Salt & Light AIKIDO
Aikido for everyone
for everyday,
as gentle as you like
as hard as you want
About Aikido
Origin and Founder
Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), also known as O-Sensei, meaning “venerable teacher.” He developed Aikido after studying a variety of martial arts, including swordsmanship, spear, and various forms of jujitsu. O-Sensei founded Aikido with the goal of fostering peace, transforming martial techniques into an art that focused on self-mastery rather than defeating others. As he famously said, “True victory is victory over the self.”
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a martial art, not a sport. It’s common for people to confuse the two, but there’s a key difference: while sports like boxing or MMA focus on competition and domination, Aikido focuses on self-defense and harmony. You might notice that Aikido practitioners don’t always look like the hard-hitting athletes of other martial arts, and that’s because Aikido emphasizes using an opponent’s energy against them, not overpowering them.
Some Aikido schools focus more on the art’s philosophical side, which can make the techniques seem “softer.” But don’t be fooled—Aikido was developed for survival in real combat situations. Its techniques were designed for warriors in the midst of battle, where quick, effective responses were necessary to survive multiple attackers, often armed. That’s why Aikido is still considered a powerful martial art today, despite its non-aggressive appearance.
Aikido vs. Sport Fighting
Unlike sports martial arts, Aikido doesn’t have weight classes or specific rules. Aikido prepares you to face multiple attackers, often from different directions. In contrast, sports like boxing or MMA are one-on-one, and rules prevent certain dangerous techniques. In Aikido, the aim isn’t to win a match—it’s to neutralize an attack while keeping both the practitioner and their partner safe during training.
Aikido techniques require control, both of your own body and your partner’s. This focus on control is why it can take longer for an Aikido practitioner to reach proficiency. Instead of relying on brute strength or speed, Aikidoka learn to adjust techniques based on the situation and opponent, which leads to more sustainable, long-term growth and active aging lifestyle. Have you seen how many “older” people keep training in Aikido?.
Why Train in Aikido?
Training in Aikido is an engaging journey of self-mastery. It’s not just about learning techniques—it’s about learning when and how to apply them. The skills you develop in Aikido are valuable for anyone, regardless of size, strength, or age. Whether you’re looking for physical fitness, mental discipline, or a deeper sense of harmony, Aikido offers a lifelong path of growth.
Showing you a much younger and better looking version of me. This was me when I was in the Army in a hot humid jungle somewhere. I’m squatting over a little freshwater stream for a morning wash.
That picture was taken when I was averaging just under 60kg. I am 20kg heavier now. Showing you a recent picture of me may kill your interest in Aikido :).
Aikido Journey
Stuart See’s martial arts journey began with unarmed combat training during his military service. After returning to civilian life, he started Aikido in 1997 in Memphis, TN, under Jim Baker (4th Dan, USAF). Following his graduation in 1999, Stuart moved to Singapore, training with George Chang Shihan (7th Dan, Ueshiba Aikido) until family commitments led him to step back before testing for his 1st Dan.
After a decade, Stuart resumed training with Ki-Society Aikido, refreshing his basics despite holding the rank of 1st kyu. In 2011, work brought him back to the U.S., where he trained with Arnie Gentile (3rd Dan, USAF) in Schuylerville, NY, and later with Shihan Irvin Faust (7th Dan, USAF) in Albany, earning his 1st Dan in 2017.
Moving to North Carolina in 2019, Stuart began training under Shihan Steve Kaufman (7th Dan, USAF) and later Shihan Frank Apodaca (6th Dan, Birankai) during the pandemic, earning his 2nd Dan in 2023.
Stuart’s Aikido journey spans over 27 years, with a focus on ingraining principles and movements that are effective and safe, adaptable to varied attacks. His approach reflects a dedication to practical, principled Aikido that continues to guide his journey.
He enjoys training with all students—whether they’re deeply dedicated or simply here for the joy of practice—where each session contributes to growth, community, and the shared art of Aikido.
Aikido is a martial art. It is not a sport…
Donovan and I messing around at Albany Aikido.
That’s me giving Donovan a sloppy shomenuchi (much like a bottle strike to the face or top of head). Donovan is responding with kotegaeshi, variations of kokyuho and otoshi’s.
Where & When could you join in the fun?
- Deep River Aikikai: Mondays 5:15-8:15 pm. The Bridge at Rivermill, 1735-H Sax-Beth Church Rd., Saxapahaw, NC. (contact Sensei Frank Apodaca: deep.river.aikikai@gmail.com, (919) 638-5117)
- Johnston and Wayne County NC locations and time – coming soon (contact Stuart for more info)