About Us
AIKIDO
Aikido, the name Aikido can be divided into three Japanese words; Ai - harmony, Ki - spirit, Do - path or way. Aikido can thus be described as The Way of the Spirit of Harmony. Aikido in the modern sense is part of a martial tradition that has its origins in the specific martial forms of Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Another translation to understand Aikido is the way of aiki. However, it takes many years to fully develop a deeper understanding of aiki as a philosophical and physical discipline. Aiki can be interpreted many ways, but generally understood as the harmonious meeting or blending of energy.
IAIDO
Iaido, a traditional martial art of Japanese swordsmanship, which evolved from the combat techniques of feudal Japan into the modern system of movement and poise practiced today. Iaido entails two equally important elements of practice. First, the art of drawing the sword and cutting in a single move. Secondly, the correct etiquette and manners regarding the handling of swords, all aspects of behavior necessary for strict practice and intense study. Iaido is practiced in the form of katas (sequence of codified moves).
About our Dojo and Instructor
Jonel Sensei began practicing Aikido under the late Jesus Hernandez Sensei in 2003 in Venezuela. He continued to learn Aikido from Enrique Insua Sensei and also started practicing Iaido under his teaching.
He moved to Wisconsin in 2013 and continued training under Rock Lazo Sensei until he moved with his family to his current home in Houston Texas where the dojo is located.
The Dojo formally started in 2020 and is affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) under Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei. In Iaido, the dojo is affiliated with Kiyoikaze Iaido Federation under Claude Berthiaume Sensei, direct student of MItsunari Kanai Sensei.
Jonel, Sensei has attended seminars in South America, the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada. He is always eager to keep on learning and practicing these amazing Martial Arts.
