Meet Asim Hanif | Aikido Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asim Hanif and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asim, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At the heart of aikido is a heavy emphasis on “harmony”. Of course the concept of “harmony” can be extremely broad but I’ll try to simplify it or at least attempt to make it more tangible to those not familiar with my particular practice.
The kanji for aikido is based on three characters: Ai meaning harmony, Ki which is spirit or energy, and Do meaning path. So aikido can be translated as the path to harmonize with the spirit. The physical techniques of aikido seek to join or harmonize with an attacker’s energy in order to redirect it and ultimately control the confrontation. More importantly aikido is a path or way to reconcile conflict among people in everyday situations. I feel so strongly that the philosophical approaches of aikido are what’s sorely needed in today’s society. With so much hatred, division, and turmoil engulfing us around the world today aikido can be just one method of easing those tensions, at least among individuals interacting in everyday life.
I believe it’s the one to one relationships that are key to healing society. We need to get back to seeing the humanity in each other. For example, in my dojo we have students that have different religious beliefs, political associations, genders, and social backgrounds. For the 90 minutes we are on the mat, we are all working to support each other. Whatever differences we may have, they are put to the side for the betterment of the dojo community. Through our training we learn to focus on the common good. We train in harmony and hopefully carry that harmony with us once we leave the dojo.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the founder of Valley Aikido Arizona, an aikido community established in 2016 after relocating to the Phoenix area from the east coast. Prior to my relocation I founded Potomac Aikikai (Sterling, Virginia), which is now in its 21st year of operation. However my brand got its start long before that. As a professional fighter and trainer I was pretty no nonsense. I think one of my biggest strengths is being able to simplify complex strategies and theories. At the same time I believe in rigorous physical training as a way to cleanse the mind and body.
Along the way I’ve seen how aikido training can transform lives. Success to me is in seeing the growth in individuals from a physical and emotional perspective.. I’ve trained literally hundreds of people and many are still training. Some of my students now run their own dojo and are carrying forward what I’ve instilled in them.
In terms of challenges, there will always be challenges to test your resolve and teach you lessons along the way. I have to admit though that whatever challenges I may have faced I welcomed them because aikido is a passion of mine. Whether it be a global economic crisis or personal challenges I was never down for long. I look at those things as opportunities for change. My mindset has always been to just figure it out, stay agile, adapt.
What I would like potential students to know about my brand is that I’m an old school martial artist in my mentality but that does not mean feudal. I believe in hard work, mutual respect but never blind allegiance. When you come to the dojo you come to put in the work. It is not a social club, rather the training is a form of moving zen. Aikido is learned through the body, not the head. Respect and appreciate our dojo culture and support the community as best you can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the first places I like to take my friends from out of town is the Salt River. The mountain views and waterways are always a beautiful surprise to those who think of the area as some dry old desert! If we’re fortunate we might even catch a glimpse of the wild horses.
After that we’d head to Roosevelt Row to see what’s going on. There’s usually something happening whether it be art, music, a farmers market or something. It’s also a good place to catch a bite to eat.
Another cool stop for visitors is historic Scottsdale. Its a nice place to stroll and check out the shops.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No doubt there have been many who have helped me along the way and continue to do so. One of those individuals is my longtime teacher and mentor Clyde Takeguchi.
Takeguchi Sensei is one of the very first American born aikido practitioners. He got his start in his native Hawaii and throughout the course of his life has been instrumental in spreading the art in the US and abroad.
I began training with him in 1996 and since then he has been a strong influence on me as a practitioner and as a person. He one of those people who know just what to say as well as what not to say. Sometimes the wisdom is in fact what he doesn’t say.
Takeguchi Sensei along with the Capital Aikido Federation under his guidance, have continually encouraged and supported me throughout my aikido journey. I am profoundly grateful to them.

Website: https://ValleyAikidoAZ.com

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