The appeal of training at Center Point Aikido goes much deeper than a purely physical workout.

Compared to the boredom that can come from a typical gym circuit, Aikido and self defense style training is different.

You’re not just working out, you’re learning how to move, how to breathe, how to stay composed and calm when you’re tired. You can’t fake that.

Training in Aikido makes people feel strong, capable, and engaged. There is a sense of capability and confidence for people that are looking for that engagement and intention.

Training at Center Point gives you a sense of progress that feels – real -.

You’re sharper, faster, more conditioned, and mentally tougher. It’s one of the few types of training where your confidence actually grows because you know you’re earning it. And if you’re learning how to fight with a bokken (sword), move your feet and body correctly, parry and lock up an opponent whose attacking you, or time a defensive counter attack and throw, your mind really does need to be 100% present.

You’re hitting conditioning, strength, coordination, and endurance all at once without having to overthink it.

• Rotational power, the kind you generate in executing Aikido technique, builds core strength.
• Footwork drills train balance, agility, and reaction time, qualities that translate directly to injury prevention and everyday physical capability.
• Combat-style training is particularly valuable for preserving fast-twitch muscle fibers, which decline with age and are critical for power, reaction speed, and the ability to catch yourself if you stumble.
• There’s also a mental component that also keeps people present, you’re ‘learning a skill’ rather than just ‘working out,’ which increases consistency and makes it all enjoyable.

At Center Point Aikido we teach traditional Aikido as handed down by the Founder of Aikido, affectionately known as O Sensei  (Great Teacher). We hold to his inspired vision-emphasizing Aikido’s philosophy and ethics while at the same time teaching Aikido’s full range of capabilities from gentle persuasion to full street effectiveness.

Center Point Aikido classes are held at Sanctuary Yoga,  675A Batchelor St, Toms River, NJ 08753

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Ueshiba’s goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. Aikido is often translated as “the way of unifying (with) life energy” or as “the way of harmonious spirit”.

Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba’s involvement with the Ōmoto-kyō religion. Ueshiba’s early students’ documents bear the term aiki-jūjutsu.

Ueshiba’s senior students have different approaches to aikido, depending partly on when they studied with him. Today, aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques formulated by Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker.