The Way of Harmony
Understanding aikido, our lineage, and the spirit of the dojo
What is Aikido?
Aikido is the study — the dō, or “way” — of Aiki: ai (to harmonize/join) ki (vital energy). Aiki is the principle that arises from the energetic harmony of yin and yang — of yielding and extending, receiving and giving.
Its founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei), described that harmony reaching beyond self-defense to the balance of the world itself:
“Aikido is the Way and Principle of harmonizing Heaven, Earth, and Man.”
— Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei, founder of Aikido
Heaven is yang and Earth is yin — complementary opposites, in keeping with Daoist and Shinto thought; the practitioner stands between them, and it is Aiki that unites the two. Every technique on the mat is a small rehearsal of that principle — and a way to carry its calm into daily life.
A Martial Art of Harmony
Within the Japanese martial arts, aikido is a grappling art — a form of jūjutsu — occupying the middle of a spectrum that runs from striking arts such as karate and kenpo to close-range grappling arts such as judo. Working at this intermediate range, its techniques center on joint locks and throws that redirect an attacker's momentum rather than opposing it.
Practice also extends to the traditional Japanese training weapons from which many of aikido's movements are drawn — the bokken (wooden sword), jō (short staff), and tanto (knife).
Go deeper The Syllabus of Aikido The core pins and throws, and the ways we train them →Our Philosophy
At Aiki Spokane Roshinkan we hold that aikido is far more than a set of techniques. It is a practice of personal and interpersonal development — a discipline for cultivating character both on and off the mat. We train with sincerity and mutual respect, and we value flexibility, accessibility, and the quiet confidence that comes from calm under pressure.
Our Lineage & Heritage
Every technique we practice carries a living history. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), who drew on his mastery of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu and refined it through his own neo-Shinto principles into a martial art of harmony. His teachings are preserved and transmitted worldwide through the Aikikai Foundation, headed by the Ueshiba family as Doshu.
Aiki Spokane Roshinkan trains within this tradition as a member dojo of the Aikido World Alliance (AWA). Founded in 2005 by Andrew Sato Shihan, the AWA carries forward the teachings of his late mentor, Fumio Toyoda Shihan (1947–2001), and holds official recognition — Konin status — under the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo. Today it unites more than fifty dojo across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Central America in a shared commitment to empathy, compassion, and peaceful conflict resolution. Through this affiliation our rank and instruction connect directly to the source of the art.
The Name “Roshinkan”
A dojo's name reflects its spirit. In Roshinkan, Ro (瀧) means waterfall — an image of ki in ceaseless motion: powerful yet yielding, always flowing, forever descending from Heaven toward Earth. Shin is spirit, the living energy that animates that motion; and Kan (館) means “hall” or “house” — the place of training.
Taken together, Roshinkan is the hall of the waterfall spirit — a place to practice moving like water: soft enough to yield, strong enough to carve stone.
What Practice Offers
Body
- Flexibility, balance, and posture
- Whole-body strength and stamina
- Coordination and body awareness
- Effective, non-violent self-defense
Mind
- Focus and presence
- Calm under pressure
- Stress relief and clarity
- Confidence and composure
Spirit
- Inner steadiness and peace
- Connection with others
- A sense of purpose
- Ongoing self-cultivation
We welcome all practitioners regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or age. The dojo is a space of respect and belonging, and we celebrate the diversity of our members. Whatever brought you here, there is a place for you on the mat.
Come See for Yourself
Observe a class or step onto the mat — your first visit is always free.