Welcome to Three Shapes Aikido
Three Shapes Aikido brings over 27 years of dedicated Aikido training and teaching experience to Boise, Idaho. Under the guidance of AlejAndro Anastasio Sensei, we offer classes twice a week in a welcoming environment for students of all levels.
Aikido is a defensive Japanese martial art that focuses on blending with and redirecting an opponent's energy rather than relying on strength or aggression. Through practice, students learn to harmonize with an attacker's movement, affecting their balance and center while exploring principles of relaxation, proper posture, breath control, and non-resistance based conflict resolution.
Connection
Move with partners, not against them.
Structure
Balance, alignment, and centered movement.
Presence
Calm attention built through practice.
Interested? Come Visit!
You're welcome to watch a class and speak with our students to get a feel for our training environment. It's also free to try a class—sweatpants and a t-shirt are perfect for trying it out. We train barefoot on mats, so just remember to bow at the edge of the mat before stepping on and off.
Ready to get started? Check out our training schedule, learn more about Aikido, or contact us with any questions.
About Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed in the early 20th century, emphasizing harmony, non-resistance, and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
The Founder: Morihei Ueshiba
Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), known to practitioners as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). Born in Tanabe, Japan, Ueshiba was a master of several martial arts including Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, judo, and swordsmanship. However, after years of rigorous training and profound spiritual experiences, he sought to create a martial art that would protect both the attacker and the defender.
O-Sensei's vision was revolutionary: instead of defeating enemies, Aikido practitioners would harmonize with and redirect aggressive energy. He believed that true budo (martial way) should foster peace and understanding rather than destruction. This philosophy emerged from his deep spiritual practice and his desire to create a path of reconciliation in a world torn by conflict.
Core Principles
- Harmony (Ai) - Blending with an attack rather than opposing it
- Energy (Ki) - Extending awareness and intention beyond physical movement
- The Way (Do) - A path of continuous self-improvement and spiritual development
- Non-resistance - Using minimal force to redirect and neutralize aggression
Training Elements
- Throws (Nage-waza) - Techniques that unbalance and project attackers
- Pins (Katame-waza) - Control techniques that immobilize without injury
- Weapons (Buki-waza) - Training with wooden sword (bokken), staff (jo), and knife (tanto)
- Body movement (Tai-sabaki) - Precise footwork and positioning
The Philosophy
Aikido is often translated as "the way of harmony with universal energy." Unlike competitive martial arts, Aikido has no tournaments or competitions. The practice focuses on personal growth, conflict resolution, and the development of character. O-Sensei taught that the ultimate goal of Aikido is to create harmony in oneself and in the world.
Through consistent practice, students develop not only physical skills but also qualities like patience, respect, awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. The circular, flowing movements of Aikido teach practitioners to work with natural forces rather than against them—a principle that extends far beyond the mat into daily life.
Global Spread
After World War II, Aikido spread beyond Japan as O-Sensei's senior students traveled internationally to teach. Today, Aikido is practiced in over 140 countries by millions of people of all ages and backgrounds. The Aikikai Foundation, established by O-Sensei, maintains the headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo and oversees the preservation and development of Aikido worldwide.
While various styles and organizations have emerged over the decades, all share the fundamental principles established by O-Sensei: respect for life, harmony with nature, and the pursuit of peaceful resolution to conflict.
Training
Try a Class
Interested in Aikido? Your first class is free! Come watch a class and speak with our students to get a feel for the training. When you're ready to try it out, sweatpants and a t-shirt are perfect—we train barefoot on mats.
Please contact us before attending your first class so we can welcome you properly.
Class Schedule
Training sessions open to all students of any rank.
Tuesday
General Level- 8:00–9:15 pmOpen to all students
Thursday
General Level- 8:00–9:15 pmOpen to all students
Monthly Fees
$75.00 per month for unlimited training access.
Contact
Get in Touch
Questions about training? Want to visit a class? Contact us here and we'll get back to you soon.
3085 N Cole Rd., Suite 206
Boise, Idaho 83704
Idaho Capital Asian Market Plaza
Global Lounge Commons
Affiliation
Three Shapes Aikido is supported by Aikido Shimbokukai
The Aikido Shimbokukai is an organization of instructors, dojos, and aikido practitioners whose common bond is the practice and development of Aikido. This group strives to bring people together for the exchange of experiences and ideas through Aikido training, and to provide instruction and guidance while maintaining standards of instruction and training. We endeavor to stay apolitical and broad-minded, welcoming those interested in sharing and developing Aikido within our guidelines together.
The Aikido Shimbokukai is an Officially Recognized Organization by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. We value our relationship with Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation, and strive to support them as best as possible, through training and other activities.
Three Shapes Aikido has been a Member of the Aikido Shimbokukai organization since January 15, 2019.
Teachers
AlejAndro Anastasio Sensei currently holds the rank of Godan or 5th degree black under the guidance of Aikido Shimbokukai and Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. He has over 27 years of Aikido experience and training. He owned and operated a full-time professional Aikido dojo for 10 years and has traveled extensively to further his understanding of Aikido and to share that knowledge with his students.
David started Aikido training in June 2005 with AlejAndro Anastasio Sensei and has been teaching for over 15 years. He tested for Sandan in June 2024 under the guidance of Aikido Shimbokukai and Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. David's unique and personal approach to teaching has a foundation on centering and integrity as it relates posture and movement.
Events
-
Jan18Winter SeminarGuest teacher from Seattle. All levels.
-
Mar02Kyu TestingPre-test clinic one week prior.