About our Dojo

We Are Dedicated To Excellence



* Mumonkan-Do Aikido of California, located in Orange County, CA, was formally established in June, 1990, though its development began in the mid-1980's. Our intention was (and is) to embrace and maintain the original meaning and purpose of the Japanese martial ways in general, and Aikido in particular (as understood and set forth by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba). For an evolutionary history of our dojo, click here.

* We are independent. We are not affiliated with a particular Aikido association or federation. Although these organizations may have their merits, they tend to introduce politics into the dojo. We strongly feel that politics do not belong in the dojo. For this reason, we have opted to remain independent.

* We firmly believe in the oneness of all religions and we welcome individuals from all religious backgrounds and all spiritual traditions.

* We focus on the cultivation of the mind and spirit through physical training. We view the physical techniques as means to an end rather than as ends in themselves. The end is the cultivation of the mind and spirit as well as the ultimate realization of the universal principle of harmony.

* We teach in a manner that helps students to attain a high degree of effectiveness in terms of their ability to defend themselves. But we also teach in a manner that incorporates the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the art. This, in turn, gives the student a more profound understanding of Aikido.

* We cultivate the martial virtues as part of the training. The Samurai warriors of Feudal Japan lived their lives according to the code of Budo which encourages the development of rectitude, courage, benevolence, courtesy, sincerity, honor, and loyalty. These virtues are as important now as they were centuries ago.

* Our training methods help lead the student to oneness of body and mind. By diligently practicing the techniques, the body gradually comes to move in accordance with the wishes of the mind. Ultimately, the student comes to move his or her body freely and unself-consciously. There is no gap between the movement of the mind and that of the body.

* We strive to achieve our mission not only through our training methods by also by providing information and inspiration through handouts and books. We offer a syllabus which is comprised of various articles and anecdotes. This syllabus is designed to give students an enhanced understanding of martial art training in general and Aikido training in particular. Also available is a book written by the head instructor, Parker Sensei, entitled In Search of Harmony.

* Because we are dedicated to preserving the original purpose and meaning of the Japanese martial arts, we keep our standards high. All of our instructors have a minimum of 14 years training in the Art of Aikido. The head instructor has over 21 years of experience. Additionally, rank is not easily earned; nor is rank the guaranteed result of testing. The testing process develops physical skill; however this is only one aspect of rank achievement. Strong emphasis is also placed on the student's attitude, depth of character, compassion, inner strength, and courage. Students are not required to obtain rank; indeed, students are highly discouraged from pursuing rank as a means of ego aggrandizement.