Aikido is a martial art that focuses on the early neutralization of an attack by blending with the attack and then throwing or applying a joint lock to the attacker. Aikido does not rely on size or strength and instead relies on timing, proper positioning, and leverage. Morihei Ueshiba or O’Sensei (“Great Teacher) developed Aikido in the 1920’s from his practice and teaching of Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu.
One distinguishing characteristic of Aikido is “randori,” or practice against multiple attackers.
Another unique characteristic of Aikido is the application of atemi or striking methods, not to mame or hurt, but to distract the attacker and apply “kuzushi” or disbalance the attacker and then apply a throwing or joint lock technique.
Aikido also focuses on weapons techniques to enhance open hand techniques.
Another important component of Aikido is learning how to fall correctly when a throw is applied so that the practitioner does not get hurt. Warm ups before class involve learning how to roll and fall.
The new symbol of Hawk Valley Aikikai Aikido is the Two Hawk Feathers Crossed Kamon (crest) surrounded by two circles to represent the specific influences on Dr. Roger Geertz Gonzalez’s Aikido. One hawk feather is represented by Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada (8th dan), founder of the USAF and New York Aikikai and his direct students represent the other hawk feather, sensei Peter Bernath (7th dan) and sensei Penny Bernath (6th dan), founders of Florida Aikikai. The outer circle represents Aikido’s circular techniques in general. The inner circle represents Hawk Valley Aikikai Aikido embracing New York Aikikai’s and Florida Aikikai’s Aikido.
Hawk Valley Aikikai Aikido 