09/17/2026
September 21 is the International Day of Peace, as established in 1981 by the United Nations. Around the world, schools of Aikido, celebrate International Aiki Peace Week to highlight the peacemaking skills developed in the practice of Aikido. Here in the Fredericksburg Area, the Aikido in Fredericksburg school, called a dojo, is holding an open house on Saturday, September 19 from 10:30AM to 1PM.
The event will start off with a family-oriented Aikido mini-class for ages seven and up. Aikido is the traditional yet non-violent Japanese martial art that focuses on conflict resolution and personal development. The Aikido in Fredericksburg dojo attract students from around the world to its beautiful facility on 20 rural acres in Spotsylvania.
A gentle yoga class will follow the Aikido mini-class. The free event will culminate in the World Peace Flag Ceremony during which flags from every country in the United Nations will be displayed. Everyone is invited to participate and give a short message of peace for each country. Weather-permitting the Peace Flag Ceremony will be held outdoors in a covered pavilion.
More information is available via phone 540-582-9600 or at https://www.aikidoinfredericksburg.org/event/heiwa-matsuri-peace-festival/
Separately, students from the dojo’s Special Needs Youth Class will be demonstrating at 1:30PM that day at the Disability Resource Center’s Fall Family Festival at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds.
Learn about Peace Practices like Aikido and Yoga as part of our local celebration of International Aiki Peace Week.
