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.

Garry (left) was awarded Sandan (third degree black belt) and Michael (right) was awarded Shodan (first degree black belt) by Haruo Matsuoka Sensei (middle) in Irvine, California. The ranking is through the Aikikai Foundation Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan (Hombu Dojo). Garry and Michael have been studying Aikido with Matsuoka Sensei since 1991. Matsuoka Sensei travels to Brazil, IN yearly to conduct training. Garry Howard Sensei is the owner and chief instructor at the American Aikido Institute in Brazil, IN. Michael Howard Sensei is the owner and chief instructor at the American Aikido Institute in Robinson, IL. Haruo Matsuoka Sensei is the owner and chief instructor of his two Aikido dojos in Irvine and Culver City, California.
 

 

 

On December 19, 2012, The American Aikido Institute conducted a promotion test..
 
Front row l - r are Spencer Roeschlein, Jarret Snow and Mason Reynolds. They received their 3rd Kyu Green Belts. Back row Garry Howard, Justen Gibbens, Josh Gregg and Scott Hamilton. Garry conducted the test with Justen, Josh and Scott assisting.

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

Matsuoka Sensei will be holding the Indiana Aikido Seminar November 1st, 2nd and 3rd. More details.

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.

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.