Aikido, when practiced properly, employs physics rather than physical strength, as the staff of the Long Beach Island Aikikai maintains; therefore, the group notes on its web site, this form of martial art “is for anyone and everyone willing to try it, regardless of size, age or gender.”

The local aikikai – a Japanese word for an aikido school – recently moved to a new location in Manahawkin after 30 years under the direction of sixth-degree black belt Chet Griffin at the St.