Canoga Aiki-en ~ A satellite dojo of Finger Lakes Aikido
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Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art the modern form of which was developed during the early 20th century by Ueshiba Morihei O’Sensei.
The techniques which form the basis of modern Aikido are derived from centuries old tactics developed by Samurai warriors. Aikido is the only purely defensive martial art. Rather than meeting violence with reciprocal violence, the Aikidoist learns to evade and redirect the power of the attack, resulting in the attacker being unbalanced and either projected (thrown) or immobilized. Thus, it is the
attacker’s own force and momentum which neutralize his aggression. Because of this principle of “active non-resistance,” Aikido can be effectively performed even against larger, stronger attackers. At the higher levels of the art, it is equally effective against multiple attackers. Aikido is not a sport or a game. There are no tournaments or competitions. Rather, practice is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation. Aikido has been proven to be an effective means of self defense and it's techniques form the basis of many police “control and restraint” tactics. It is also distinguished by a highly developed moral code which seeks to protect the assailant while simultaneously neutralizing his will and ability to attack. Beyond being merely a form of self protection, Aikido is a method of personal development which teaches the practitioner secrets of balance and character which enhance all aspects of daily life. "In settling in Iwama the Founder had in mind three plans to realize his ideal of a true budo. First was to establish an Aiki Shrine that would symbolize the Way of ai-ki and the spirit of aikido. Second was to construct an outdoor dojo permeated with the ki of nature where the ideal budo of take-musu could be taught. Third was to realize his cherished dream of unifying agriculture with martial art... to relate the budo training (take) that harmonizes with the protective life force (musu) to the work of farming through which the earth produces life-sustaining food" (K. Ueshiba, 1984, The Spirit of Aikido, p. 102). Canoga Creek Aiki-En is a satellite dojo of Finger Lakes Aikido (FLA) in Ithaca (NY) and, through this connection, affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF). The dojo is located at Canoga Creek Farms & Cellars, overlooking the north end of Cayuga Lake in the beautiful Finger Lakes wine country of upstate New York. Our rustic and spacious 19th century barn houses an indoor aikido practice space of over 20 tatami, as well as an additional wood floored area for weapons practice and exercise. We also have outdoor practice spaces including a creek-side area and a lake-side area. Aikido for children, and family oriented Aikido, is our priority. Very basic aikido practice is the norm. The goal of the founders of Canoga Aiki-En is to explore O-Sensei's explicit connection of farming and nature with aikido. We hope to do this through daily practice and devotion to living in harmony with the land. Aikido instruction is carefully overseen by Larry E. Bieri Sensei, 7th Dan of Finger Lakes Aikido with help from FLA Assistant Instructors and the Instructors from the Cornell Aikido Club. Visiting USAF members are welcome to join us in our training or to utilize the dojo for open practice. Though there is no fee, assistance with farm or conservation chores is appreciated.
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