Aikido of CT was established in 1965 by Ralph
Chiaradia Sensei. Classes are taught by Sensei Brian Putkonen and Jon Guglietta in a traditional
soft style of Aikido that focuses on ki development. Although we are an independent dojo, the history of the dojo goes back to direct instruction from Koichi Tohei Shihan and Mitsugumi Saotome Shihan- students of the founder of Aikido, Morehei Ueshiba. Aik
ido of Connecticut takes pride in the friendly learning
atmosphere of the dojo and its aiki spirit. The dojo operates independently and is proud to be the
13th established dojo in the USA. Aikido is for someone:
• Looking for a martial art that is non-violent, yet
effective, and does not rely on physical strength
• Interested in reducing stress
• Who wants to improve their physical conditioning
and balance
Come observe a class to see if Aikido is right for you. Learning Environment
The dojo provides a learning environment that
encourages self-exploration and self-development. This
positive learning environment has created a strong
student membership. The majority of students have 5 to
35 years of experience. This depth of knowledge and
experience offers the beginning as well as the advanced
student a wealth of Aikido knowledge and understanding
where new ideas are generated and explored. Classes
Adult classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays from
7:30 PM to 9:15 PM and Sundays from 8:15 - 9:30. In addition, there is mat time available either after class on Sundays or in the afternoon on Sundays upon availability of the instructors. Classes involve physical contact, falling, and forward
and back rolling. Students work out in pairs practicing
techniques. Classes are mixed with beginners to
advanced students working out together. Philosophy
Aikido evolved from traditional martial arts in
the 1930’s. Aikido is an art that trains one in
the skills to defend oneself, one’s values, and
beliefs when confronted with conflict, either
physical or mental, without inflicting injury to
the aggressor. Aikido is naturally effective as self-defense,
because it relies on intuition, insight, good
judgment, and evasive moves, rather than
physical power, when confronted with a threat. Aikido is also a mind-and-body-coordinated
activity. Mind and body coordinated activities
recognize the way the mind controls the body
and the way the body affects the mind. Through the training process students develop
a calm centered state of body and mind from
which new pathways are generated that are
based on restoring love and harmony in life. According to the founder of Aikido, Morehei
Ueshiba, Aikido is the pathway to Aiki. Aiki is the
universal principle that brings all things together. It
is the optimal process of harmonization that
operates in all realms, from the vastness of space to
the tiniest atoms. Aiki further signifies the unity of heaven, earth, and
humankind, the ideal that inspires people to live in
harmony with the environment and with each other. Aiki is the mutual accord, the art of reconciliation, a
virtue essential for civilized living.On the individual level, Aiki stands for the
integration of body and spirit, a state of wholeness
and balance. Philosophy
Aikido evolved from traditional martial arts in the
1930’s. Aikido is an art that trains one in the skills
to defend oneself, one’s values, and beliefs when
confronted with conflict, either physical or mental,
without inflicting injury to the aggressor. Aikido is naturally effective as self-defense,
because it relies on intuition, insight, good
judgment, and evasive moves, rather than physical
power, when confronted with a threat. Aikido is a lot like dancing in that it relies on
concepts of blending and leading rather than
physically forcing the movements of your partner. Mind and body coordinated activities
recognize the way the mind controls the body and
the way the body affects the mind. Through the training process students develop a
calm centered state of body and mind from which
new pathways are generated that are based on
restoring love and harmony in life. Aikido is for someone:
Looking for a martial art that is non-violent, yet
effective, and does not rely on physical strength
Interested in reducing stress
Who wants to improve their physical conditioning
and balance
Seeking to develop their spirituality
Come out and observe a class to see if Aikido is right for
you.
