The Awassa Youth Campus Peace Dojo is a place to practice aikido and non-violent conflict resolution. Aikido was founded in 1942 by Morihei Ueshiba, a champion of traditional martial arts who saw the need the need to transform these techniques of violence into a system for protecting life. Often termed “the martial art of peace,” this non-violent practice teaches how to neutralize aggression by responding to attacks of any sort in relaxed, powerful, compassionate, perceptive, and respectful ways. Aikido training cultivates self-respect, personal discipline, and care for others. Moreover, it requires the students to collectively assume responsibility for the dojo (the training place for aikido), which maintains a stimulating and nurturing social learning environment.

Aikido training relates specially to problems of adolescents. The rigorous physical discipline focuses the mind and helps troubled youths by improving academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and work habits. Aikido equips youth with self-awareness that helps them deal with such traumas as poverty and HIV/AIDS with calm confidence. Like sports, aikido is a fun social activity, and classes are filled with laughter. Aikido is useful for protection; with assault crimes a reality for many young women, the Awassa Peace Dojo offers specialized female self-defense classes.

Beyond aikido, the dojo offers activities such as tai chi, yoga, and meditation; and a place for guests to offer workshops on nonviolent conflict resolution. All activities are apolitical. The Awassa Peace Dojo helps young people focus their energy, develop themselves, and become positive contributing members of their society.

Click here for more info on the Aikido Peace Dojo initiative.
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