The Dojo was established in 2009, in a humble storefront on East 92nd Street in Manhattan.  We moved to our current location in February of 2012.  For a period of nine months classes were conducted without interruption while construction work was carried on through the tireless effort of our dedicated members.  In October 2012 the Dojo was completed.  In 2013 the Dojo became a member of the United States Aikido Federation, the largest organization of its kind in North America.

NY Eastside Aikikai offers Aikido classes for adults and children.  Adults will find the Aikido experience rewarding, as they achieve the ideal balance of physical and spiritual training.  Teenagers thirteen and older train together with the adults.  The training at the dojo is vigorous and intense.

 

A typical class includes any of the following elements: Aiki Taiso (exercises and warm up), Taijutsu (unarmed techniques), Bukiwaza (armed techniques), Kokyuho (breathing techniques), Zazen (sitting meditation).

Aiki Taiso

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

Taijutsu

Taijutsu is empty hand technique.  During the main body of the class, we study techniques with the aid of a partner.  One person serves in the role of uke, attacker or receiver, and the other person serves as nage or tori, defender or giver.  Common opinion may view the nage as the winner who overcomes his/her opponent, the uke.  However, in training everyone helps each other by trying to achieve a mutual understanding; there are no winners or losers.  The role of uke is very complicated and it will take the practitioner of this role many years to have a deep understanding. The uke needs to feel the intention of the nage, and to develop the sensitivity to blend perfectly with the nage.  When this is achieved, then we can say that the uke and nage are one and the same; there is no attacker and, therefore, no defender.

Bukiwaza

Bukiwaza is weapons study.  It may include various forms of any combination of sword, staff, or knife; this can be solo or in pairs.  It may also include disarmament techniques such as tachidori, jodori or tantodori.  It is important to follow the teacher’s directions to insure safety.  A poorly handled weapon will inflict more harm than protection.

Kokyuho

Kokyuho is breathing technique; sitting or standing, with or without weapons.

Zazen

Zazen is sitting meditation in the tradition of Zen Buddhism.

Prospective students should observe a class before deciding to join as a member.  Upon becoming a member, beginners may undertake their study at any time during the month; and can attend as many as seven classes per week. 

NY Eastside Aikikai is a member of United States Aikido Federation, under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, 8th Dan.  The Dojo is also a member of the Aikikai Foundation, which is the original Aikido organization, headed by the Ueshiba family.  Morihei Ueshiba is the Founder of Aikido.

Martial Arts for Adults :

Monday 7:30-8:30 pm Aikido mixed level

Tuesday 6:00-6:50 pm, Aikido Basic; 7:00-7:15 pm, Zazen; 7:30-8:30 pm, Aikido mixed level

Wednesday 7:30-8:30 pm, Aikido mixed level

Thursday 7:00-7:15 pm, Zazen; 7:30-8:30 pm, Aikido mixed level

Friday 7:30-8:30 pm, Aikido mixed level

Saturday 11:30 am-12:00 pm, Zazen; 12:15-1:15 pm Aikido mixed; 1:20-1:50 pm Aikido advanced