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If you’re not afraid of swords and want to nurture your inner warrior while toning your outer body, head to Brooklyn Aikikai, a new dojo (martial arts school) in Gowanus.

Aikido, which means "way of harmony with the universal force," is the ancient Japanese martial art that is taught at Brooklyn Aikikai. It uses circular movements to harmonize with the force of the aggressor.

"Aikido is meant to combine the mind, body and spirit," says Neilu Savoca, who co-owns and teaches at the studio with her husband and fellow instructor, Robert Savoca. "The techniques are based on samurai movements, but it’s a non-competitive art. Students come to work on themselves."

While there are no competitions, students practice techniques in pairs, taking turns as attacker and defender. The training improves balance, flexibility, muscle tone and endurance, and helps students become more centered in their lives.

The practice "isn’t necessarily aerobic," says Savoca, "but people usually lose weight immediately due to the constant falling down and getting up."

The studio also offers weapons training, an integral part of aikido, with wooden staffs and swords. The purpose is to help students more easily see the weight, balance, stance, timing and distance of one’s body movements. Another traditional form of Japanese sword work, iaido ("the way of sword drawing") is offered to students. Zen meditation practice completes the aikido training by teaching students how to be present in the moment.

According to Savoca, people train in aikido for different reasons.

"Some come for weight loss, some come for spiritual reasons, some want to learn to be more graceful," says Savoca. The studio, which had operated in Carroll Gardens since January 2002, opened at its new location last November, and now boasts 2,000 square feet of mat and training space.

Classes in iyengar yoga, which focuses on precision, alignment and length of stay in postures, are held at the studio on Thursdays and Fridays. According to Savoca, this form of yoga strengthens the body and massages the inner organs.

Brooklyn Aikikai’s March 19 open house will offer the opportunity to observe classes, meet the instructors and watch informational videos on aikido.

Brooklyn Aikikai is located at 408 Third Ave. at Sixth Street. For more information and class schedules, call (718) 643-6044 or visit www.brooklynaikikai.com.

©2005 Community Newspaper Group