Practical Aikido & Self-Defense

My first Aikido teacher in Japan was Isoyama Hiroshi Shihan (8th dan), a direct student of the founder, Ueshiba Morihei (O-Sensei), and an officer in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. For five years, I trained under him in a style he called Jissen Aiki (実戦合気)—“Practical Aikido”—alongside members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.

実 (jitsu) "Real, True, Actual"

Isoyama Shihan took pride in being the only Aikido instructor who could convince members of the U.S. Special Forces stationed in Japan that Aikido was worth their attention. His style was powerful, dynamic, and explosive. (Check out this video to see what I mean.)

戦 (sen) "Combat, Battle, Conflict"

Aikido, when practiced sincerely, is a highly effective form of self-defense. But physical safety is only the beginning.

Isoyama Shihan often reminded us that Aikido is a true budō (武道)—a martial way, not just a martial art. The goal isn’t just to defend yourself. It’s to grow, transform, and live with awareness.

True self-defense in Aikido means developing inner strength—calm in chaos, presence under pressure. It’s the kind of confidence that shows up on the mat and in everyday life.

That, to me, is what Practical Aikido really means. Not just Jissen Aiki (実戦合気)—Aikido for combat—but also Jissen Aiki (実践合気): Aikido in practice. In life.

践 (sen) "To Practice, To Carry Out, To Embody"

This is Aikido as praxis: not something we leave in the dojo, but something we live, every day.

I invite you to begin studying the lessons of "Practical Aikido" here at Aikido Northway so that you may enjoy their benefits in your own life--both on the mat and off!

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