See if Aikido is for you, first 1 class free

Salt & Light AIKIDO

Come learn effective defensive techniques against grabs and strikes used by samurai warriors.

Fridays

Fundamentals

6:00PM - 7:00PM

Recommended for New Students

Flex

7:00PM - 8:00PM

*For highschoolers and adults (children's class tbd, please contact for interest)

Membership Information

See if Aikido is for You

First introductory/evaluation class - no cost

Monthly Membership Dues

$20/month for an individual

$30/month for a family up to five people - $5 per additional family member

Yearly Fees

$10 admin fee per person or family group - paid after the four intro classes

Birankai North America (BNA) Organization Fee

$75/year - to become a member and test for ranking that is recognized by Hombu Dojo (Aikido headquarters in Japan) and internatioanlly. To be paid before any ranking test or by the end of the year, whichever comes first.

Apply to Train

All students and visitors are required to fill out the Application & Liability Waiver Forms before getting on the mat.

Completed Forms Submission Options

Please email completed forms to SaltAndLightAikido1@gmail.com
or Print and bring in completed forms
or Fill out a physical copy before class

Download Application Today

What to Wear

If you have a Gi, wear it - but it is not required

If you don't have a Gi, comfortable gym clothes work - no shorts, your knees will thank you.

Good Gi's are not cheap, but they last a long time. My gi is 15+ years old. When you decide to invest in one, Judo, Aikido or BJJ Gi's work. I don't require that you wear one for class. But you will need one eventually, especially when you go for seminars at other dojo's.

About Aikido

Origin and Founder

Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), also known as O-Sensei, meaning “venerable teacher.” He developed Aikido after studying a variety of martial arts, including swordsmanship, spear, and various forms of jujitsu. O-Sensei founded Aikido with the goal of fostering peace, transforming martial techniques into an art that focused on self-mastery rather than defeating others. As he famously said, “True victory is victory over the self.”

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a martial art, not a sport. It’s common for people to confuse the two, but there’s a key difference: while sports like boxing or MMA focus on competition and domination, Aikido focuses on self-defense and harmony. You might notice that Aikido practitioners don’t always look like the hard-hitting athletes of other martial arts, and that’s because Aikido emphasizes using an opponent’s energy against them, not overpowering them.

Some Aikido schools focus more on the art’s philosophical side, which can make the techniques seem “softer.” But don’t be fooled—Aikido was developed for survival in real combat situations. Its techniques were designed for warriors in the midst of battle, where quick, effective responses were necessary to survive multiple attackers, often armed. That’s why Aikido is still considered a powerful martial art today, despite its non-aggressive appearance.

Aikido vs. Sport Fighting

Unlike sports martial arts, Aikido doesn’t have weight classes or specific rules. Aikido prepares you to face multiple attackers, often from different directions. In contrast, sports like boxing or MMA are one-on-one, and rules prevent certain dangerous techniques. In Aikido, the aim isn’t to win a match—it’s to neutralize an attack while keeping both the practitioner and their partner safe during training.

Aikido techniques require control, both of your own body and your partner’s. This focus on control is why it can take longer for an Aikido practitioner to reach proficiency. Instead of relying on brute strength or speed, Aikidoka learn to adjust techniques based on the situation and opponent, which leads to more sustainable, long-term growth and active aging lifestyle. Have you seen how many “older” people keep training in Aikido?.

Why Train in Aikido?

Training in Aikido is an engaging journey of self-mastery. It’s not just about learning techniques—it’s about learning when and how to apply them. The skills you develop in Aikido are valuable for anyone, regardless of size, strength, or age. Whether you’re looking for physical fitness, mental discipline, or a deeper sense of harmony, Aikido offers a lifelong path of growth

About Me

Showing you a much younger and better looking version of me. This was me when I was in the Army in a hot humid jungle somewhere. I’m squatting over a little freshwater stream for a morning wash.

That picture was taken when I was averaging just under 60kg. I am 20kg heavier now. Showing you a recent picture of me may kill your interest in Aikido :)

Aikido Journey

Stuart See’s martial arts journey began with unarmed combat training during his military service. After returning to civilian life, he started Aikido in 1997 in Memphis, TN, under Jim Baker (4th Dan, USAF). Following his graduation in 1999, Stuart moved to Singapore, training with George Chang Shihan (7th Dan, Ueshiba Aikido) until family commitments led him to step back before testing for his 1st Dan.

After a decade, Stuart resumed training with Ki-Society Aikido, refreshing his basics despite holding the rank of 1st kyu. In 2011, work brought him back to the U.S., where he trained with Arnie Gentile (3rd Dan, USAF) in Schuylerville, NY, and later with Shihan Irvin Faust (7th Dan, USAF) in Albany, earning his 1st Dan in 2017.

Moving to North Carolina in 2019, Stuart began training under Shihan Steve Kaufman (7th Dan, USAF) and later Shihan Frank Apodaca (6th Dan, Birankai) during the pandemic, earning his 2nd Dan in 2023.

Stuart’s Aikido journey spans over 27 years, with a focus on ingraining principles and movements that are effective and safe, adaptable to varied attacks. His approach reflects a dedication to practical, principled Aikido that continues to guide his journey.

He enjoys training with all students—whether they’re deeply dedicated or simply here for the joy of practice—where each session contributes to growth, community, and the shared art of Aikido.

Lineage

Lineage is the passing down of the technique (Jitsu) and the philosophy (Do) of Aikido - From one teacher to the next through the generations.

Chiba Sensei alluded to the need for the Aikidoka (Aikido practitioner) to protect Aikido. Aikido in itself has no means of self preservation. Aikido is dependent on us to sustain it through the generations. We practice it, hone it and teach it to others not to make a profit, but to pass on what is a good.

I've had the opportunity and privilege to be taught by several good teachers who have lineage direct from teachers at Hombu Dojo or Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan who were direct students of O-Sensei. However the Aikido lineage from Kazuo Chiba (direct student of O-Sensei) through Shihan Frank Apodaca Jr (direct student of Kazuo Chiba Sensei) is where I am at now and is what I've aligned to.

Salt & Light Aikido stemmed out of Deep River Aikikai and both schools are under the Birankai North America organization.

Where & When could you join in the fun?

The Press Room: 109 W Edwards St, Princeton, NC 27569 (Second Floor)

Walk up and straight and you will see the door at the back right corner leading upstairs

Fridays: 6:00PM - 7:00PM, 7:00PM - 8:00PM

Questions?

Your privacy matters to us. We’ll only use your contact information to share updates about our classes and programs. We never share or sell personal information to third parties.

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