Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Aikido Training Center in Orange County
Founded in 1964 by Harry Ishisaka, Orange County Aikido stands as one of Southern California's oldest Aikido Dojos. Our institution merges the disciplined traditions of Japanese martial arts with the welcoming spirit of Hawaiian culture, creating a unique environment where students of all ages develop physical and mental strength. With a lineage tracing back to Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba through Koichi Tohei, we emphasize harmony, respect, and community in every aspect of our practice. Our experienced instructors, including direct students of our founder, deliver programs for children, adults, and families that combine technical precision with philosophical depth.Over six decades, we've maintained our commitment to traditional Aikikai style while adapting to serve modern practitioners through flexible class schedules and multi-generational training opportunities. Our non-profit status reflects our dedication to preserving Aikido's core values while making them accessible to contemporary students.
Services
Adult Aikido Classes
Children's Martial Arts
Family Training Sessions
Anti-Bullying Programs
Weapons Training
Ki Development
Self-Defense Techniques
College Student Programs
Fundamental Aikido
Advanced Black Belt Training
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- Over 60 years of continuous Aikido instruction in Southern California
- Unique blend of traditional Japanese discipline and Hawaiian cultural values
- Multi-generational instructors with direct lineage to Aikido's founders
- Family-friendly environment encouraging parent-child training partnerships
- Specialized anti-bullying curriculum for children's development
Associations and certifications
- Aikikai International Aikido
Services
Adult Aikido Classes
Our adult Aikido classes accommodate all skill levels from beginners to black belts. The curriculum focuses on blending with opponents' energy, redirecting force, and developing personal discipline. Practitioners learn traditional techniques that emphasize harmony over confrontation while improving physical fitness and mental focus through weekly sessions.
Children's Martial Arts
Designed for ages 7+, our children's program teaches Aikido fundamentals, mat safety, and anti-bullying techniques. The structured environment helps young students develop physical coordination, self-discipline, and conflict resolution skills while learning to train safely with partners of different sizes and abilities.
Family Training Sessions
These sessions allow families to train together, creating unique learning opportunities for both adults and children. Parents develop patience and control while children learn to handle larger opponents, fostering mutual growth and strengthening family bonds through shared martial arts practice.
Weapons Training
Advanced students receive instruction in traditional Aikido weapons including wooden sword (bokken), staff (jo), and dagger (tanto). This training enhances understanding of distance, timing, and movement principles while connecting practitioners to Aikido's samurai heritage through safe, controlled practice methods.
Anti-Bullying Programs
Our specialized curriculum teaches children effective non-violent responses to bullying situations. Through controlled partner drills, students learn to maintain composure, set boundaries, and redirect aggression while developing the confidence to handle real-world social challenges both on and off the training mat.
People
Brandon Ishisaka-Guadan
Chief Instructor
5th degree black belt with 40+ years experience, grandson of founder Harry Ishisaka. Combines technical precision with Hawaiian values of compassion and family. Leads with balance of Japanese discipline and inclusive teaching philosophy.
Eugene Matsuda
Senior Instructor
4th degree black belt and direct student of founder Harry Ishisaka. Specializes in internal energy development. Continues teaching Friday evening classes after decades of experience shaping OC Aikido's traditional foundations.
Mitch Maeda
Instructor
Lifelong martial artist with 50+ years experience. Trained under Harry Ishisaka since 1974. Brings diverse perspective from studying multiple disciplines including boxing, karate, and jiujitsu while maintaining traditional Aikido roots.
Michael Padilla
Instructor
Combines Aikido expertise with background in Goju Karate and Taijiquan. Also teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the dojo. Licensed acupuncturist who integrates holistic health principles into martial arts instruction at UCI Medical Center.
David D.
Instructor
Legal professional and martial arts expert with 40+ years experience. Certified in multiple disciplines including Police Defensive Tactics. Shares Aikido principles through practical applications for real-world self-defense scenarios.
Questions
What age can children start Aikido training?
We recommend children begin at age 7 or older when they can follow instructions effectively.
Do you offer family training sessions?
Yes, we encourage parent-child participation in our family-friendly training environment.
What benefits does Aikido offer children?
Our program develops respect, self-control, situational awareness, and conflict resolution skills.
Are there different classes for adults and children?
We offer separate age-specific classes while allowing cross-participation for family training.
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Aikikai style Aikido directly descended from Morihei Ueshiba.
Do you offer weapons training?
Yes, we include traditional Aikido weapons instruction as part of our advanced curriculum.
Videos
