Like many people in my age group, I'd heard that Aikido was a "nonviolent", "defensive", and "peaceful" martial art. I'd seen a Steven Segal movie or two. Beginning at Puget Sound Aikikai (now Seattle Aikikai) in 2005 I learned some valuable basics, but life intervened and drew me onto other paths, including a move to Los Angeles in 2008. 

In 2013 I picked up the thread and decided I needed to begin training again, and luckily found my way to the door of Aikido Center of Los Angeles. I was quickly disabused of any illusions I had about Aikido being "peaceful" (in the passive, negative sense). But through the rigorous training methods passed down from Furuya sensei I was forced to confront my own limitations, both mental and physical. By reckoning with my own capacity for violence I've begun to see how Aikido can be actually peaceful (in the sense of creating justice in the world). I was promoted to the ranks of Shodan in 2017 and Nidan in 2022, and I still feel like I'm just getting started.

Now, having traveled to places and met people I never would have if not for Aikido, and seeing how it has impacted the lives of my friends and fellow students, I am more convinced than ever that absolutely anyone can improve their own lives with Aikido. My training now includes instructing classes at ACLA, and I am grateful to Ito sensei and Watanabe sensei for trusting me to help pass on Furuya sensei's legacy and to the other students for allowing me to help guide their development. Come train with us!

Loviska Sensei currently teaches the Monday Fundamental classes