Aikido Program
Aikido Training With Discipline
Welcome to Wadokai Aikido of Buffalo at KinTora Martial Arts Center. My name is Michael Hawley, Dojo Cho, 6th Dan under Roy Y. Suenaka, Soke, founder of Wadokai, and direct student of the founder of aikido, O’Sensei. Suenaka Sensei began his aikido career in 1953 in Hawaii and received the Certificate of Complete Mastery (Menkyo Keiden) from O’Sensei in 1961.
Our Wadokai Aikido of Buffalo website is: http://goo.gl/0KoxvA .
Note: Any coupons offered on Kin Tora’s main page certainly apply to aikido.
Over the years Aikido has gone in many directions, our style is called Suenaka-ha Tetsugaku-ho of the Wadokai association. The style name translates into Suenaka style – Philosophical way. Founded by Roy Y. Suenaka, who studied under the founder of Aikido Morihei Uyeshiba, also know as O’Sensei (great teacher) who founded Aikido in 1942.
The term Aikido is broken down into the components:
ai: To meet; love; unity; harmony. ki: Vital life energy; the energy of Creation; the vital life force of the Universe; spirit; energy. do: The Way; the Path.
aikido: The Way to unify mind, body and spirit; the Way of peace; the Way to harmonize ki.
The art, in general, is defensive in nature, in other words Aikidoka (practioners of Aikido) do not initiate action. That is not to say that it is ineffective, quite the contrary, it utilizes the power of the attacker, as well as that of individual, to incapacitate the attacker in a controlled manner. This allows for as little or as much force as necessary to eliminate the threat without the need to cause serious bodily harm.
Welcome, please explore the site and visit our dojo (practice hall).
The Aikido Group meets on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30pm – 7:00pm and on Saturday mornings from 9:00am – 11:00am.
Program Details
What You Will Practice
Aikido training emphasizes timing, posture, movement, and partner awareness. Classes are designed to help students develop sound fundamentals while training with control and mutual respect.
Ukemi And Safety
Learn breakfalls, rolls, and movement patterns that help you train safely and confidently from the beginning.
Throws And Controls
Practice core techniques that teach balance disruption, redirection, and controlled execution with a partner.
Footwork And Distance
Develop body positioning, timing, and spatial awareness that support efficient movement and better technique.
Etiquette And Focus
Train in a disciplined setting that reinforces respect, consistency, and attention to detail on the mat.
Benefits
Why Students Choose Aikido
Aikido FAQs
Helpful answers for prospective students and families considering aikido training.
Is aikido suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners can start with foundational movement, safety skills, and partner drills taught at a manageable pace.
Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No prior experience is required. New students are introduced to etiquette, movement, and technique step by step.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothing is appropriate for an introductory visit unless the dojo provides different guidance.
Is aikido good for adults?
Yes. Aikido is well suited for adults seeking disciplined training, coordination, and a respectful practice environment.
How often should I train?
Consistent weekly attendance helps students improve technique, confidence, and overall body awareness.
How do I get started?
Use the contact page to ask about class availability, beginner guidance, and the best next step for joining.