Aikido
Aikido is both old and new. Rooted in Japan’s centuries old martial arts tradition, it was founded in the mid-twentieth century by Ueshiba Morihei as a path of mind-body development. Aikido teaches principles of self-defense and conflict resolution, practical approaches to the challenges of modern living, all through the medium of physical discipline. Practice involves moderate to challenging exercise and contact with other practitioners.
In the spirit of Aikido (Joined Spirit Way), there are currently two Aikido groups/styles training at the Fan dojo: Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) and Richmond Aikido Kai (RAK). Each represents the tradition of Aikido developed by the group’s founder Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and Morihiro Saito Shihan, both direct students of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. Both operate under the auspices of the Aikikai Foundation (Hombu Dojo) in Japan.
Other Martial Arts
In addition to Aikido, there are currently groups practicing Cuong Nhu Martial Arts, Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo, and Interpretive Dance at the Fan Dojo.
To find out more information about any of the arts at the Fan Dojo, please visit the dojo during the respective class times and speak with an instructor.
Instructors
Tobin Foster has practiced Aikido since 1991. He holds the rank of yondan (4th dan) from Aikido Schools of Ueshiba under Saotome Mitsugi Shihan. He has also studied iaido and taiji.
Joe Montague has been training in the martial arts for 50 years. In addition to teaching early morning Aikido, he is a senior instructor for the Cuong Nhu program and leads the group studying Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo.
Before his passing in 2019, Steve Earle practiced Aikido for over forty-five years, including over ten years in Japan. Since 1992, he was affiliated with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba under Saotome Mitsugi Shihan. Together with Josh Drachman, he translated Saotome Shihan’s book, A Light on Transmission. Earle’s book on the life and teachings of Nakamura Tempu, entitled Heaven’s Wind, was published in 2017 by North Atlantic Books.
Intro to Aikido Offer
Learn the basics of the art of aikido through hands-on instruction from senior instructors.
$60 / month for first month trial (Check, cash, or major credit cards accepted)
Class times:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
6:30 – 7:30 am (morning class!)
or
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
NO CONTRACTS. Attend as your schedule permits.
Aikido Kids & Family
The kids classes are currently on hiatus. If you are interested in future classes please contact us.