NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings in New Orleans, but there’s a way to defend yourself without getting violent. Aikido is a practice of peace and means “the way of harmonious spirit”.

The school of thought derived from it’s founders belief that fighting force with force would lead to an endless cycle of violence, which is something we see in New Orleans with gang violence.

In the practice of Aikido you’ll learn body recognition and what steps to take when an enemy attacks. It’s beneficial because it gives you time to neutralize your opponent and either run to safety or call for help, without harming them or yourself in the process.

Brian Levy, founder of Nola Aikido, recalled a time when he was riding his bike and hit a rock, and due to his practicing of Aikido was aware of his body enough to not get injured when he was thrown from his bike along with his bag of groceries, and even managed to not break an egg. He claims that the practice of Aikido is beneficial in icy climates and in New Orleans, with the potholes you’re bound to trip at some point!

News with a Twist reporter, Meghan Kluth, participated in practice and found that the art is easy to pick up. Anyone from the age of 3-years-old and on can is welcome to learn Aikido, and the founder continued to do Aikido through his late 80’s. It doesn’t cause the same injuries that other forms of martial arts would cause due to its peaceful nature. The goal is to become aware enough of your body that you can anticipate your attackers energy, and redirect it, moving you out of harm’s way.

This Saturday Nola Aikido is hosting an open house with food and refreshments. Anyone is welcome to join.  3909 Bienville St #103, New Orleans, LA 70119