Greater Hartford
Aikikai

THE ART OF CONNECTION,
BALANCE AND MOVEMENT

Manchester, Connecticut

Ask about your first class
Aikido practice at the Greater Hartford Aikikai

AIKIDO

A Japanese martial art of blending with an attack rather than meeting it head on. Aikido teaches harmony, balance and respect — on the mat and off it.

Where it came from

BEGIN YOUR PRACTICE

No experience necessary. Open to adults and students age 15 and up, at every level of fitness and ability.

LEARN MORE

TRAIN WITH US

Tue & Thu  6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Sat  10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CLASS SCHEDULE

More than a martial art

The Greater Hartford Aikikai is a welcoming community dedicated to the study and practice of aikido. Techniques rely on relaxed energy projected from the rotation of the hips rather than on strength, which is why people of very different sizes and ages train together on the same mat.

We have taught here since 1994, and every class is open to beginners. Come and watch one, or step on the mat the same day.

ABOUT OUR DOJO

Joining the dojo

Classes are open to men and women age 15 and up. No martial arts experience is needed, and no one is expected to be fit or flexible before starting.

If you are not ready to become a member, the mat fee lets you take any class and covers every class that day. Loose workout clothes are fine for your first few practices.

Tuesday
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monthly membership, age 18 and upUnlimited classes
$100
Monthly membership, ages 15 to 17Unlimited classes
$70
Monthly membership, one class a week
$50
Academy of Martial Arts membersMonthly
$45
Mat feeCovers every class that day
$20

Your first class

Nobody expects you to be fit

Aikido does not run on strength or flexibility, so there is nothing to get in shape for first. People start in their twenties and in their sixties, and train side by side on the same mat.

Wear what you have

A T-shirt and sweatpants are fine for your first several classes. No shoes or socks on the mat. You can buy a practice uniform later, once you know you want to keep going.

You will not be thrown on day one

Your first class covers how to roll safely and how to move. You practice with a partner at your own pace, and an instructor stays with you throughout.

Watching is welcome

You are free to sit and watch a whole class before deciding anything, and to talk with the instructors and students afterward. Arrive about ten minutes early and introduce yourself.

Ask us about a class

Send a note and we will reply with the next class that suits you. There is no obligation, and we will not add you to any list.

You can also call 860-256-5347 or write to shimotengu@icloud.com.

Visit the dojo

Greater Hartford Aikikai
at the Academy of Martial Arts
1404 Tolland Turnpike
Manchester, CT 06042
860-256-5347
shimotengu@icloud.com

Come and watch any class and talk with the instructors and students afterward.

GET DIRECTIONS
The essence of aikido is to harmonize with the spirit of the universe.
O SENSEI, MORIHEI UESHIBA