Introduction
About Grand Master Soengkono
Endorsements
Aikido and Shihan Soengkono
Benefits of Aikido
The Practice of Aikido
Women's Self-Defence
Come By For a Visit

Welcome to the Soengkono World Class School of Aikido.  The name, "Aikido", is composed of three Japanese word:  ai, meaning harmony, ki, meaning spirit or energy, and do, the path, system or way.  Thus Aikido, "The Way of Love and Harmony", is a defensive martial art based on the principles of harmony and nonresistance.  The circular motion of Aikido techniques allows one to neutralize an attacker using throws and pressure to key body points.  While Aikido strives for perfection and harmony in body, mind and spirit, it also realizes that there is no end to this process.  As such, Aikido is known as one of the most difficult martial arts, constantly seeking a balance between the frustration of setback, and the achievement of training.  Aikido also inspires an attitude of calmness, flexibility and strength of spirit, resulting in greater awareness and self control in the face of violence.  The development of this attitude demands an evolving sense of self-discipline, resulting in greater self-confidence.

About Grand Master Soengkono

A member of the Shihan Rank (Master Instructor), Grand Master Soengkono has been teaching Martial Arts for the past 34 years.  He has instructed courses in defensive and offensive tactics for the commando units in the army and the Special Police Department in Indonesia.  He has appeared on National television demonstrating many of his training techniques and is a recognized expert on the use of many weapons.

Having struggled with a weak body and many illnesses throughout childhood, no one would have thought that the young Mintarja Soengkono would eventually become one of Aikido's premier practitioners.  Grand Master Soengkono holds a 6th Dan Black Belt in Aikido and Jujitsu from Grand Master S. Yonekawa of Japan, and a Maha Guru (Master Instructor rank) in Pencak Silat (the combat art of Indonesia).

Upon coming to Canada, Grand Master Soengkono embarked on a quest for knowledge, receiving his BSc. degree in Mathematics, his BEng. degree in Civil Engineering, his Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and his MBA (Master in Business Admin).  Diligently persisting in his search for knowledge, he is presently finishing his Doctoral program in Business Administration.  Drawing from his considerable knowledge and talents, Grand Master Soengkono is also an accomplished artist and calligrapher whose works are well respected and sought after.

The Soengkono School of Aikido, Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi Chuan is now the leading and target school in North Western Ontario.  It continues to grow in success and popularity as more men, women, and children discover the arts of self-improvement and self-attainment from this remarkable teacher.

Endorsements

I decided to study the Martial Arts initially to regain a measure of physical fitness and to pursue an art which was true to the traditions and philosophy of the Martial Arts.  I found all of those things and a very great deal more studying with Grand Master Soengkono.  His instructional focus goes far beyond that of the physical training, he strives to promote a sense of community, co-operation and teamwork, along with a strong philosophy of good citizenship and genuine concern for others, both within and outside of the school.  He ensures that each student is made to feel at home and that they are part of the school.  He ensures that each student can train to his or her ability, while promoting their strengths, and motivating them to improve on, and overcome their weaknesses.  His school has provided me with a positive environment and has afforded me the opportunity to surround myself with positive people.  I have made new friends and increased my level of physical fitness, while becoming more positive and confident in my daily life.
Dale LaFreniere (student)
Captain - Royal Canadian Artillery

Aikido will have a different meaning and impact on anyone who practices it.  For me, it was an opportunity to learn a great martial art.  The Soengkono Dojo provides a receptive environment in which to practice (with) mutual respect, safety, and enthusiastic teaching.  Aikido is a great workout, but it is much more than a "way to stay in shape".  Those who persevere, as O'Sensei wrote, will find the truth in that "Aikido uses the body to train the mind and calm the spirit".
Dr. J. Wasielewski (student)

With Soengkono Aikido, I finally found a sport that could pry my son off the computer.  It has awaken his enthusiasm, built his self-esteem, and given him exciting and reachable goals.  The Dojo is more like a home than a classroom.  Soengkono Aikido has surpassed every expectation.
Dr. Lynn Pratt (parent)

Aikido has taught me patience and understanding, and I have found that it strengthens the mind, body and spirit.  If only the best martial arts training will do, then I must recommend Grand Master Soengkono -- truly a modern master of the ancient martial arts.
Sal Mammoliti (student)

Aikido is not about competition.  There are no winners or losers in true Aikido.  Rather, through training and technique practice with a partner, one can learn to blend one's energy and effort with others.  While Aikido can be used in self defence, its true benefits are realized outside the dojo in everyday life.  Utilizing Aikido principles in daily life can help avoid and defuse conflicts rather than create them.  My two sons and I appreciate the opportunity to study Aikido under such an accomplished and gifted teacher as Grand Master Soengkono.
Dr. Reijo Peltoniemi (student)

Grand Master Soengkono teaches with enthusiasm and humour, and manages to bring out the best in all of his pupils.  I have enjoyed Aikido training since 1994, and find it to be physically rewarding and intellectually stimulating.  As a former Physical and Health Educator, I highly recommend Aikido as an outstanding way to practice a safe, efficient, and educational form of martial arts.
Dr. Jim Morris (student)

Aikido and Shihan Soengkono

Aikido, "The Way of Love and Harmony", is a defensive martial art based on the principals of harmony and non-resistance.  The effortless and circular motion of Aikido techniques allow one to neutralize an attacker using throws, controlling techniques, and pressure to key body points.  Grand Master Soengkono gives clear and fascinating instructions on all aspects of this unique martial art.  He teaches how to move along with an aggressive force, rather than opposing it, thereby neutralizing the attack -- when pushed, an Aikidoka will turn and blend with the force, when pulled, the Aikidoka will move forward and redirect the force.  Furthermore, Shihan Soengkono teaches Aikido body conditioning exercises, rolling and breakfalls, stances and reflexes, and the theories of "ki" (internal power) and "centre" that enable you to deflect and direct an attacker into your sphere of control and strength.

