Our next Self Defense Workshop meets November 22 at 6:15pm and features gun defense. Learn More

Aikido Classes Near Me | IMAA Near Wake Forest

Aikido for ages 16 and up near you!

More Than Just an Aikido Class

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, 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. 

What is aikido?

Traditional Self Defense System

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! 

Why take Aikido at IMAA?

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: 

  • Sustainable fat burn and weight loss
  • Lean muscle gains and toning
  • Improved speed and athletic ability
  • Unwavering self-confidence in everything you do
Aikido classes are a great way to stay fit, build friendships, discipline and learn about a legendary martial art. 
DAY
TIME
AVBL
DAY
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Tuesday
7:15 PM
Yes
Thursday
7:15 PM
Yes

Our Reviews

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.

Janice P.

This place is great! Charles and his team have fantastic programs for kids. When we started our 3.5 year old son, I didn’t know what to expect. He quickly adapted to the classes and now loves going. Our 2 year old son loves watching and will start as well as soon as he turns 3. Innovative Martial arts also hosted their birthday parties. The kids had a blast doing different activities throughout the birthday party. Can’t say enough good things about this place, and what they teach!

William D.

Wonderful place for not only skill development but also personal development. Owner and instructors genuinely get to know students and families and care about them. The lessons learned will provide character growth as well as martial art skills. The owner is also a long time student of many different martial arts, he didn't just buy a franchise, and tries very hard to live what he teaches the students. Proud to have been in this dojo family for 6+ years and proud of the friendships we have made there!

Kristi F.

Ready To Get Started?

Build your skills one day at a time. Sign up now and start today.
Contact Us

Class study guide & Aikido Terminology

One to Ten In Japanese

NumberPronounced
1ichi
2ni
3san
4shi
5go
6roku
7shichi
8hachi
9ku
10juu

After Class Ritual

arigatō gozaimashita

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.

Basic Body Terms

JapaneseEnglish
KatateWrist
MuneChest
KataShoulder
UdeArm
HijiElbow
KaoFace
KokyoBreath
UshiroBehind
KubiNeck
  

BASIC ATTACK TERMS

Japanese English
Tori/Dori To Grab
Munetsuki Chest Strike
Tsuki Straight Thrust
Katatetori Wrist Grab
Katatori Shoulder Grab
Shomenuchi Overhand Attack
Yokomenuchi Diagonal Strike
 
 
 

Recent Blog Posts