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Vecchio Aikikai

8549 Mayfield Rd.
Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Lower Level of
Holy Trinity Church
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About Aikido
The name Aikido is composed of three Japanese words:  "ai," meaning harmony; "ki," spirit or energy; and "do," the path, the system or the way.  Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony. Aikido is a form of self-defense founded in Japan around the 1920s and brought to the United States in the early 1960s. Aikido is different from other forms of self-defense in that the motions are circular rather than linear. An attack is not met with force against force. Rather, the force of the attack is met with a blending motion and then returned upon the attacker.
The purpose of Aikido is to teach self-defense while establishing self-confidense and strengthening inner peace!
Vecchio Aikikai follows the training, techniques, and fundamental principles of Aikido as established by its founder, Master Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei).
Head Instructor Sensei James S. Vecchio, Sr. Always Motion | Always Blade
Master Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei)
The Art of Peace
“The art of peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotten that all things emulate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.” Master Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei)
Joining The Dojo
Students interested in joining the Dojo are first invited to watch a class and even participate. Most classes are mixed levels of experience. Beginners will have the opportunity to work with students of varying levels of proficiency. Beginners are first taught basic Japanese etiquette, which is as much a part of training as is learning technique. The next part of learning is how to fall and protect the body from injury. Falling correctly is an integral part of daily practice. Once the beginner has learned these basics, they will be able to workout with the rest of the class. In addition to regular Aikido classes, the Dojo also offers special classes and workshops, self-defense and rape prevention, and advanced weapons training which includes: Knives, Guns, and Jo Staff, along with close hand to hand and ground techniques.
Aikido Schedule
Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm to 7pm
***Discounts are available when paying 2+ months or more in advance.***
Location
8549 Mayfield Rd.
Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Lower Level of Holy Trinity Church
The Dojo Offers
Aikido Classes Beginner/Advanced Weapons Training Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Riot Control Classes
Wellness / Self-Defense Awareness / Rape Prevention Programs
All are welcome to come and watch a class before deciding to join. Children and adults 8yrs and older.
In honor of Sensei Linda Lee Vecchio (1942-2020)
Sensei Linda Lee Vecchio was the highest-ranking female Aikido Instructor in the United States Aikido Federation (U.S.A.F.). She received her first-degree black belt in 1969 and held the rank of Nanadan 7th Dan. Sensei Linda Lee Vecchio was highly regarded in the martial arts world of Aikido. She has trained and promoted many black belts up to her final days before her passing in August of 2020. In addition to holding a 7th-degree black belt, Sensei Linda Lee Vecchio also holds the title of Shihan (Master Instructor). She has been certified to teach Aikido by the approval of the International Aikido Federation located in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to practicing Aikido for over 55+ years, Sensei Linda Lee Vecchio has traveled and taught seminars worldwide from France, Belgium, Holland, Japan, Canada, and the United States. In 1978, the Lakeland Aikido Club was established. The Aikido Club gave students additional time to practice, enabled students to serve in different leadership roles in student government, and permitted students to travel and enjoy many Aikido workshops and seminars. Sensei Linda Lee Vecchio served as the faculty adviser and chief instructor of the club for its entire duration. Her son James Vecchio, Sr. and her credited self-defense and Aikido programs have developed through the years under her guidance. Together they have promoted and created Aikido courses for many different levels: including Wellness and Self-Defense Awareness Programs, Rape Prevention Clinics, Aikido Classes for Children. They also trained Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Riot Control Classes. James Vecchio, Sr. other expertise include training Secret Service, Navy Seals, Special Forces, and Several Rape Prevention Classes at many colleges.
"Inner strength is more important than physical strength!"