Soon Aiki | Kalasarpa Martial Art

Soon Aiki
Aikido & Self-Defense Training in New York City
soonaiki@gmail.com | (646) 209-5373

Private Self-Defense Lessons :: About :: Mission Statement
Youtube Channel :: Soon Aiki on Facebook :: FAQs

Mission Statement

Soon Aiki is an Independent Dojo with a Goal to Offer Effective and Efficient Aikido and Self-Defense Instruction.

"When you realize the truth of Non-effort, you are approaching the highest fruition.
Ignorant are those who lack this truth: arrogant teachers inflated by learning, scholars bewitched by mere words, and yogis seduced by prejudice."
~ Aikido is the ever-changing formless perfection of the Mind & Body ~

"The techniques of Aikido change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should emerge naturally. Today's techniques will be different tomorrow. Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. Aikido has no form - it is the study of the spirit."
~Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, Founder of Aikido

Aikido: "When I think of it today, I believe it means giving birth to the true bu (martial art). The true bu means, briefly, to settle your mind. In our heart there must be no desire to fight. This is the spirit of bu. A human being has to completely extinguish conflict, hatred, and malice in his heart. Thus, Takemusu Aiki means giving birth to such a beautiful heart without any conflict, hatred or malice. This is my interpretation."
~Hideo Takahashi, who compiled spoken lectures given by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba Sensei in the 1960s.

The mission of Soon Aiki and Gregory Soon is to practice and teach Aikido as a Martial Art that is a way of interacting with the world, a way of conducting relationships, and a way of living a more peaceful, powerful, and fulfilling life.

We draw freely from other styles, and from other arts and disciplines, adopting that which serves our mission.

We are not affiliated with any other Aikido style, organization, or lineage, and we do not believe that any style, organization, or lineage has a monopoly on good Aikido, or knows all there is to know about it. Just as there is no single right way to live, there is no single right way to practice Aikido.

We Do Not Accept the authority of any schools, teachers, or organizations that seek to establish, maintain, or support a political hierarchy in the world of Aikido, whether based on rank, lineage, or any other factor.

Training is Based on Uniting a Solid Foundation of Movement with a Practical Understanding of Effective Technique.
As An Independent Dojo: Kyu/Dan Grading is Awarded to Students On an Individual Basis - Based on the Conduct and Training Dedication of Each Student; Not on the Basis of Paying Into a Certification/Ranking System.

Our Training Focus:
1) Kokyu Ryoku
2) Ashi Sabaki
3) Tai Sabaki
4) Atemi waza
5) Tachi waza
6) Kansetsu waza
7) Suwari waza
8) Ukemi waza
9) Maai

Of Course Aikido is Not Buddhism...
... but the Founder of Aikido was a deeply religious and spiritual man. He followed the Omoto-Kyo religion and was a very close-personal friend of Masahisa Goi (see link for more about him and his teachings).
Aikido is Not in itself a spiritual practice, Aikido is quite undefined actually, so that the meaning of it is personal for every different person who practices Aikido.

It is a very effective self-defense / martial art system, which is where it has held its place in popular culture.
Aikido does several things for someone who trains daily, regularly, with good intentions: It Teaches them how to flow through all the challenges of life without the emotional ups-and-downs that regular people tend to suffer from.
It teaches them proper body movement, graceful body movement, strong body movement, to help them carry themselves through the world fluidly and with ease.

For those who carry anger, Aikido training helps to eliminate the anger. Same is true for people who are restless or have over-active minds. Aikido is a way to train your mind to be calmer and more relaxed.
Aikido is a Training Method not only for martial arts, but for Life.

~ Gregory Soon
April 27, 2010

Code of Conduct:
This Code of Conduct is a summation and declaration of acceptable, ethical, and professional behavior by which I conduct the teaching and business of Martial Art Training.

As a Professional Martial Artist, I agree to uphold the ethical goals set forth in the following Code of Conduct:

1. Uphold the integrity of my vocation by conducting myself in a professional and conscientious manner.

2. Acknowledge the limitations of my skills and scope of practice and where appropriate, refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, or direction.

3. Create and maintain an safe, clean, comfortable, and encouraging environment for the practice of martial arts.

4. Encourage diversity actively by respecting all students regardless of age, physical limitations, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, religion affiliation, or sexual orientation.

5. Respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of all students.

6. Avoid words and actions that constitute sexual harassment.

7. Adhere to traditional principles of martial art training while being open to modern training methods and principles.

8. Follow all local government and national laws that pertain to my martial art teaching and business.