Baltimore Martial Arts Academy

Aikido is an effective, practical method of unarmed self-defense, promoting physical fitness, awareness, proper breathing, posture, and balance. The Aikido practitioner spontaneously blends with the power of an attack and swiftly redirects this aggression against the opponent. An entirely reflexive martial art, Aikido practice improves physical reaction, perception, and agility. Students perform specialized stretching exercises to improve physical and functional coordination.

Aikido encourages non-violence and is practiced in a safe, yet realistic atmosphere. Students are certified with the Japan Aikido Association when promoted.

Unlike many other martial arts, Aikido does not teach hard punching or kicking. Instead practitioners utilize the entire body to off-balance, blend, strike, throw, and lock joints to incapacitate an attacker. It was popularized in the movies by Steven Seagal. Mr. Seagal is a real practitioner of Aikido, but the style he teaches is much different than the one taught at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy.

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Aikido is extremely useful for self-defense because it is based on the concept that an attacker will have some sort of perceived advantage, such as superior size and strength, a weapon, or there are multiple attackers. Because of this premise, Aikido practice includes dealing with multiple attackers, knives, sticks, guns, and other dangerous situations. Techniques rely on blending with the power of an attack and redirecting the force rather than combatting direct force with physical strength.

Maintaining posture and awareness are core principles of Aikido that not only prove invaluable in personal protection situations, but can translate well into every day life. Additionally Aikido teaches students how to fall safely and react instinctively to loss of balance that can occur in sports, on the ice, in an accident, or in other common conditions.

Aikido techniques are commonly used by law enforcement officers as well as guards in various facilities because they are able to fully control a subject without causing permanent or life-threatening damage and without punching, kicking, or kneeing a suspect repeatedly in order to subdue him or her.

While we do adhere to some tradition, Aikido classes at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy are held in a relaxed, fun, and safe atmosphere. Our focus is on realistic application of technique first and foremost.

Try a Class Free – Call us at 410-465-7799