About Us
Aikido Del Mar has been serving the San Diego community since 2008. Our practice started near Del Mar, CA, then moved to Torrey Highlands in 2020. Our new space is open and spacious, with good ventilation, making it conducive for a fun, safe, and comfortable training environment.
Our Culture: We believe in cultivating an inclusive environment for members to engage and share authentic experiences with each other. In addition to Aikido training, retreats, demonstrations, and celebrations are integral to our traditions.
head instructor
Kevin Pickard Sensei is co-founder and head instructor at Aikido Del Mar. He has studied Aikido in Japan and North America for more than 30 years. He is an internationally certified instructor and is ranked Rokudan (6th degree black belt).
Besides teaching martial arts, Kevin Sensei is a strong proponent of a healthy mind and body. He frequently hosts meditation sessions and incorporates mindfulness to the training.
Our qualified instructors are trained with years of martial arts experience, many of whom have trained in Japan and are certified instructors. The instructors tailor each class to your level, so that you work at your own pace.
How Aikido differs from other martial arts
Aikido relies on redirecting energy rather than employing aggressive force to immobilize attackers. Unlike other forms of martial arts, Aikido does not rely on brute force for self defense. Instead, students learn to neutralize aggression by directing energy and leveraging balance and control.
The practice employs a keen awareness of body posture and biomechanics to enhance mental clarity, physical balance, and power. Because Aikido is a noncompetitive practice, we do not engage in competitions.
Our Niche
Aikido Del Mar uses Yoshinkan Aikido as the foundation of our training, while including elements from other martial arts styles. We embrace practitioners of all Aikido disciplines. Yoshinkan Aikido has its origins in Japan.
The physical training in Aikido takes on many levels, including general conditioning and physical fitness, as well as skillful techniques. The specific techniques include strikes, grabs, throws, and pins. Weapons are often employed to supplement training.
Our training focuses on the power of the centerline (Chushin-Ryoku). When we maintain a strong centerline through proper posture and alignment, we create a powerful structure that is stronger than muscular strength.
Aikido training transcends the dojo to all facets of our daily lives. We seek to neutralize aggression and foster harmony no matter where we are. For many practitioners, Aikido goes beyond being a martial art. It is a spiritual path of self awareness and improvement.
Our Connection to the Aikido Founder
Morihei Ueshiba (1882-1969), Founder of Aikido
Morihei Ueshiba is the founder of Aikido. He developed this philosophy based on the Samurai culture of Japan. He spent an entire lifetime studying ways to combine technical skills and the human spirit.
Gozo Shioda (1915-1994), Founder of Yoshinkan Aikido
The founder passed his knowledge to his distinguished disciple, Gozo Shioda, who later enhanced the practice and founded the Yoshinkan-style of Aikido, which we use today.
Jacques Payet Shihan (1957-present), Founder of the Mugenjuku Kenshusei Program
Jacques Payet Shihan is the longest serving non-Japanese live-in student under Gozo Shioda, and is currently the head of the renowned Mugenjuku Aikido International program in Kyoto, Japan.
Kevin Pickard and Edward Sterrett (present), Co-Founders of Aikido Del Mar
In 2000, Kevin Pickard Sensei and Edward Sterrett Sensei, met and studied under Jacques Payet Shihan. They were inspired to establish an Aikido dojo following the spirit of the original founders. In the spring of 2008, Aikido Del Mar was born.