Michael Dwyer, 53, has logged over three million miles traveling as the Director of Food and Beverage Operations, Western Region, for Amtrak. His work makes him a frequent traveler and often away from home. He has come up with a unique solution of how to spend quality time with his daughter and decompress from his demanding job. For over six years he has been studying the self-defense art of Aikido and for the last five years his daughter has joined him each Saturday morning for lessons. Dwyer Sr. has advanced to the brown belt rank and is now an assistant instructor. The younger Dwyer has moved through the children's ranks and enjoys practicing with her father. Although he is much larger she demonstrates in class that by using Aikido's principles of re-directing your opponent's force she can send her dad flying or gently set him on the mat. They make quite a team and enjoy a close father, daughter relationship.

The Dwyers are dedicated students at the Aikido Institute of America (AIA) located across the street from the Eagle Rock Plaza. The school has been in business for over thirty years and offers classes seven days a week, for children, adults and families. The AIA is well known as an instructor school and the headquarters for over twenty training centers in the US and overseas. The instructors are volunteers and the instruction level is world class.

Aikido is a martial art that encourages both physical and personal development. Children, women, men, and senior adults can enjoy practicing and feel safe because force and strength are not required. Aikido also teaches self-control, and how to resolve confrontations in a peaceful manner. Aikido's philosophy is to cause no harm to an opponent while protecting yourself.

Dwyer Sr. said "Aikido allows me to keep a spiritual center and keeps me focused. It also keeps me feeling young and reduces stress". The younger Dwyer uses her Aikido skills at the Mount Washington Elementary School, where she is the go to person amongst her peers for conflict resolution. She has also been able to roll out of slips and falls on the playground.

Please come to visit the Aikido Institute of America located at 2615 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90041. www.aikidoinstitute.com