Aikido is a modern, non-violent Japanese martial art (aka “The Art of Peace”).

Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on.

It was created during the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba (also known as O'Sensei, meaning "respected teacher," [1883-1969]) , an expert who reached the highest level of mastery in the classical Japanese martial arts.

Monell sensei discovered Aikido in 1993, while developing a self-defense training program for NYPD, and practiced Aikido under Jarman Sensei for 12 years, earning the rank of Sandan (3rd degree black belt).

Monell sensei studied under the late Fumio Toyoda Shinan (master instructor) of the Aikido Association of America (AAA) for almost a decade.

Monell sensei instructed advanced classes at the Jikishinkan dojo for several years.

In 2001 Monell Sensei joined AWA organization and opened his own school. In 2014 Monell Sensei has been awarded GoDan rank (5th degree black belt) by Sato Sensei (AWA Chief Instructor)

The training at out dojo is designed to cover all aspects of defending oneself against all physical assault and edged weapons.

Training covers empty hand techniques (e.g. throws, pins, and joint locks) as well as techniques using the traditional Japanese weapons (e.g. wooden sword, staff, and knife).

Training also focuses on avoiding dangerous confrontations and facilitating safe escape. O’sensei considered his art to be a true budo—a martial path of spiritual development. Therefore, aikido is not practiced as a competitive sport. There are no tournaments in aikido, no emphasis on victory, and no fear of defeat. In O’sensei’s words, “true victory is self victory.”