Our dojo is more than a place to train and get fit. We are a community of members who are hooked on the physical and mental benefits we gain from aikido practice, and we enjoy sharing our practice with others.

Aikido of New Orleans is a non-profit organization run by volunteer instructors and senior students. All fees and membership dues go back into running the dojo.

Our lineage and history

Aikido of New Orleans is the oldest and most established aikido dojo in Louisiana. We began in 1994 as a student group at Loyola University. As our group grew and evolved, we held classes in a number of shared or borrowed practice spaces. In 2009, we opened our Magazine Street space, which was dedicated to Aikido practice. During the coronavirus shutdowns we closed Magazine dojo. In August of 2021 we opened our current dojo in the Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center. We find it to be an inspiring place to practice.

At Aikido of New Orleans, we are open to everyone. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender expression.

Member of the United States Aikido Federation

Aikido of New Orleans belongs to the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), which is the American affiliate of Hombu Dojo (Aikido World Headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan. Hombu Dojo was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), the originator of aikido, and is now led by his grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba. As such, Aikido of New Orleans can trace its lineage directly back to its Japanese source.

A not-for-profit group based in New York City, USAF provides both technical and administrative guidance and support to its member dojos and students. It oversees the practice of aikido and its instruction as established by Aikikai Hombu Dojo, also known as Aikido World Headquarters, in Japan. For member dojos and students in the United States, the USAF develops and maintains standards and ranking requirements consistent with Hombu’s international regulations. It also organizes seminars, conducts aikido demonstrations, encourages activities of member dojos, and publishes information and materials pertaining to the marital art.

What is aikido anyway?

Read the USAF's overview of aikido on its website.

Aikido of New Orleans Store

You can purchase Aikido of New Orleans T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other branded merch through our online store at RedBubble.com.