American Aikido Institute would like to welcome you to our site. Here you will find information about our three training facilities, known as dojos. Our main dojo is located in Brazil, Indiana. We have branch dojos located in Robinson, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois. Each has an individual page for class schedules and contact information.

We also invite you to learn more about the history of the American Aikido Institute, view pictures from recent promotion tests, and find out more about supplemental learning tools that you can purchase.

During a recent seminar Garry Howard Sensei of the American Aikido Institute, Brazil, IN received his 2nd degree Black Belt Certificate from Haruo Matsuoka Sensei. Howard Sensei's Certificate of rank was authorized by the World Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Matsuoka Sensei was Steven Seagal's top student for over 25 years. In 1998 Matsuoka Sensei began his own movement in Aikido. This was Matsuoka Sensei's 20th year of training with the American Aikido Institute and Howard Sensei. Students from American Aikido Institute schools in Chicago, Robinson and Brazil participated in the 3 day seminar.

Haruo Matsuoka Sensei presenting a 2nd degree Black Belt Certificate to Garry Howard Sensei

Howard Sensei presenting a photo to Haruo Matsuoka Sensei in honor of Matsuoka Sensei's 20 years of training with the American Aikido Institute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AAI held a promotion test on December 19, 2011. Promoted to Purple Belt were front row left to right, Hunter Torbert, Mason Reynolds, John M. Pell and Jarret Snow. Second row left to right Jim Doty was promoted to Yellow Belt, Spencer Roeschlein and Taylor Buis were promoted to Purple Belt and Terry Higgins and Justin Caffee were promoted to Yellow Belt. Back row left to right Josh Gregg assisted with the test, Jesse Lawson was promoted to Brown Belt/Black Stripe, Garry Howard Test Administrator, Scott Hamilton was promoted to Brown Belt/Black Stripe and Justen Gibbens also assisted with the test.

For class schedules please visit the appropriate Dojo listed in the menu at the top.

Aikido, literally translated as "The Way of Harmony with the Universe," is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (lovingly referred to as O-Sensei or "great teacher" by his students worldwide) at the turn of the century.

As the name signifies, Aikido emphasizes the concept of aiki (blending/harmonizing). The fundamental goal of Aikido is to unify the mind, body and spirit, through development of kokyu-ho (breath power), enabling the individual to harmonize his/her Ki (energy) with the attacker's energy and effectively neutralizing the attack.

Aikido is a traditional Japanese Martial Art. It is a highly effective form of self-defense that does not require great size or strength to perform effectively because the attacker's own force is used against them.

The objectives of Aikido are to unify mind, body and spirit, and to harmonize the individual's ki (energy) and the ki of the universe. Hence the name Ai-Ki-Do, "The Way of Harmony."

The American Aikido Institute (AAI) has its roots in the American Karate Institute (AKI). The Entity AKI was founded by Garry Howard Sensei in 1985. At that time Howard Sensei had been in the martial arts for 18 years. The AKI had a successful period in karate and was involved in the tournament circuit for a few years. In 1991 Howard Sensei met and began his study of Aikido with Shihan Steven Seagal Sensei. Howard Sensei and the AAI have also been honored to receive training from Haruo Matsuoka Sensei. The AAI has been in an ongoing training status with Matsuoka Sensei since 1991. In September of 1994 the American Karate Institute was disbanded to form the American Aikido Institute.

At the American Aikido Institute we strive to be good human beings first and good martial artists second. We always seek to give our best effort in both life and the martial arts. We follow O'Sensei's belief that we all must cooperate in a spirit of harmony with nature, man, and earth in order to peacefully and righteously coexist. We welcome students who are open to seeking the best in themselves and others. May your martial arts and life journey be peaceful and productive.

Personal Defense Solutions provides answers to your questions about close quarter defense. We teach police, military and civilians to neutralize any threat they may face. Programs are designed to meet the specific mission requirements and goals of any individual or group.

• Weapon retention and retrieval
• Unarmed neutralization
• Knife or improvised weapon neutralization
• Pressure point attacks for immediate neutralization and control
• Quick and quiet neutralization
• Working from standing as well as grounded position
• Handcuffing
• Collapsible baton
• Warrior mindset
• Winning a confrontation versus survive
• Utilizing whole body

Garry Howard of Personal Defense Solutions, Brazil, IN recently conducted a Self Defense Seminar for 84 women at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Terre Haute, IN. The seminar focused on awareness and techniques to neutralize an attacker. Mr. Howard also owns the American Aikido Institute in Brazil. For more information please call (812) 448-8470

The California DVD

Way of the Warrior Productions in cooperation with The American Aikido Institute, are now offering to the public, the Garry Howard Sensei first annual "California Weekend Seminar 1997" DVD. This DVD features highlights of the 3 day event including, private class at the host dojo, The Bushido Bugei Aikido Dojo of Santa Rosa, CA, an Aikido and Pressure Point Knockout demonstration at the 9th annual Windsor Hot Air Balloon Festival, and a five hour training seminar at the exclusive Airport Club, health and fitness facility. This DVD also contains footage of three complete pressure point knockouts. Howard Sensei brings his 35 years of martial arts experience to this explosive and dynamic video. This DVD is sure to become a common part of your referral library; to enhance your personal training and growth in the martial arts. Howard Sensei has trained with master martial artists such as: Professor Wally Jay, George Dillman, Seiyu Oyata, Joe Lewis and Haruo Matsuoka. Howard Sensei has also been affiliated with Shihan Steven Seagal Sensei since 1991. Supplies of this DVD are limited, so order yours today

Aikido Doshinokai: Aikido Doshinokai is an organization founded by Haruo Matsuoka Sensei, under the guidance of Seiseki Abe Shihan (10th Dan), and is dedicated to the continued development and proliferation of the founder's Aikido.

AikiWeb: The Source for Aikido Information: AikiWeb's priniciple purpose is to serve the Internet community as a repository and dissemination point for Aikido information.

The Aikido FAQ: For answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about Aikido, visit this informative site.