Learning Aikido
ADULT CLASSES
Studying Aikido
Aikido is a traditional martial art centering around matching your attacker’s energy and redirecting it harmlessly away. Although peaceful in intention, Aikido is a very physical art.
Aikido training is fundamentally about understanding yourself; finding your balance, developing your center and learning how to extend power effortlessly and effectively. All training is conducted with partners; the attacker learns to strike cleanly and retain their balance for as long as possible, while the defender learns to absorb and redirect their energy while finding and breaking their center of balance.
Aikido does not have contests or tournaments; philosophically it is not about dominance but working together to build each other up.
Class Structure
Classes at Hudson Valley Aikido are structured to build a strong foundation for training; each class we begin with basic movements and build towards more complex skills.
Each practice begins with warm-ups designed to prepare your body and mind for practice, followed by exercises focused on developing movement and balance — and working on engaging your center. We work on falls and rolls each class, and these are as vital a part of training as throwing.
Instruction of techniques begins with simple movements and responses to attacks (taisabaki) and moves from there to how to engage with your partner’s balance, disrupt it, and throw — emphasizing fluid motion and harmony with your partner’s energy.
We proceed at a pace that respects your comfort level and learning style, ensuring a supportive and non-intimidating environment. Beginners are warmly welcomed and encouraged to progress steadily, with personalized guidance to help you gain confidence and skill safely. Whether you are new to martial arts or returning to practice, you will find a patient and inclusive community ready to support your aikido journey.
Aikido is a deep and subtle art, grounded in understanding your opponent and moving with them. It teaches you to find harmony in change and conflict, to harness power without contests of strength.
