Due to the nature of Aikido training and Aikido's philosophy of blending with and utilizing an attacker's force, women can and do develop strong and effective martial technique.
Many senior instructors and heads of schools in the Bay Area are women. Many of these have trained extensively in Japan and are well respected by their Japanese teachers and fellow students.
Aikido training offers women a safe place to develop and/or practice assertiveness, awareness, and the confident use of their physical and psychological power.