The Japanese martial art of Aikido is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint locking, striking, and pinning techniques, coupled with training in traditional Japanese weapons such as the sword, staff, and knife. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba early in the 20th century following his own extensive study of various armed and unarmed martial systems, Aikido represents a potent distillation of centuries of Japanese knowledge and tradition. It is one of the most widely practiced Budo, martial ways, in the world.

However, Ueshiba (commonly called O-Sensei, or “venerable teacher”) was determined that his Aikido be practiced as more than simply methods of fighting. The Japanese martial arts, influenced by the internal and meditative disciplines inherited from India and China, have often carried with them an emphasis on the development of internal as well as physical integrity. Wielding the life-taking sword with compassion and insight, the ideal warrior uprightness, courage, and loyalty, gladly sacrificing life (but never honor) in the name of principle and duty. 

Steeped in these traditions, O-Sensei conceived of Aikido as not only a means of vanquishing a foe, but as a means of promoting the positive character of the ideal warrior and ultimately of transcending dualistic conflict. For O-Sensei, Aikido was a path of self-development. He believed that it could be a means for anyone, of any nation, to follow the same path. Aikido is "shugyo" – an intense physical and spiritual training to perfect human character and develop true wisdom.

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's training was also heavily influenced by the late Fumio Toyoda Shinan (master instructor) of the Aikido Association of America (AAA). During that period, Monell Sensei instructed advanced classes at the Jikishinkan Aikido dojo for a number of years.

In 2005, Monell Sensei founded the New York Aikido Alliance, and was among the AWA’s founding schools. He is an Emeritus Member of the AWA.

In 2021 Monell Sensei was awarded the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt). Until his retirement in 2024, he was also a member of the AWA’s Technical and Testing Committees.

The training at our Brooklyn Aikido school 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, no emphasis on victory, and no fear of defeat. In O-Sensei’s words, “true victory is self victory.”