Professional Instruction at its FINEST.

Washington DC's Aikido Family Martial Arts & Kids Karate are trained professionals at teaching the character building traits that develop black belts from the inside out; focus, discipline, self-control and perseverance to name a few. You won't find student instructors at our school. We maintain a staff of highly skilled, thoroughly educated adult professionals to give you the very best in martial arts education.

Washington DC's Aikido Family Martial Arts & Kids Karate are tops in the industry and are experts in what we do. We are on a constant quest to be the best, so our students can always expect the very best in martial arts training.

Michael Veltri
Chief Instructor

Michael Veltri began his study of Aikido in the 1980s while stationed with the United States Marine Corps in Southern California.  Fluent in Japanese, Michael trained in Japan for ten years including a traditional "uchi-deshi" apprenticeship under Master Iwao Yamaguchi.  A graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Japanese, Michael also completed a one-year study abroad program at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan.  Michael is a 4th degree black belt and was authorized by the Aikido World HQ in Tokyo to own and operate an affiliate Aikido school.  

Michael is also a cancer survivor.  Diagnosed with cancer in April 2003, he underwent corrective surgery and chemotherapy to treat the disease.  Michael successfully completed all treatments in November 2003, and credits his Aikido training with the inspiration, courage and strength to overcome the tumultuous physical, mental, and spiritual effects of cancer.  He is an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society.   

Iwao Yamaguchi Sensei
Master Instructor (Okinawa, Japan)

Yamaguchi Sensei began training in traditional Okinawan Karate during his early childhood on the island of Okinawa, Japan.  As a young man, he complemented his Karate training with intensive Yoga instruction.  Searching for a deeper physical, mental, and spiritual challenge, he found the answer in Aikido.

After an intensive period of study at the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Yamaguchi Sensei returned to Okinawa Prefecture and established the Okinawa Aikikai.  As a full-time Aikido instructor in Japan, Yamaguchi Sensei teaches a busy schedule of Aikido classes at several branch dojos throughout Okinawa Prefecture.  He holds the rank of Aikido Master Instructor.

Dr. Lawrence Prograis
Executive Director & Senior Instructor

Lawrence Prograis, Jr., M.D. has trained in the martial arts for over 30 years first with Shotokan Karate and later with Tae Kwon Do.  Dr. Prograis began studying Aikido at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he works as a physician and bioethicist in the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  Larry also teaches bioethics at Georgetown University.  He is a 2nd degree black belt and together with his wife Teri, trains and teaches at DC Aikido.

As Executive Director, Larry’s responsibilities are to assist the Chief Instructor with all aspects of developing a world-class Aikido program.  Larry also brings a wealth of experience in managing and directing diverse organizations such as our Aikido school. Furthermore, Larry advises the Chief Instructor on complex issues and assists with clear lines of communication in the school.

What is the Martial Art of Aikido?

A Japanese internal energy-based martial art, Aikido (pronounced “Eye”, “Key”, “Doe”) was created in the 1930s by Master Morihei Ueshiba.  The martial art of Aikido incorporates a very unique philosophical foundation of peace and harmony along with well-defined self-defense techniques to control a bigger, stronger, and faster person.

Aikido training also places great emphasis on the development of positive human qualities such as compassion, courage, endurance, and inner strength.  In this spirit, Aikido training is undertaken with the goal of improving the individual and thereby society as a whole.