Traditional Aikido Of Colorado Springs

We tailor classes to the individuals present on the mat.  We practice Iwama-Ryu Aikido which is particularly well organized and very focused on both fundamentals and martial effectiveness.  We begin by teaching safe ukemi, or falling, techniques.  Our environment is non-competitive and supportive.   

I have over 27 years of experience practicing Aikido, most of which saw me on the mat between 4-6x/week.  I hold a Sandan, or 3rd degree black belt, awarded by the Aikikai Hombu dojo.  I also hold 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level Aikido weapons certification from Patricia Hendricks Shihan.  I also have experience with several other martial arts, which I don't teach formally, but I believe inform my practice/teaching.  

Our dues are 70.00/month for as many classes as you'd like to attend.  We hold classes 5x/week.  All classes are open to all students.  We neither offer, nor require, any kind of contract.   We don't typically offer private lessons as Aikido is best practiced in a group setting to provide a variety of practice partners.

After moving here in 2015, and teaching/practicing at a local Aikido dojo, my wife and I opened a dojo in 2018 in response to a lack of technically solid Aikido in the Colorado Springs region.  We also really wanted to return to practicing Iwama-Ryu Aikido. 

We've worked with students from all walks of life.  Our dojo is happy to teach any sincere student that walks through our door regardless of gender, race, age or physical capabilities.   

Spending a week as "uchideshi", or live-in student, with my teacher Patricia Hendricks Shihan.  In late September, I was able to visit my teacher's dojo and spend time in focused training.  It was a wonderful week. 

Lineage is important.  You can consider lineage as a form of quality control.  Aikido is no different than any other learning process.  Ask any teacher that you may be considering studying under about their credentials.  Who granted them rank?  Who is their teacher?  Will the rank that you earn transfer someplace else?  What's their relationship with their teacher like?  Do they attend Aikido seminars regularly?  Do they encourage their students to do so?  Then... Take those answers and do some research on the internet.  Does the organization that they claim to be a member of actually exist?  Is their teacher someone who exists?  Is there any evidence supporting their credentials?   

What are your training goals?   What is it that you want to learn?  Are your goals realistic?   Aikido, like every other martial art, requires a committment of time and energy to learn.  We are happy to help you refine a set of training goals, and accomplish them.