At the intermediate level, Grand Master Soengkono delves deeper into one-on-one defensive techniques, giving instruction on circular movements, joint locks, pressure points, throwing techniques, and numerous techniques for fighting from the ground.

At the advanced level, the theories of circularity, control and extension of power are applied to knife and gun-wielding attackers.  Techniques involving weapons such as the Jo (walking staff), bokken (wooden sword), tanto (knife) and clubs or sticks, are taught in conjunction with empty hand techniques.  Furthermore, the advanced Aikidoka becomes a tornado of centrifugal force that can redirect and control all attacks against two, three, four, or more attackers!  Here, Grand Master Soengkono brings insight into the Aikido theory of "unification of mind and body." 

"The real way of the warrier is to prevent slaughter - it is the Art of Peace, the power of love." O'Sensei (Great Teacher) Morihei Ueshiba founded Aikido in the 1930's.  Just before he died at eighty-six, he was four-foot-ten, and was so frail that he needed help up the stairs, but he could easily defeat any number of his younger students in the prime of their youth.

Benefits of Aikido

What I discovered at Soengkono Aikido were the tools that have made me a more confident, compassionate, and focused person.  Here I found a true Master of the Eastern fighting arts with the unique gift to inspire his students to heights they once believed impossible.  The time that I have spent at the Soengkono dojo has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
Adrien Ladouceur (assistant instructor)

I have found Grand Master Soengkono to be a master craftsman.  He has taken my son and polished him to the point where he is a personable and respectful young man, possessing a better attitude towards himself and others.
Bernard Ladouceur (parent)

Aikido is as much a martial art as it is a way of life.  The basic tenet of Aikido - of never meeting aggression with aggression - is a strong lesson on how to deal with problems or conflict in everyday life.  Aikido is also the study of energy - of how to greet, and thereby use any attacker's own energy against them.  This makes Aikido an excellent form of self-defence, regardless of size.  Grand Master Soengkono embodies the ideal of Aikido - he easily adapts himself to meet the needs of new situations or new people and is able to "blend" with others.  This is the reason that he is such a capable and successful instructor.
Michael Strickland (lawyer/student)

My son and I began studying Aikido for fitness and self-defence, and it has greatly surpassed our expectations.  The instruction is thorough, perfectly paced, and deeply committed to personal excellence.  Above all it is fun.  Grand Master Soengkono's approach to Aikido excels at teaching many things, but his greatest gift is helping you find your true character, your source of strength and stability -- an anchor of calm self-confidence strong enough to hold you through any storm.
Dr. Stuart Holtby, MD (student/parent)

The Practice of Aikido

Why study Aikido?  Aikido offers practical self-defense, but more importantly, it teaches self-improvement.  Aikido is more than the study of physical techniques:  proper etiquette, attitude, and behaviour are also emphasized.  Throwing and falling are stressed equally - your partner is not an opponent, but an assistant:  you acquire the technique by being thrown, and practice the technique by throwing.  Aikido improves not only your physical conditioning (stamina, balance, flexibility, co-ordination, strength and resilience) but your mental conditioning as well (self confidence, concentration, alertness and compassion).

Aikido has an ethic to defend yourself without vengeance, to forgive your enemies, and to harmonize with any attack of any description.  Aikido technique is a metaphor for the way to lead your life - avoid confrontations when you can, harmonize, or "go with the flow", when you can't, and maintain grace under pressure.

Aikido is not a sport, it is Martial Art Way.  It develops the mind and body as one.  In sports, a competitor is competing against others, and the goal is to win.  The martial art way is a lifetime of developing the mind and body.  The goal is to improve personally, to be better today than you were yesterday, and better tomorrow than you are today.  Aikido helps us to live in harmony with ourselves and others.

Because Aikido does not depend on physical strength, it is especially attractive to children, women and older people.  Meanwhile, the young, healthy and strong can continue to practice and improve well into old age.

Women's Self-Defence

Many people have asked if Aikido is an effective means of self-defense for women.  In any martial art, it takes time to be proficient; there are no short cuts.  Aikido is based on non-resistance -- students use the opponent's energy and power in defending themselves.  Therefore a woman has no difficulty defending herself against the attack of a much larger or stronger person.

Come By For a Visit...

We'd love to explain to you the lifelong physical and mental benefits of Aikido and show you the school's spacious modern facilities.

We take great pride in giving personal attention and encouragement to each and every student.  Our staff is positive, friendly, and caring.  The classes are both fun and challenging, and allow students to progress at their own speed.

During the past 14 years, thousands of students from ages 5 to 65 have studied the martial arts of Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and Tai Chi under Grand Master Soengkono.  Many of his top students have become nationally ranked competitors and top instructors...but what's most important to us is that our students learn to live as winners!  We're looking forward to meeting you! 

Take the first step towards a better, healthier life, call us!

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