Best Self-Defense Classes in Portland, ME

Yes. If you can walk up and down a flight of stairs , you can do aikido. We teach the beginner three basic techniques from which the art of aikido is derived. Our approach helps you to build a foundation that will give you clear direction in meeting your practice goals.

The time it takes to learn aikido depends on how proficient you would like to become. After your very first class you will know how to blend with an attack, do a basic meditation technique and you will have taken a significant step towards physical fitness and clarity of mind. To become a black belt usually takes over 5 years.

Most people see steady improvement practicing 2 or 3 times per week. The more you practice, the greater the benefits to your health, ability to focus and self-defense. If you can practice every day, you will make faster progress. Practice as often as you can.

No. While you will gain practical self-defense skills, the main goal of aikido is to bring compassion, sincerity and self-scrutiny into all your daily interactions. Aikido training promotes health, self-reflection and personal empowerment. In aikido you become the person that nobody wants to attack.