International Aikido Association

Mr. Baldemar Sosa began his path in Aikido in his early thirties. After being involved in other forms of sports and various martial arts, he understood from the very beginning the many benefits Aikido had to offer.

Being interested in studies pertaining to the mind but also of a spiritual nature, he felt Aikido offered both. Sensei Sosa, as he was called, felt Aikido training presented a way to acquire more physical energy and to harness it in a proper and advantageous manner. He also believed that same energy could be developed in training and utilized in everyday living.

He understood the "Ki"principal emphasized in Aikido and learned to use it effectively. Because of the spiritual nature and its principles of peaceful resolution, Mr. Sosa believed that many conflicts could be resolved if those concepts were practiced in earnest. He also knew that if Aikido techniques were learned and mastered, Aikido would prove to be a very effective means of self-defense.

When practiced and executed by learned practitioners, Aikido is a very fluid and graceful martial art. It is an art that can be adapted to the size of the person. An individual with a large stature will execute a technique much differently than a person with a small stature who for instance will use the technique in advantage to his/her size. Therefore the technique of each individual will look completely different but will be just as effective.

Along with this knowledge of form and strategy, Sensei Sosa had the benefit of learning from excellent teachers during his study of Aikido. Being of average height and size he presented his Aikido techniques smoothly and effortlessly. He practiced and taught the art in a practical manner that can be useful in everyday life situations while still maintaining the Aikido principles.

Sensei Sosa presented and spread Aikido to many groups across the United States and continued his teaching until his death in 2002. The dojo is now under the direction of his eldest son, Rick Sosa whose Aikido teachings began with his father during his early childhood.