Aikido is principled upon non-violent conflict resolution. Aikido students identify, align, and resolve de-escalate confrontation, on the mat and in life. Students learn grappling, striking, kicking, and throwing techniques to provide a wide variety of tools with which to resolve conflicts. Students also learn to use traditional aikido weapons (jo, [bo]ken and tanto) as part of their training.
Aikido South envisions Aikido as a budo, a martial way.
Aikido is principled upon the phrase "masakatsu agatsu" or "true victory is victory over oneself." Aikido is the concept of self-improvement using a martial education process.
A student of aikido requires serious commitment and dedication to persevere. It is for this reason that Aikido South provides instruction so students may use the principles of aikido everyday, whether or not they are training on the mat. Training aikido empowers students to deal with difficult situations and aspects of their life which require courage to face. Training aikido also illuminates those moments precious and enjoyable we should not squander or ignore. Aikido training is about more than learning martial skills, it is learning how to live.
Jon Reading is the chief instructor of Aikido South. Jon has been training aikido since 1996 and holds a san dan rank in aikido. Jon was head instructor of the Emory Aikikai aikido club for over 10 years before opening Aikido South in 2012.
