Aikido is the creation of Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei. A renowned martial artist who had already mastered jujutsu, judo and swordsmanship, he concluded that fighting for its own sake was futile, and built Aikido as an answer to the question of how conflict might be resolved without destruction.
Unlike most martial arts, Aikido does not rely on kicking and punching, and it does not meet force with force. Using evasion, throws, joint locks and pins, the aim is to neutralise a conflict by matching, redirecting and blending with an opponent’s own energy and intention.
The techniques of Aikido change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should emerge naturally. Today’s techniques will be different tomorrow. Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. Aikido has no form — it is the study of the spirit. — Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido
Students learn through repetitive practice and positive reinforcement, which is why Aikido can be practised safely and enjoyably by men, women and children of all ages. The physical curriculum — force vectors, footwork, timing, adaptive body mechanics — is a vehicle. The longer aim is self-exploration and the capacity to respond to obstacles appropriately and with composure.
On self-defence, honestly. Our classes focus on body mechanics, footwork, falling safely, Japanese weapons work, and the benefits of long-term practice — and those transfer. But if fighting effectiveness is your primary goal, cross-train in a live sparring art: boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Judo. Aikido complements those well. We would rather tell you that now than have you discover it in a year.
Free trial classes — Tuesdays 7:00 PM and Sundays 11:00 AM.
No experience, no uniform, no equipment. Just show up. We have been teaching on Long Island since 1964, and most people who walk in have never done a martial art before.
Your first class is free
1. Fill out the waiver. Two minutes. Do it before you come — it is required either way, and doing it at home means you are not filling in forms while class starts.
2. Come 20 minutes early. Optional but recommended. You will get a tour, meet the manager, and have time to ask anything.
3. Wear clothes that cover your knees and elbows. A long-sleeve shirt and sweatpants is ideal. Bare feet on the mat — no socks. If you already own a white or off-white judo or aikido gi, bring it. You do not need to buy anything to start; when you do, see equipment and suppliers.
4. Train. You will be paired with an experienced student who works at your pace.
Afterwards we will email or text you. If you do not hear from us, do not worry — so long as the form went in, you are all set. Our messages sometimes land in spam.
What it costs
| Monthly, unlimited | Drop-in | |
|---|---|---|
| Aikido | $100 | $20 |
| Aikido + Iaido | $125 | — |
Unlimited means unlimited — attend every class on the schedule if you want to. Most members come two or three times a week.
No contracts. Cancel any time with written notice before the 1st of the following month. Join after the 15th and your first month is prorated.
We also take cash, check and card in person before or after class. Full terms are on the Tuition & Rates page.
We recommend starting on a Tuesday or Sunday, when the dojocho is present to answer administrative questions — but once payment is in, you are free to start with any class on the schedule.
Questions people actually ask
How old do I have to be?
Twelve or older. We do not offer children’s classes. The one exception is a parent training alongside a younger child.
I’m not in shape. Is that a problem?
No, and you do not need to get in shape first. Our members range from teenagers to practitioners in their eighties. Safety and longevity are the priorities, not intensity — you will be learning to fall safely long before anything strenuous.
What if I’m the only beginner?
You will not be, and it would not matter if you were. Classes deliberately mix every experience level, and senior students are expected to help junior students. That is how the dojo works, not a favour anyone is doing you.
How often should I come?
There is no requirement. Rank here is based on time spent training rather than competition, and two to three classes a week is where most people see steady progress. Your monthly pass is unlimited either way.
I have an old injury or a medical condition.
Talk to your doctor first — practice involves rolling and controlled falling. Then tell your instructor and your training partner so they can adjust, and say something the moment anything hurts. Plenty of our members train around long-term injuries.
Do I need to know anything about Japanese etiquette?
No. You will pick it up. The Student Handbook covers it if you would like to read ahead, but nobody expects you to arrive knowing any of it.
What equipment do I need?
Nothing at all for your first classes. Wear loose clothes that cover your knees and elbows, and train barefoot — that is genuinely all you need to walk in.
If you decide to join, you will want a judogi — a white cotton uniform — and later a bokuto and jo for weapons work. There is no rush on any of it, and nothing to buy before you are sure. When you are ready, equipment and suppliers lists what to get and where to get it. Ask any instructor before you order.
Private group sessions
Book the dojo for a private group class — $25 per person, three-person minimum, one hour. On-site or at your venue.
Corporate team building · stunt and film training · bachelor and bachelorette parties · birthdays · couples and group dates · school, cultural and community events
Corporate team building. A private Aikido class requires people to practise with one another, which builds collaboration, communication and a concrete kind of trust — you are relying on your partner not to hurt you.
Stunt and film training. Aikido’s choreography, blending and safe falling read well on screen, and we can run focused sessions on sword and short-staff work. We provide both the space and the instruction.
Not-for-profit and charity events train free, in limited numbers each year.
To book, call or text (586) 436-2454 or email info@liaikikai.com.
Finding us on the day
15 N. Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Look for the white building at N. Clinton Avenue and Mechanicville Road.
- Parking is on-site, entered from Mechanicville Road.
- The door faces N. Clinton Avenue. Walk straight in — no need to ring.
- Aikido is on the first floor.
- Doors open 30 minutes before class.
- By train: 0.6 miles from Bay Shore LIRR, about a 15-minute walk.
(586) 436-2454 · info@liaikikai.com · Map and directions →