Eugene Aikikai is a 501 (c)3 non-profit martial arts organization serving the Eugene, OR community since 1994. Our mission is to develop quality Budō, as represented by Aikido, Iaido, and Zazen, through wholehearted practice. By quality Budō we mean much more than technical expertise. The sincere practice of Budō is a process of continual growth. We actively support each student in developing continually as a human being.

Eugene Aikikai is a home for all people to explore and embrace the path of Budo. Through four pillars of practice (Aikido body arts, Aikido weapons, Iaido, and Zazen) we acknowledge the many paths to the heart of Budo. The dojo is offered as a place of sanctuary where all community members can share in deepening sensitivity, awareness, compassion, and resiliency. Through martial practice, we relinquish ego and illuminate a more whole way of knowing.

Classes in Aikido and Iaido are offered in a spacious and safe environment. We invite all people to join our dojo community and explore the path of Budo, together.

OUR VALUES

In the practice of Budo, service to others is the way to understanding; generosity of spirit is the way to strength and integrity.

Cultivating Sensitivity We acknowledge the infinite ways of being and work diligently to open our whole selves to that which surrounds us.

Harnessing Compassion We seek to strengthen our community and ourselves through building and expressing compassion in all of our actions both in practice and our daily interactions outside of the dojo.

Nourishing Resiliency We invest in one another. Together, we struggle and overcome again and again. In our practice, there is no failure, only another opportunity.

Deepening Awareness We actively train to perceive correctly and respond appropriately to the people and actions that surround us.

Enacting Generosity We give from our spirit joyously without expectations of reciprocity. Our practice is open and willing. We do not get caught in the exchange mentality of position and rank. We celebrate the moment through our gift of attention and focus.

AIKIDO | BODY ARTS

Empty handed practice involves two practitioners who alternate roles as Uke, the reciever of energy, and Nage, the giver of energy. Through practice, each person cultivates sensitivity, awareness and compassion. Aikido is not a competitive martial art, but rather a path, or way, to self discovery and spiritual development. Since winning and losing are never a concern, the trainees are free to dedicate their efforts to mutual goals. It is therefore possible for men, women, and children of all ages to walk together down the path of budo, the heart of Aikido.

ZAZEN

Many of the qualities needed in Aikido training- fearlessness, energy and focus required to plumb the depths of one's own existence in the midst of conflict- are demanded in Zen as well. When the dualistic separation of "self" and "other" is transcended through the forging of deep mind-body training, the concept of an opponent loses all meaning. The practice of Zazen offers students an opportunity to train their mind, cultivating stillness and calm.

IAIDO

"Iai Battoh-Ho, meaning "sword-drawing method," is based on Iaido, "the Way of sword drawing," and other traditional forms of Japanese sword work. In Birankai North America, Battoh-Ho is studied in large part for the same reasons as weapons work with bokken and jo: for what it reveals about the roots of Aikido as a martial art.

Check out a class at Eugene Aikikai 

In 2018, we had the pleasure of hosting Jim Ballard and Nicole Trobaugh of The Path Yet Taken travel blog for an introductory class in aikido. You can check out their experience at our dojo in this episode, Oregon Asian Celebration.