What is Shugyo?

Shugyo means "determined training that fosters enlightenment". Its purpose is to "tighten the slack", toughen the body, and polish the spirit. Dojo is a place where the Do, or "the Way", is practiced. Aikido Shugyo Dojo is a non-profit club run entirely by its members.

Training in Aikido is shaped by the philosophy of harmony. There are no competitions or tournaments. Emphasis is on self-mastery, not on controlling others. Rank is awarded by a testing procedure that demonstrates student growth. Regular and frequent practice develops skills through constant repetition of techniques.

Class begins with warm-up exercises that emphasize stretching and breathing. The rest of the class consists mostly of partner practice. The teacher demonstrates a technique; students pair up and take turns being uke, the attacker, and nage, the person receiving the attack.