ANNOUNCEMENT:
New Location @ 307 E 92 ST (Bet 1 & 2 Ave), 2 FL

4 Week Intro Course May & June Sessions now open for registration

DOJO REVIEW on Chopsticks NY:
http://www.chopsticksny.com/contents/focus/2011/02/5868

PROGRAMS OFFERED

4 Week Aikido Introductory Course – Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 pm; May session dates 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22; June dates 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26
You can learn the basics of Aikido in a relaxed environment. No prior experience is required in Aikido or any martial art. Among topics covered include: Aiki Taiso (movement exercises), breathing, stretching, mind & body centering, body alignment, extension, self-defense techniques and sword or staff technique. Benefits include: increased flexibility and mental awareness. Completion of this class will prepare you for ongoing Aikido training.
Please wear loose, comfortable pants and shirt.
$80 entire program/$75 with early registration

Martial Arts for Children – Kids Aikido Class; Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30-5:30 pm (ages 4-9), Saturdays 10:45-11:45 am (ages 8-12)
Children practicing Aikido will find themselves in an atmosphere where cooperation is emphasized and compassion is fostered. The kids class is energetic and playful, and attention to safety is paramount. As experience & understanding deepens kids develop leadership skills and help others to grow. Improvement in social skills will also help in finding peaceful resolutions.

Martial Arts for Teens & Pre Teens– Aikido for ages 10 and above; Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:45-6:45 pm

Martial Arts for Kids & Family – Kids, ages 8-12, can learn Aikido individually or together with an adult family member; Saturdays 10:45-11:45 am

Martial Arts for Adults– Aikido for ages 13 and above
Basic class Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 pm
All levels Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:45-6:45 pm; Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 7:00-8:30 pm; Saturdays 12:00-1:30 pm, Sundays 5:00-6:30 pm

 

AIKIDO HISTORY

Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), also known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). O-Sensei was a master of several Samurai arts including Kenjutsu (sword), Sojutsu (spear) and Jujutsu. He was a deeply spiritual person and realized that peaceful resolutions were necessary for ending violence in the world. O-Sensei ultimately created a martial art in which aggression is met with compassion, Aikido is sometimes referred to as the "way of harmony." After the passing of the Founder in 1969 the leadership of Aikido was succeeded by his son Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba (1921-1999). Through Doshu's diplomatic efforts Aikido is now widely practiced around the world. Currently third generation Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba (1951- ) is leading the Way.

Aikido is primarily an unarmed art, however, there is substantial training with the sword and stave. Movement is characterized as graceful, circular and effective. Attacks are resolved through proper timing, distance, and blending of energies; conflict is avoided. Aikido is enjoyed by people of all ages. With daily practice the body will become stronger and endurance higher. Along with the practical application of Aikido as a form of self-defense, the training can serve to improve one's quality of life by applying the basic principles of Aikido. These principles are: relaxing completely, staying calm, keeping your center and staying positive. As students continue to practice Aikido they experience a transformation in mind, body & spirit.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All classes will begin with Aiki Taiso, exercises and stretches designed for Aikido. Body conditioning is an important preparation for Aikido techniques.

A typical class may also include any of the following elements: Zazen (sitting meditation), Taijutsu (unarmed techniques), Bukiwaza (armed techniques), Kokyuho (breathing techniques).

CLASS SCHEDULE

Monday CLOSED

Tuesday 4:30-5:30pm Kids Class (ages 4-9)
5:45-6:45pm Adult, Teens & Pre Teens (ages 10 & above)
7:00-8:30pm 4 Week Introduction (check session dates above) OR Basic Level (when Intro Class is not in session)

Wednesday 7:00-8:30pm Adult & Teens (ages 13 & above) (class begins with Zen meditation)

Thursday 4:30-5:30pm Kids Class (ages 4-9)
5:45-6:45pm Adult, Teens & Pre Teens (ages 10 & above)
7:00-8:30pm Adult & Teens (ages 13 & above) (class begins with Zen meditation)

Friday 7:00-8:30pm Adult & Teens (ages 13 & above) (class begins with Zen meditation)

Saturday 10:45-11:45am Kids & Family Class (kids 8-12)
12:00-1:30pm Adult & Teens (ages 13 & above)

Sunday 5:00-6:30pm Adult & Teens (ages 13 & above) (class begins with Zen meditation)

FEE STRUCTURE

Visitor or Trial Class:
$20 per Aikido class (adult or child)
$30 per Family Aikido class (one child & one guardian)
Adult trial class for beginners offered on Tuesdays, please schedule an appointment.
Family trial class offered on Saturdays, please schedule an appointment.

