aikido Club meets Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 pm in the OGI cafeteria. Beginning class is from 5:30-6:30 and the advanced class runs from 6:30-7:30. Dues are $10/month ($20/month for those not affiliated with OGI). New students may begin at any time, and Fred Phillips has answered a few questions from the OGI community.
We start each class with a short warm up followed by various exercises to teach mind-body coordination. This is then typically followed by empty-hand techniques, or techniques and forms with jo, tanto, and bokken.
We currently have a special introductory price for OGI/OHSU faculty, staff, and students. We are offering two months of aikido with the an aikido gi for only $40. The price of an aikido gi is nearly $40 and so this is a way to get a couple of months practice at a very reasonable rate.