Seattle Aikikai

"To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace."
– Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido is a modern martial art developed in the late 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba, known as O Sensei (“Great Teacher”). Translated, Aikido (合気道) means "the way of harmonizing with energy." O Sensei realized that winning at the expense of another's defeat was not a victory. Aikido blends with an attack, using timing and momentum. The attacker's momentum is redirected or evaded, leading into into a throw or pin.  In this way, the aggressor's physical safety is maintained, and they learn that they can only harm themselves. Aikido has no sparring or competition.

In a relentlessly fast-paced world, Aikido provides a place where you can practice mindfulness, develop mental and physical strength, and flexibility. Aikido boosts concentration, learning capability, and leadership skills.

Seattle Aikikai is fortunate to have a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes everyone with the desire to practice. Aikido requires commitment and discipline, but our members will challenge you to be your best, and will do all we can to support your practice. Our local aikido community is part of a larger community, in the Pacific Northwest and Internationally. The Aikido family can be found in every corner of the globe, and our members often travel to seminars in the U.S. and abroad, including Japan, Spain, and more. 

"As a longtime Aikido practitioner and a newcomer to Seattle, I knew the best way to get a feel for the city (and make new friends) would be to join a dojo. While there were a handful of choices, Seattle Aikikai really stood out for its warm welcome, acceptance of students coming from different training backgrounds, and its study of Aikido as both a physical and spiritual practice."
– Mahika R.

"When you walk into a dojo you cross a threshold. You are walking into a space that is unique and special. You feel that you will find something in the dojo that was missing from your life — something that you have been looking for. My job as an instructor is to help facilitate that experience."
– Malory Graham

Graham Sensei fell in love with aikido while in college training with Paul Sylvain Sensei in 1988. She founded Seattle Aikikai and has been professionally teaching since 1997. She received her 6th Dan from Y. Yamada Shihan in 2014.  She continues to develop her own training with Yoko Okamoto and Chris Mulligan Senseis of Aikido Kyoto.  Along with teaching aikido and yoga, she has had tandem careers as a filmmaker and non-profit Executive Director. She has made films to promote women in aikido and has been deeply committed to the social justice/youth development field.