Aikido dojos have different philosophies and teaching methods.
Learn about our dojo and our training philosophy.
Aikido is a spiritual pursuit through a physical means of practice. Every student must understand the limitations of their training partner and respect each person’s experience level.
Our students rarely experience injuries, particularly those caused by forcing technique, anger, or ego. Train only at a level your experience can safely handle, and take the utmost care of your partners both on and off the mat.
We believe practice can be serious and technique effective without excessive discussion, intimidation, or posturing. The martial effectiveness of Aikido is devastating when fully applied, which is precisely why our practice must be tempered and controlled.
There is no place in Aikido for testing effectiveness at the expense of others.
Mushin means “no mind.” A warrior does not approach a situation with a preconceived notion of what they know or what will happen next.
Situations, techniques, and experience levels change with every encounter. Treat the path as an opportunity to learn and grow, and bring humility and enthusiasm to practice.
Here are some aspects of our dojo that are unique:
Our dojo is not a huge commercial enterprise with hundreds of students. Most of us have trained together for many years and are bonded by our practice. New students are welcomed into our extended family, and once you are part of our group you remain part of it.
Training dues and annual insurance fees are practical and ensure that we all have a place to practice. Our instructors do not derive income from the dojo. Financial assistance is available to those in need.
“Narrow and deep” describes our student-teacher, kohai-sempai relationships. Rather than produce scores of black belts, we strive to produce quality individuals who realize Aikido’s value in self-protection and peaceful interaction.
Having trained in Japan with Japanese teachers, our instructors strive for authenticity and honesty without false hierarchy or subjugation. We practice to produce respectful, knowledgeable students. Every student has value and is treated as such.
Chief Instructor
6th Dan Aikikai
While training at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo in 2001, Dan Sensei was introduced to the Aikido of Seishiro Endo Shihan and found an immediate connection. He began following Endo Sensei at seminars in Europe, Japan, and later America, and invited Endo Sensei’s senior students to the United States to share this path of Aikido.
Instructor
4th Dan Aikikai
In 2006, Keith attended a seminar taught by Frank Ostoff Sensei, a senior student of Seishiro Endo Shihan, and immediately felt a deep connection. Later that year, he attended his first seminars with Endo Sensei, and his Aikido path became clear.
Since then, Keith has trained with Endo Sensei whenever possible during his visits to the United States and at Endo Sensei’s International Camp in Saku, Japan. He continues to deepen his understanding through regular training with many of Endo Sensei’s senior students.
Instructor
3rd Dan Aikikai
Instructor
2nd Dan Aikikai