Making Sense of Aikido

Starting something new is always stressful. Starting a dojo—well, that’s a special kind of stress. There have been late nights worrying about whether people will show up, early mornings wondering if I made the right choice, and more than a few moments when the to-do list seemed taller than me. Ordering mats, figuring out insurance, learning how to market on social media—none of this was in the traditional samurai training manual. So why do it? Why open Aikido Northway here in

Join us on Saturday, September 6, 2025, for the Grand Opening Celebration of Aikido Northway in Clifton Park! Experience Aikido through beginner-friendly classes, exciting demonstrations, visiting instructors, and a community BBQ. The event is free and open to the public—donations to support the dojo are welcome but never expected. Come see what makes Aikido unique and be part of our new community.

One rainy evening in Tokyo, I was standing on a crowded subway car, headed to the dojo for keiko . As the train swayed between stations,...

Childhood martial arts and adult martial arts serve different purposes—and they speak to different stages of life.

Starting martial arts in your 30s, 40s, or beyond? Discover why Aikido is the perfect martial art for adult beginners—and how it builds strength, flexibility, balance, and calm for everyday life.