There are fifty classical techniques taught in the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido.  As a beginner, the student will learn ten self-defense techniques such as throws, strikes, joint-locks, and grappling.  At Go-Kyu (yellow belt), students will learn an additional set of ten new techniques, and so on until the rank of I-Kyu (brown belt).  Classical techniques are taught from a stationary position, usually a wrist grab.  Once the student performs the technique proficiently, they will then be taught numerous applications to the technique from realistic "street"  types of attacks.  In Nihon Goshin Aikido, the students are also taught to incorporate strikes into their techniques.  In  addition to classical techniques, strikes, and applications, defenses against knives, clubs and guns are practiced.  Further, to complement our core art, we work on ground-defense and sparring. To view a complete list of Nihon Goshin Aikido Association test requirements, click on the link below.

The History of Nihon Goshin Aikido - Master Shodo Morita

Nihon (Japanese) Goshin (Self-Defense) Aikido was founded by Master Shodo Morita in Hokkaido, Japan.  Soke (founder) Shodo Morita was a student of Yoshida Kotaro, Sokaku Takeda and some of his senior students in Daito Ryu Aiki Jiu-Jitsu. Additionally, Master Morita trained in other methods of self-defense, such as Aikido, Karate, Judo, Kendo, Bo-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu, and Yawara.  He combined techniques from each style in order to form a practical, well-rounded and efficient martial art.  He called it Nihon Goshin Aikido.

Nihon Goshin Aikido Association  (U.S. Headquarters)       Shihan Richard A. Bowe

Shihan Richard Bowe introduced the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido to the United States.  During his military career he was stationed in Hokkaido, Japan where he reviewed a variety of martial art systems and was ultimately accepted as a student of Master Shodo Morita.  Upon completing his training with Master Morita, he was awarded the rank of black belt and later returned to the United States.  In 1963 he established the United States branch of the Nihon Goshin Aikido Association in Guttenberg, New Jersey.  It has grown and prospered under his leadership. 

Basic Martial Arts, Fitness & Exercise  – Ages 5 to 8 

In this class, we teach your child the fundamentals of fitness through cardio, strength, flexibility training, and martial arts.  They’ll gain a positive attitude toward exercise and explore fun, fitness and martial arts activities. It emphasizes tumbling, balance, speed, timing, and footwork drills rather than punches and kicks. Children in this program also have an opportunity to learn life, safety and socialization skills as they interact and have fun with peers.

Youth Aikido – Ages 8 to 14

In this class students will be taught blocks, strikes and effective self-defense techniques.  Students will be drilled on how to resolve, handle and stop conflict.  Additionally, students begin to understand self-control, courtesy and discipline during this stage of training.  In addition to the physical techniques, the student’s behavior, attitude, listening skills, and focus will be a factor in testing and promotion to the next levels.

Aikido for Adults – Ages 14 & up

Our adult program has been proven to reduce stress, increase fitness, and improve self-confidence. Students will find a complete Japanese system of self-defense consisting of throws, joint locks, nerve pressure points, grappling and strikes.  Adult classes are conducted in a professional, safe and competition-free environment.