Who We Are
We are a martial arts dojo (study hall or school) that offers training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Aikido is a grappling art involving joint locks and throws developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the mid to late 1920’s.
Aikido, as taught and practiced at Multnomah Aikikai is overseen by Aki Fleshler, Technical Director, Suzane Van Amburgh, Chief Instructor and Robert Scollard, who is Assistant Chief Instructor and Director of the Childrens program.
The vision and mission of Multnomah Aikikai:
“To enrich the Portland Community through traditional instruction in the dynamic martial art of Aikido.”
“Multnomah Aikikai provides a method of personal development for people of all ages through traditional, practical and sincere training in the martial art of Aikido. Through dynamic martial engagement the body is awakened, the mind is sharpened and the spirit is nourished. We teach respect, patience and perseverance in an open encouraging environment.”
Multnomah Aikikai's teachers represent a high level of experience and teaching expertise. Our dojo has several Birankai Certified Instructors and a strong core of senior members who assist with classes, new member orientation and dojo development. Through many years of training together, our senior members enjoy strong camaraderie and imbue the dojo with a welcoming spirit toward new members. Multnomah Aikikai teaches the art but also teaches respect, patience with others and especially with self, and perseverance to continue learning and perfecting the art. Each student is a teacher and each teacher is a learner. Individuals are trained given special attention to form and technique early on in study to prevent development of poor technique habits.
The primary importance of each class is not the technique itself but rather the individual learning the technique and more importantly the individual feeling themselves, becoming aware of their bodies as they move through each aspect of training. It is the knowledgeable instruction and keen awareness of learning styles as demonstrated at Multnomah Aikikai that is the key to who we are.