“Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat the enemy.

It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings

one family. The secret of Aikido is to harmonize ourselves

with the movement of the universe.”

Morihei Ueshiba

Founder of Aikido

Aikido of Montpelier is a small independent Vermont dojo dedicated to creating a community of instructors and students devoted not just to the techniques of Aikido, but also to self-development and to exploring the nature of ki (the force or spirit that the founder of Aikido believed is “at the heart of creation”) in a friendly and safe atmosphere. Visitors and beginners are always welcome. We hope you will join us on this fascinating and enjoyable path.

Mission Statement

As members of Aikido of Montpelier, we have a common intention of practicing and sustaining the mission of the founder of Aikido, O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.

“In my Aikido, there are no opponents, no enemies. I do not want to overwhelm everyone with brute strength, nor do I want to smash every challenger to the ground. In true budo there are no opponents, no enemies. In true budo we seek to be one with all things, to return to the heart of creation. The purpose of Aikido training is not to make you simply stronger or tougher than others; it is to make you a warrior for world peace. This is our mission in Aikido.”

In order to do this, we maintain a dojo community that creates an environment of compassion, respect and safety for each other, that nurtures sincere self development, and promotes research into the mysteries of ki, the spirit force or divine essence “at the heart of creation.”