What is Aikido?
Virginia Tenshinkai is an authorized extension of the Tenshinkai Aikido Federation. Sensei Mark and Sonya Hopkins have been dedicated students of Sensei Dang Thong Phong for over 35 years and bring the structured curriculum, experience, and understanding of Tenshinkai Aikido to the Warrenton area.
Where Does Aikido Come From?
Aikido is a traditional martial art from Japan. It is an effective self-defense system based on techniques of hold, lock, and throw to defend against one or several attacking opponents. Aikido is also known for its techniques against armed opponents, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in law enforcement services worldwide.
What Can Aikido Do For You?
Grand Master Morihei Ueshiba founded Aikido after years of practicing, researching, and synthesizing elements from several martial arts. Through this process, he developed a deep understanding of universal principles, and Aikido was conceived in alignment with those principles.
How Is Aikido Practiced?
Regular practice of Aikido supports both spiritual and physical development. In addition to learning self-defense, practitioners build self-discipline, determination, confidence, and self-esteem. Training improves alertness, reflexes, posture, and overall fitness. For those with demanding jobs, Aikido can help reduce stress and anxiety. Spiritually, it promotes unity of mind and body and encourages harmony with one’s surroundings.
Summary
In practice, an Aikidoka begins with warm-up and stretching exercises at the start of each session. They then learn falling techniques, which are essential for safely practicing Aikido. Proper breathing and the development of “KI,” or life force, are also emphasized. Movements are natural and coordinated, often described as centrifugal and centripetal, aligning with broader natural forces. Rather than meeting strength with strength, practitioners use timing and redirection to neutralize attacks, aiming to immobilize opponents without causing harm.
About Tenshinkai Aikido Federation
Aikido is considered a gentle art of self-defense that emphasizes harmony over domination. As Grand Master Morihei Ueshiba expressed, Aikido is not simply about defeating an opponent, but about cultivating one’s inner energy (KI) to live an active, optimistic, and balanced life.
In 1967, Sensei Phong received his third-degree black belt (Sandan) at Hombu Dojo from Grand Master Morihei Ueshiba, who also entrusted him with developing Aikido in Vietnam. This led to the formation of the Tenshinkai Aikido Federation, named by Ueshiba himself. The name reflects its meaning: Ten (Heaven), Shin (Heart), and Kai (Association)—an association emanating from the heart of heaven.
In 1986, Sensei Phong relocated to Southern California, where the Tenshinkai Aikido Federation established a dojo in Garden Grove. As the organization grew, a larger dojo opened in Westminster in January 1988. This location, Westminster Aikikai, remains the headquarters dojo for the federation.
Since 1968, the Tenshinkai Aikido Federation has maintained its affiliation with Hombu Dojo, the Aikikai World Headquarters. This connection provides members with opportunities to train under some of the most respected Aikido instructors around the world.