Zenshin Dojo is an aikido school located in İstanbul. You are welcome to train with us.

Classes are open for all who are older than 14 years old. Contact info@zenshinaikido.com or +90 553 574 94 33 for further details.

A suitable equipment for beginners is a plain t-shirt and sweatpants. An aikido uniform (gi) can be ordered later on. Aikido is trained barefoot. Avoid using jewelry. Nails should be trimmed short.

Schedule

Mondays: 19:15 – 21:00

Fridays: 19:15 – 21:00

Address

Kurtuluş Spor Kulübü – Yenişehir, Safa Meydanı Sk. No: 36, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

 

About Aikido

“I call on to those who will take and follow the path of Aikido. Aikido is not about guiding others along the right path, it’s about guiding yourself.”

– Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido

Aikido belongs to the family of modern martial arts developed in Japan in the 20th century. “Budo”, or more specifically “modern Budo”, is a term often used for all these arts that have their roots in the traditional combat arts of the Japanese warrior class, the samurai, but which also emphasize the mental self development. The term “do” means “the way, the path” and refers to an overall lifestyle that can be maintained by the practice of these arts.

Aikido is usually translated as the “the way of harmony with ki”. Ki can be interpreted as the universal creative principle or the forces and principles of nature. What distinguishes aikido from most of the other martial arts is its nonviolent nature. The aim in aikido techniques is to protect oneself from an attack without causing the opponent any severe injury. Related to the nonviolent nature, there is no competition in aikido, as a defeat usually carries the seed of a new combat.

The basic idea in aikido techniques is to accept and blend to the motion of the attacker and redirect the force. In the techniques, there are often circular and turning movements by which the attacker is unbalanced. Most of the techniques are finished with various kinds of throws or joint locks. Performing aikido techniques requires very little physical strength making the art suitable for men, women and children, regardless of age. Continuous observation and practice are everything required in aikido.

A crucial part of aikido could well be described by this quote by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Come and experience aikido with us!