Aikido of Annapolis
Our dojo is led by three rules:
Stay Safe, Have Fun, and Learn.
We are now teaching classes at two locations. Your first three classes are free! For info please e-mail or call (443) 758-8708 and leave a voicemail.
Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club
8514 Veterans Highway, Millersville, MD 21108
Friday 7pm to 8pm
&
Sunday 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Location details
and
map directions
Balanced Life Skills
133 Gibralter Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
Tuesday 7pm to 8:30pm
&
Thursday 7pm to 8:30pm
Location details
and
map directions
Announcements
We're hosting a BBQ at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis at the Dogwood Pavilion on July 24th from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Please come join us!
Our dojo will be hosting a series of women's self defense classes. Specific dates will be posted soon.
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Testing For Rank
Our members test for rank through our affiliate, Capital Aikikai, located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Fees and requirements can be found on their website.
Students of Aikido of Annapolis
The Art of Aikido
Aikido is the art of peace for many reasons, most of which must be experienced through practice to be understood. Aikido practitioners seek to blend with any attack while remaining balanced. From a position of balance, the attacker is placed in a position of imbalance, and thrown or pinned.
Through this style of martial art strength, speed, and flexibility are not required for competence, or martial effectiveness. In Aikido, students strive to master evasions, attack re-direction, joint-locks, throws, and tumbling.
The teachings of the founder of Aikido,
O'Sensei, are contained in his work
"The Art of Peace." The whole work is
available to read online for free.
Teachings of O'Sensei
Aikido is a martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (O'Sensei) that seeks to protect the defender and attacker.
"In the Art of Peace we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it." (Art of Peace No. 83)
Aikido of Annapolis strives to focus on these teachings. Those most dear to us are: "To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace." (No. 52), and "Always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner." (No. 54)
Shobu, Symbol of Aikido of Annapolis
Our dojo has selected the shobu (iris) as our symbol. In ancient Japan, the iris was believed to keep away evil spirits. People suspended irises from their roofs, drank sake composed of iris blossoms, and bathed in iris laden water. Samurai helmets were decorated in irises in hopes that the warriors would be courageous and be worthy to ward off evil.
In Japan, Shobu (a homonym written with different Kanji characters) also came to mean Sho (righteous) Bu (samurai spirit).
Aikido of Annapolis strives to be a dojo where courage and endurance finds its roots in the joyful beauty of nature, and within the sincere and playful spirit of its members.
Aikido of Annapolis' original logo, featuring the shobu
John f. Johnston, Founder of Aikido of Annapolis
John f. Johnston, former chief instructor of Aikido of Annapolis Dojo, began Aikido in Iwakuni, Japan in 1983 with Okimura Shihan. In 1986 he returned to Maryland where he studied with Saotome Shihan. Following that, John has been a student of Clyde Takeguchi of Capital Aikikai and Gordon Sakamoto of Virginia.
In 1996, John returned to Japan for three months of training throughout Southern Japan with Okada Shihan while teaching Aikido on the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni. Upon returning to Maryland, he became the chief instructor of Chesapeake Seibukai.
He has had the great good fortune to participate in clases with The First Doshu, the present Doshu, John Stevens Shihan, Yamada Shihan, Sugano Shihan, Tamura Shihan, Saito Sensei, Chiba Shihan, Yakota Sensei, Kanetsuka Shihan, Chiba Shihan, Shibata Shihan, Osawa Sensei, Masuda Shihan, Henry Smith Sensei, Katagiri Sensei, Greg O'Connor Sensei, Mary Heiny Sensei, Donovan Waite Sensei, David Halprin Sensei, as well as countless spirited and engaging Sensei and Aikidoka.
He has been a frequent guest instructor at Aikido Foundation of Delaware and has conducted seminars in Maine and at Pax River Air Station and taught the United States Secret Service at their training facility in Beltsville. In March of 1998 John founded Aikido of Annapolis. John presently studies with Scoville Sensei. John is a retired school counselor who practices Shiatsu in Honolulu, Hawaii.