Aikido Eastside offers daily classes for adults and children in the non-violent, non-competitive Japanese martial art of Aikido providing Mind, Body, Spirit integration as well as effective self defense. Aikido focuses on center to center connection and strives to allow one to defend without the necessity of seriously harming the attacker. The art developed in the mid 20th century as a gift to all mankind by Master Morihei Ueshiba, whom practitioners call "O Sensei" or revered teacher.

The techniques of this art as taught to George Ledyard Sensei by his teacher Mitsugi Saotome Sensei focus on control and neutralization of an attack through harmonious movement and non-resistance. Since the unarmed techniques of Aikido originally derive from weapons techniques we train with the traditional weapons of sword and staff on a weekly basis. People train in Aikido for a number of reasons. It is a system of self defense and great exercise. In addition it is also a form of moving meditation with a strong spiritual underpinning and even serves as the model for various systems of conflict resolution. The emphasis on movement and redirection of force make Aikido the perfect martial art for those who are not physically large or powerful individuals.

Aikido training will develop a relaxed and centered manner when facing conflict. It is a martial art which focuses on personal development as much as physical self defense and should prove useful in the every day lives of the students in a multitude of ways.