Dojo Members Adult & Teens (age 13 & above):
One-time membership fee $100 (includes a uniform & student manual)
$125 per month for unlimited classes
$10 discount for each additional family member
$10 discount for FDNY, NYPD & Law Enforcement personnel (with valid ID)

Dojo Members Children (ages 4-12):
One-time membership fee $70 (includes a uniform)
$80 per month for unlimited classes
$10 discount for each additional family member

There are additional costs for special events such as promotion tests and seminars.

Schedule & fees are subject to change at the discretion of management.
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INSTRUCTORS

Chief Instructor
Ken Yamazaki Sensei, Yondan & Shidoin

Biography: Ken Yamazaki, 4th dan Aikikai, is the representative of Aikido Shoho Dojo, affiliated with Aikido Kobayashi Dojo & Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan. He began Aikido and Zen Buddhism studies more than two decades ago with Reverend Joseph Jarman, then continued his training with Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Fumio Toyoda, Shizuo Imaizumi, Mitsugi Saotome and Glen Matsuda. In 2005 he became a direct student of Yasuo Kobayashi Shihan, longtime disciple of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.

Yamazaki Sensei has been instructing Aikido since 1992 and has taught programs for children and adults at Jikishinkan Dojo and Shishinkan Dojo in New York. In 2001 he founded Aikido of New York City under the guidance of Toyoda Shihan. In 2008 the dojo received the spiritual name Shoho Dojo from Kobayashi Shihan. The dojo opened at its current location in October of 2009.

Instructor, Children’s Program
Kim Johnston, Shodan & Fukushidoin

Biography: Kim Johnston, 1st dan Aikikai, is the instructor for the children’s Aikido program at Shoho Dojo. She has been practicing Aikido for over a decade. Kim is also a Shiatsu practitioner. Certified by the Ohashi Institute since 1997, Kim was a Shiatsu instructor at the Ohashi Institute as well as the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Kim also holds an MFA in modern dance.
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Shoho Dojo is a member of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Throughout the year the organization dispatches instructors abroad to teach seminars. Some of the instructors are Yasuo Kobayashi, Hiroaki Kobayashi & Manabu Masuda.

Master Instructor
Yasuo Kobayashi Shihan, Hachidan & Soshihan

Biography: Yasuo Kobayashi, 8th dan Aikikai, is the senior shihan of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo which has more than 120 affiliate dojos around the globe. He is the honorary director at Meiji University Aikido Club, and the honorary shihan at Saitama University Aikido Club and Tokyo Economics University Aikido Club.

In 1987, Aikido Kobayashi Dojo received a medal for excellence in developing martial arts by Japan Martial Arts Association. And in 2005, Kobayashi as an individual received a medal for outstanding contribution to the development of Aikido.

Kobayashi was born on September 20, 1936, in Kudan, Tokyo. He began his martial arts training with Judo when he was at 5th grade in elementary school. He entered Meiji University, department of electrical engineering, and started Aikido training at Hombu Dojo in 1954. For a while, he continued both Judo and Aikido.

He founded Meiji University Aikido Club when he was a junior. He was then very much inspired by Aikido, so he became an uchideshi at Hombu Dojo while he was still a university student.

He learned Aikido from many instructors including the founder Morihei Ueshiba, the 2nd Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru, chief instructor Tohei Koichi, (currently leads Ki no Kenkyukai), Osawa Shihan, Saito Shihan, Yamaguchi Shihan, Arikawa Shihan, Tada Shihan, Tamura Shihan, Noro Shihan (currently in France and leads Ki no Michi), and others.

After graduating from university, Kobayashi becomes a teaching staff of Hombu Dojo. He then continued training diligently under the 2nd Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba.

In Nov. 1972, he opened 48-tatami dojo in Tokorozawa, Saitama. He started to spread Aikido in areas around Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba. At the same time, he started training the next generation of Aikido instructors. In 1975, he sent Shikanai Shihan to Brazil. As Kobayashi accompanied him in South America, he stopped by some part of American continents and felt the possibility of developments in Aikido in these areas. Since then, he frequently visited many areas including Asia and Europe.

He made diligent efforts in training aikido instructors, such as Kazuo Igarashi, Kengo Hatayama, Haruyoshi Horikoshi, Haruo Ishigaki, Hiroyuki Hasegawa, Takuya Oiwake, Katsutoshi Shirakawa, and many others. He continues to train Aikido instructors, Hiroaki Kobayashi and others, at Aikido Kobayashi Dojo.

