Aikido is the traditional Japanese martial art of movement and power. Its characters translate as "the way of unity with the fundamental energy of the universe."

	Kanai Sensei

Aikido is a highly effective form of self-defense that teaches how to subdue even a much larger aggressor using minimum effort. Aikido evolved from traditional Japanese warrior arts, but it is not only a science of self-defense; it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.

Aikido practice is conducted in an energized, non-competitive environment. Aikido believes that martial and personal development is best achieved by practicing cooperatively, with the practice partners helping each other learn its complex techniques. It improves physical conditioning -- strength, balance flexibility, and coordination -- and mental conditioning -- self-confidence, concentration, alertness, intuitiveness and concern for others.

Aikido teaches how to blend with an attack and neutralize it without relying on brute strength. Consequently, Aikido is appropriate for men, women and children. At Portsmouth Aikido, students may begin practice at age 12.

Instructors at Portsmouth Aikido

Aaron Cass is the Chief Instructor of Portsmouth Aikido. He has trained extensively in California, New England and Japan under a variety of talented instructors. He currently holds the rank of nidan (second degree black belt).

 

 

Judy Ringer founded Portsmouth Aikido in 1995. In 2009 she passed her title of Chief Instructor on to Aaron Cass, though she remains an active teacher and member of Portsmouth Aikido today. She currently holds the rank of nidan (second degree black belt). She trained for twelve years under the late Mitsunari Kanai Sensei, 8th dan, and continues to train with his dojo, New England Aikikai, and their esteemed instructors, including David Farrell, 6th dan, and David Halprin, 6th dan. As instructor in residence, she teaches most Sunday and occasional weeknight classes.

David Halprin is the Chief Instructor at Framingham Aikikai and holds the rank of 6th degree black belt. He is a certified shidoin (instructor) of the United States Aikido Federation and has trained for over 25 years under the late Mitsunari Kanai Sensei, 8th dan. He is also an instructor at New England Aikikai, where he has been teaching for over 18 years. David also holds a third-degree black belt rank in Iaido.

Fiona Blyth, Yondan, has been a practitioner of Aikido for more than 20 years in England, France, and in the U.S. under the late Kanai Sensei at New England Aikikai in Cambridge, MA. She is also an instructor at New England Aikikai.

Kathy Joynt, Yondan, also a student of Kanai Sensei, has been training for over 28 years. Kathy is an instructor at New England Aikikai and a member of the United States Aikido Federation.

Kiff Clark,Yondon aikido and shodan iaido, is a member and instructor at Portland Aikido, Portland, ME. Kiff studied under Kanai Sensei and has practiced in Portland for more than 20 years.

Al Delaney, III is a member and instructor at Portland Aikido, Portland, ME, and holds the rank of third-degree black belt. Al is a student of Kanai Sensei and has practiced in Portland for more than 20 years. Al has been teaching at Portsmouth Aikido since its first class on May 2, 1995.

Mary Fuller, Sandan, has been a practitioner of Aikido for more than 16 years and studied under the late Kanai Sensei at New England Aikikai in Cambridge, MA. She is an instructor at New England Aikikai.

 

Membership Dues

Basic dues are $50/month for unlimited practice. Family memberships are available. For guest or infrequent practice, Portsmouth Aikido’s mat fee is $10.00.

In addition, yearly USAF (United States Aikido Federation) dues are $30. When you join Portsmouth Aikido, you will be asked to pay USAF dues for the current year plus a $10.00 registration fee.

Aikido practice requires a standard Judo or Karate uniform (gi). Members may purchase these at the dojo (prices vary with size) but are not required to do so.

From the South:

Take I-95 North to Exit 3 (1st Exit past Hampton Toll Booth). Turn right at end of ramp. Go to 2nd traffic light (about 1 mile). Turn right. Seacoast Y is about 1/2 mile on your left.

From the North:

Take I-95 South to Exit 3B (33 East-Portsmouth). Go to 4th traffic light--Peverly Hill Road (about 1.5 miles). Turn right. Seacoast Y is about 1/2 mile on your left.

From the West:

From Manchester, NH area, Take Route 101East to I-95 North. Follow directions "From the South." From Concord area, take Route 4 East to Portsmouth traffic circle. From the circle, follow Route 1 Bypass South about 1 mile to traffic light just past Yokens Restaurant (Elwyn Road/Peverly Hill Road). Turn right. Seacoast Y is about 1/2 mile on your right.

2000 Portsmouth Aikido. All rights reserved.