How to get started in Martial Arts
The First Step Toward a Stronger You Starting something new can be both exciting and intimidating, especially when it comes to martial arts. Many people
Charles Falk
November 18, 2025
We know cycling studio and gym memberships are popular, but we’d like to ask you something: how much are you actually learning from those programs? If you’re looking for Aikido classes near Wake Forest NC, contact Innovative Martial Arts Academy today.
We think you’re ready for a new workout challenge—and martial arts is exactly the challenge you’ve been looking for.
You’ll learn entirely new disciplines, build muscles you never knew you had, and boost your self confidence in ways you never thought possible.
We offer two distinct Martial Arts: Filipino Kali and Aikido. Regardless of which one you choose, the results will be the same: improved physical wellness, greater mental wellness, and increased self confidence. Both disciplines offer an opportunity to find a community within an Aikido class you can truly be a part of. Aikido Near Me – Innovative Martial Arts Academy
Aikido Defined: The word “Aikido” is made up of three Japanese characters: “Ai” – join or harmony, “Ki” – spirit or universal energy, “Do” – the Way. Thus Aikido is “the Way of Harmony with Universal Energy.”
Aikido is a martial art that allows you to redirect an attackers energy and turn it back on them. You’ll learn how to use leverage and proper technique to get control over your opponent. This Japanese discipline teaches self defense through throwing, joint locks, and using the effects of your physical momentum to ensure you come out on top of a particular situation.
Aikido is fun to learn and takes very little strength to drop someone twice your size or bigger. Proper technique and practice are the key ingredients to learning this art. We’ll start you out slow and easy, but before you know it, you’ll be sending your attackers through the air with ease. Aikido is a martial art focused on harmony, self-defense, and personal growth. It uses fluid movements to redirect an opponent’s energy, making it ideal for all ages and abilities. Unlike other martial arts, Aikido emphasizes technique over strength, promoting mental clarity, calmness, and stress management. Physically, it improves flexibility, balance, and coordination. Its non-aggressive philosophy builds confidence and discipline, teaching peaceful conflict resolution. Through Aikido, practitioners enhance both body and mind, fostering patience, humility, and a sense of community while learning valuable life skills in a supportive environment. See our study guide at the bottom of the page before your first class. Contact IMAA today to schedule Aikido classes for you or your family!
Our adult programs are designed to improve your mind, body, and spirit. You’ll gain improvements such as weight loss, stronger muscles, and more endurance, but you’ll also see improvements in memory, focus, confidence, and an elevated mood. We are located near Wake Forest, and North Raleigh North Carolina at 1241 S Main St # 2, Wake Forest, NC 27587
These disciplines aren’t easy; they require a lot of practice to get right. If you mess up, then you have to pick yourself back up and try again. If you keep at it, you’ll see the following benefits in your life:
Great school with wonderful teachers. My daughter has a great time learning and everyone is friendly. There is even an adult class that allowed me to try to see if I liked it and everyone was very patient with me. I am thankful to have my daughter be a part of the Innovative Martial Arts Academy in Wake Forest and know she is benefiting from it in more than one way. It amazes me how fast she is learning and how hard she is trying. They have her trying to develop at her fullest with her mind, body, and spirit. I would recommend this school to anyone interested in martial arts.
William D.
Kristi F.
| Number | Pronounced |
| 1 | ichi |
| 2 | ni |
| 3 | san |
| 4 | shi |
| 5 | go |
| 6 | roku |
| 7 | shichi |
| 8 | hachi |
| 9 | ku |
| 10 | juu |
Pronounced
Are Ga Toe – Go Za Ma Shee ta
“Thank you very much the instruction.” After each class, it is proper to bow and thank the instructor and those with whom you have trained.
| Japanese | English |
| Katate | Wrist |
| Mune | Chest |
| Kata | Shoulder |
| Ude | Arm |
| Hiji | Elbow |
| Kao | Face |
| Kokyo | Breath |
| Ushiro | Behind |
| Kubi | Neck |
| Japanese | English |
| Tori/Dori | To Grab |
| Munetsuki | Chest Strike |
| Tsuki | Straight Thrust |
| Katatetori | Wrist Grab |
| Katatori | Shoulder Grab |
| Shomenuchi | Overhand Attack |
| Yokomenuchi | Diagonal Strike |
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Aikido is a dynamic martial art that emphasizes fluid movement, self-defense, and inner harmony. At Innovative Martial Arts Academy (IMAA), we offer expert-led Aikido classes near Wake Forest, providing students with a unique opportunity to improve physical fitness while developing mental discipline.
Unlike other martial arts that focus on striking or brute force, Aikido teaches practitioners how to redirect an opponent’s energy using circular movements and joint locks. This makes it an excellent martial art for self-defense, as it allows individuals to control conflict without excessive aggression. Training in Aikido also enhances balance, coordination, and flexibility, making it ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels.
At IMAA, our Aikido dojo near Wake Forest is dedicated to helping students build confidence, discipline, and focus. Our skilled instructors provide structured and supportive training, ensuring that each student progresses at their own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, our martial arts classes offer a welcoming environment to master the principles of Aikido.
Beyond self-defense, Aikido fosters a strong mind-body connection, reducing stress and promoting mindfulness. It’s a martial art that not only prepares you for physical encounters but also enhances your everyday life with patience, resilience, and self-awareness.
Join us at Innovative Martial Arts Academy and experience the many benefits of Aikido. If you’re looking for Aikido classes near Wake Forest, contact us today and take the first step on your martial arts journey.