Today, instructors are being sent to more than 20 countries, including American continents, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Master Instructor
Hiroaki Kobayashi Shihan, Rokudan & Dojocho

Biography: Hiroaki Kobayashi, 6th dan Aikikai, is the representative of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo. He was the first member of Kobayashi Dojo, starting aikido at 3. When in school, he visited the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Iwo Jima as a volunteer member of Japan Youth Memorial Association (a student organization that collected remains of Japanese war veterans). After graduating from school, Dojocho stayed in Indonesia for 2 and a half years to teach aikido as a JOCV (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) aikido instructor, then stayed in Poland for half a year to teach as a JOCV aikido instructor.

As Dojocho (president) of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo, he governs the instructors section of Kobayashi Dojo. He is fluent in Chinese, Indonesian, and English. Kobayashi Dojocho travels outside of Japan, in total, a few months a year for aikido instruction.
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MEMBER'S CORNER

12/12/10 2nd Kyu Test Requirement, Part 1
12/14/10 O-Sensei Birthday Practice, Dinner afterward
12/19/10 2nd Kyu Test Requirement, Part 2
12/25/10 Dojo closed for Christmas
12/29/10 Year-end-Cleaning & Bonenkai, starts 6:00pm
12/30/10 Keiko Osame, last practice of the year
1/1/11 Dojo closed for New Year
1/2/11 Hatsugeiko, New Year Practice
1/9/11 3rd Kyu Test Requirement, Part 1
1/16/11 Kagamibiraki & Kangeiko, Shinto New Year & Winter Training, 8:15am-4:30pm, (regular evening class is suspended)
1/23/11 3rd Kyu Test Requirement, Part 2
2/6/11 6th Kyu Test Requirement
2/13/11 7th Kyu Test Requirement
2/20/11 8th Kyu Test Requirement
3/10/11 Spring Cleaning, starts 6:00pm
3/13/11 Test Application deadline adults
3/19/11 Kyu Examinations children, starts 10:45am
3/20/11 Kyu Examinations adults, starts 5:00pm
4/24/11 Dojo closed for Easter
5/8/11 Dojo closed for Mother's Day
5/30/11 Dojo closed for Memorial Day
6/19/11 Dojo closed for Father's Day
7/4/11 Dojo closed for Independence Day
5/10/11 Four-week Intro Course begins
6/14/11 Four-week Intro Course begins
6/30/11 Summer Cleaning, starts 6:00pm
7/4/11 Closed for Independence Day
7/9/11 Shochugeiko, Summer Training, 8:30am-4:30pm, dinner 6:00pm
7/17/11 Test Application deadline adults
7/24/11 Kyu Examinations adults, starts 5:00pm
9/29/11 Fall Cleaning, starts 6:00pm
11/5/11 Kids Kyu Examinations, starts 10:45am
11/12/11 Test Application deadline adults
11/19/11 Kyu Examinations adults, starts 12:15pm
11/24-27 Dojo closed for Thanksgiving
12/10/11 O-Sensei Memorial Seminar 12:00-4:00pm; 6:00pm Bonenkai Year-end party
12/14/11 Founder’s Birthday
12/15/11 Winter Cleaning, starts 6:00pm
12/24&25 Dojo closed for Christmas
12/31&1/1/12 Dojo closed for New Year
1/21/12 Kagamibiraki, Shinto New Year
2/7/12 Four-week Intro Course begins
3/24/12 Kyu Examinations adults, starts 12:15pm; Dojo party evening
4/3/12 Four-week Intro Course begins
4/8/12 Dojo closed for Easter

5/5/12 Children Kyu Examinations, registration @ 10:30am
5/13/12 Dojo closed for Mother’s Day
6/17/12 Dojo closed for Father’s Day
7/4/12 Dojo closed for Independence Day
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LINKS

Aikikai Foundation
http://www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.htm

Aikido Kobayashi Dojo
http://www.kobayashi-dojo.com/english/

Choshinkan Dojo, North Carolina
http://www.triangleaikido.com/

Seibukan Dojo, North Carolina
http://www.seibukan-aikido.com/

Shishinkan Dojo, Rockland, NY
http://www.rocklandaikido.com/

Woodlands Aikido Center, Texas
http://www.aikidocenter.com/

Aikido of South Brooklyn, NY
http://www.aikidoofsouthbrooklyn.com

Tenchikan Dojo, United Kingdom
http://www.tenchikandojo.com/
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We are currently accepting students at all levels, enrollment is open and beginners may join at any time.

If you would like to visit or observe a class please let us know in advance. Thank you.