MIssion statement

Albuquerque Iwama Aikido strives to teach Aikido as developed by Morihei Ueshiba. Included in our teaching are the philosophical underpinnings as well as the physical techniques of Aikido. 

The philosophy of Aikido is centered on harmony (Ai), spiritual strength (Ki), peace, and following the Aikido way (Do). The art’s philosophy is to meet a physical attack with the avoidance of violence by seizing control of the situation and neutralizing the attack with an outcome where no one is hurt. 

Central to our mission is the maintenance of a safe space both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, we strive to work with the physical or emotional limitations of all. Therefore, we welcome all persons sincerely interested in our training including people of color, people from different cultures, ethnicities, citizenships and nationalities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of any or no gender expression, their friends and allies, people with disabilities, people of all ages, people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, people who have trained in other martials arts as well as those with no experience, and people with or without military experience. We welcome all people who participate in religions as well as those without religion.

We welcome all political leanings provide they are tolerant, respectful, and do not cause direct or indirect harm to those with other views. Following from this, we understand our approach to the rules of indoor physical contact from a scientific perspective when it comes to the transmission of pathogens and other illnesses. Furthermore, discussions of politics and religion are not allowed in the dojo or at dojo functions.

We do not tolerate physical, sexual or any other form of harassment or discrimination on or off the mat by members of our community because Aikido extends beyond the dojo. However, we reserve the right to deny training to anyone that may endanger other dojo members.

We hope to spread the ideas inherent in the peaceful way of Aikido to the local public so that it enhances the dojo and the community.