What is Aikido?

University of Iowa Aikikai members demonstrate Aikido at Grinnell, January 2004 Aikido is a very modern Japanese martial art form and was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, or "O Sensei" as he is known by his students and followers. Aikido is as much a philosophy of walking in the world as it is a specific physical form, so practitioners learn to listen to their hearts, minds and bodies as well as developing awareness and care for those around them.

Jackie Brown and Joyce Stern demonstrate ikkyo pin Grinnell Aikido is an organization for staff, faculty and students of Grinnell College. We also have a few community members from the city of Grinnell and surrounding communities.

We are an affiliate dojo of the University of Iowa Aikikai, and sponsored by both the Freeman Foundation (for the development of Japanese Studies at Grinnell) and the Grinnell College Wellness Program. Twice weekly we practice to learn this defensive martial art for peace-loving people.

Instruction is provided by Jackie Brown [brownj@grinnell.edu], Charles Cunningham [cunningh@grinnell.edu], and Joyce Stern [sternjm@grinnell.edu] (on leave). Occasionally we have guest instruction from members of the University of Iowa Aikikai.

For current practice times, please contact one of the instructors by email at aikido@grinnell.edu.