Portsmouth Aikido offers free Aikido classes twice a month for veterans and active duty military personnel. The classes follow a peer-to-peer model focusing on stress reduction, non-violent conflict resolution, and Aikido techniques for self-mastery.
Our program began with the guidance and encouragement of our dear friend Tom Osborn, founder of KNSA Aikido, who dedicated his life to using the art to help those who have served our community and our country.
Classes are held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 10:30am-noon at Portsmouth Aikido. Participants should wear comfortable clothing, or the dojo is happy to provide you with your own martial arts uniform.
If you are interested in joining or know someone who would benefit from these classes, please contact us using the form below or come by the dojo as you like.
From one of our members:
"I suffer from PTSD, a Traumatic Brain Injury and other complex issues from combat in Somalia in 1993. Since then, I have struggled with trying to maintain my calm and keep my aggression under control.
For over two decades, my usual method was avoidance because I was always worried that if something happened I wouldn’t be able to stop myself. People had suggested different outlets, including martial arts, but I hadn’t found something that worked until now.
Once I started training at the dojo I realized I wasn’t merely working out my aggression, it was more like my partner was 'washing it off of me.' Aikido has helped to repair my calm by reinforcing the lesson that I can’t control others, only myself. Instead of being stuck in fight-or-flight mode all the time, now I have other options and can make choices that lead to better outcomes."
—Charles, Veteran of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army