Aikido in the Heart of Vegas
Aikido Las Vegas embodies the philosophy that life itself is an art, and every moment is an opportunity for creative action, particularly when working with stress or change.
A Japanese martial art grounded in dynamic and embodied practice, Aikido will help you become fit, both physically and mentally. You’ll also explore connection, energy, and become more confident and centered to help deal with everyday life challenges.
Aikido has no competition, so no winners, no losers. More importantly, it teaches us the benefits of collaboration with each other. Is there self defense training? Absolutely, it’s within the ‘system’ and it takes time and diligent practice to develop Aikido skills, but self defense is not our primary focus.
With practice you'll learn to align your body and mind into conflictual circumstances, and to apply yourself with appropriate power and minimal tension. Regardless of age or experience, with practice and trust in the organic process, you’ll learn and grow at your own pace within a safe space.
Be curious, enjoy the journey, and have fun with it. Practice directly relates to the whole collective wellbeing, making it an adventurous and rewarding path for the peaceful modern-day warrior.
Why Aikido Las Vegas?
As a new dojo in The Heart of Vegas, it’s a fresh and unique opportunity to build a space where through Aikido, community and personal growth can come together.
While we work on developing the physical body through vigorous flowing practice, we are mindful to calm the inner self and be free of tension, which results in greater connection and a quality of practice optimizing longevity.
Aikido Las Vegas is a group of passionate practitioners committed to living the principles of Aikido. By sharing experience that emphasizes unity and connection, not only within oneself but also with others, we also have fun while pursuing a path towards mastery and mutual understanding. It quickly becomes a meaningful journey together, one that never ends.
We are committed to promoting the values of Aikido through a well-structured program, a safe and welcoming environment, and empowering learning experiences that allow you to grow at your own pace.
Adult Class Schedule (Age 18+)
Mondays and Thursdays Classes Start 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Aikido’s Roots
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art, a Budō extended from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu which was developed and evolved since the 1920’s by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Also known as O’Sensei, he evolved Aikido as an expression of his vision, particularly in his later years, that martial arts can be a way to celebrate life and nurture deeper connection.
At a fundamental level, Aikido’s martial practice effectively blends with an attack resulting in a non-confrontational connection between partners. It can be an exciting, dynamic and creative practice that liberates us as individuals.
On a deeper level, it gives us an insight to the sense of connection and respect for other people, and the world around us. O’Sensei, as part of his philosophy, believed Aikido can provide us with the means to resolve conflict peacefully and live a more harmonious life. Within the practice, we come to understand that unity and connection is stronger than separation.
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969)
“Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train”
— Morihei Ueshiba
Aikido’s Core
What does ‘Aikido’ mean?
Ai-Ki-Do is composed of three Japanese characters. ’Ai’ (bringing together, love), ‘Ki’ (life energy) and ‘Do’ (path, or the way). ‘Do’ is the root of many words in Japanese, including do-jo, bu-do, ju-do, etc. A simpler interpretation is ‘The Way of Harmony’, or ‘The Way of Unifying Life Energy’.
In Aikido, we intuitively work with Ki, the natural energy that flows through all life. Ki is the life force that connects everything in nature. Just as nature flows effortlessly without resistance, when our Ki flows freely, we remain in balance, healthy and full of vitality.
When conflict arises, nature absorbs aggression and restores balance. This is how nature maintains its consistent harmony, and Aikido teaches us to strive to align with this process. We endeavor to be present, living in the moment without attachment to past or future, so we also train to energize, heal and restore ourselves. By being in the moment, there’s greater interaction and empathy with our partners in the dojo, which creates an excellent and receptive training atmosphere.
Membership
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Beginner Program
$300 (Value $400)
2 Months of Class Dues
Includes Aikido Uniform with White Belt
Registration one-off Fee Included
Annual Insurance Fee Included
Annual Isshinkai Association Fee Included
First Testing Fee Included
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Monthly Fees
$100
(Or 12 Months for ONLY $1000 - 2 Months FREE
and $50 Registration Fee waived - SAVE $250)Unlimited Classes
$50 One-off Registration Fee
Dues Collected Monthly
Auto Payments Credit/Debit Card
Annual Insurance Fee Included
Annual Isshinkai Association Fee Included
No Contracts
No Credit Card Fees
No Sales Tax
Cancel Anytime with 30 Day Notice
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Mat Fee
$20
Please Prepay Below
Visitors and Traveling Aikido Students Welcome
Isshinkai Association Members No Charge CLICK HERE
Adult Class Schedule (Age 18+)
Mondays and Thursdays Classes Start 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Head Instructor
Michael Hancock has a lifetime of practice and years of teaching experience. First introduced to Aikido over 50 years ago, it was a revelation that has remained with him since.
Michael is deeply committed to the philosophy of Aikido as a way of life, not just a set of techniques and rigid practice formats.
"Aikido is about much more than just self-defense, it’s about building resilience, cultivating inner peace, and learning to act with purpose and integrity in every area of life. What we practice on the mat we carry within us.”
— Michael Hancock
Michael’s personal journey is a testament to the power of Aikido’s principles. As a two-time cancer survivor, he credits the art with helping him navigate life’s challenges. “I’ve been fortunate to have Aikido within me for most of my life and it’s served as a lifeline through thick and thin, and some of the darkest moments”.
His inspiring story was captured in the award-winning short film ‘Wolf In His Belly’, which was screened at over 100 film festivals in over 30 countries, and earning more than 40 wins. Available on YouTube, the film highlights his journey and dedication to martial arts as a transformative practice. See Here
Having practiced in Florida, California, the UK, and Tokyo and Saku in Japan, establishing Aikido Las Vegas is Michael’s way of giving back, or as he prefers to put it, ‘giving forward’.
Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu, Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo
Contact
Address:
5240 S. Decatur Blvd, Ste 5, Las Vegas, NV 89118
E: info@aikidolasvegas.com
T: (619) 729-2020