Business Details
24 Years
experience
Traditional Aikido Training in Princeton, NJ
Princeton Aikikai has been dedicated to teaching traditional Aikido in Princeton, NJ since 2002. Founded by Masashi Numata Sensei, a 7th Dan Shihan with over 50 years of experience, our dojo emphasizes the principles of harmony, respect, and personal growth through rigorous yet safe training. Our programs cater to all ages, from youth to adults, blending physical discipline with cultural education under the guidance of certified instructors affiliated with Tokyo Aikido World Headquarters.We prioritize mindful practice, ensuring students develop self-defense skills while fostering awareness and connection. Following Sensei Numata's passing in 2023, our community continues his legacy of excellence and dedication to authentic Aikido practice.
Services
Aikido Classes
Youth Training
Adult Martial Arts
French Language Instruction
Dog Obedience Training
Weapon Practice
Summer Camps
Agility Training
Cultural Education
Beginner Programs
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer instruction from certified 6th and 7th Dan Aikido masters with decades of international experience.
- Our mixed-level classes foster community learning with all ages and skill levels training together.
- We emphasize safe, non-competitive practice focused on personal development rather than sparring.
- Our curriculum includes traditional weapon training with bokken, jo, and tanto.
- We maintain direct affiliation with Aikido's Tokyo World Headquarters for authentic teaching lineage.
Associations and certifications
- United State Aikido Federation (USAF)
- Tokyo Aikido World Headquarters
Services
Aikido Classes
Traditional Japanese Aikido training for all ages develops self-defense skills through blending with attacks rather than opposition. Our curriculum emphasizes balance, coordination, and safe technique execution while preserving cultural heritage. Students learn falls, rolls, and weapon-based movements that enhance physical awareness and mental discipline.
Youth Training
Specialized Aikido instruction for ages 6-18 builds confidence through structured lessons on respect, responsibility, and cooperation. Children learn basic techniques and safety protocols while developing motor skills and leadership qualities in a supportive environment that values personal growth over competition.
French Language Instruction
Native French speaker Marie Mockers Numata provides K-5 language education focusing on early acquisition benefits. Small group sessions emphasize pronunciation fundamentals and cultural understanding, preparing students for middle school language proficiency through interactive, play-based learning methods.
Dog Obedience Training
Positive reinforcement methods develop well-mannered companions through basic commands and behavioral modification. Programs address socialization challenges using consistency-based approaches that strengthen owner-pet relationships while meeting high-energy breeds' mental stimulation needs.
Weapon Practice
Traditional bokken (wooden sword), jo (stick), and tanto (knife) training enhances understanding of Aikido's movement principles. Students learn weapon forms that translate to empty-hand techniques, deepening their comprehension of distance, timing, and energy flow in self-defense applications.
People
Masashi Numata
Founder/Teacher
7th Dan Shihan with 50+ years experience, trained under Master Tanaka Bansen for 25 years. Served as Kyoto Aikido Committee head teacher for two decades before establishing Princeton Aikikai in 2002.
Marie Mockers Numata
Instructor
6th Dan USAF Shidoin with 30+ years Aikido experience. NJ-certified K-12 science teacher and native French speaker who studied under Aikido masters in Japan and the US since 1983.
Questions
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art focusing on defensive techniques that redirect attacks through blending movements rather than direct opposition, emphasizing harmony and non-aggression.
Are there classes for children?
Yes, we offer youth programs for ages 6-18 that develop coordination, respect, and self-confidence through age-appropriate Aikido instruction and character development.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required. Our mixed-level classes welcome complete beginners with free introductory sessions available for new students.
What should I wear?
Beginners can wear comfortable workout clothes. Traditional uniforms become required after initial trial periods, with specific guidelines for hygiene and appearance.
