Portland Aikido

Portland Aikido operates at 120 Woodford Street in Portland, Maine. Founded in 1985 by Carol Schifman, the dojo operates as a nonprofit organization affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation, delivering traditional Aikido instruction, sword arts education, and youth martial arts programs for the Portland community. Instruction at the dojo focuses on the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido, emphasizing unbalancing principles, defensive evasions, blending movements, and joint locks. Senior instructors guide students through falling safely, centering, and partner coordination without aggressive competition. The training environment fosters mutual respect, mental focus, and continuous personal discipline on the tatami mats. The dojo organizes its schedule into distinct developmental pathways for varied ages and disciplines. Programs include foundational Aikido basics, mixed-level open classes, and Iaido instruction covering the traditional art of drawing and cutting with a Japanese sword. Youth classes provide children with structured training in coordination, discipline, and basic martial body movement.