Aikido Northshore Inc

Specialties

Our training helps students find the strength and confidence to deal positively with conflict in their daily lives. We help improve concentration, mental clarity, self-​confidence and self-​image. Aikido is a non-​violent and non-​competitive Japanese martial art that is beneficial for adults and children. Negative power from an attack is neutralized and controlled using the power of spiral movement. Aikido teaches not to strike back when attacked, but first and foremost, to keep your balance so you can move smoothly to avoid the conflict. This philosophy is one of the reasons many aikido students feel the training helps their daily life. Because Aikido does not depend on physical strength, it is equally attractive to men and women of all ages. The physical benefits are conditioning, coordination, balance and stress reduction.

Aikido is unique as the defensive nature of the art teaches children how to avoid fighting. It helps children learn to deal with difficult situations in a non-​violent manner. They are taught not to become tense when they encounter conflict, but to relax and redirect the negative situation. This process helps children build good social and communicative skills.

Our dojo has adult students ranging from young adults to over 70 years old. The children’s classes start at 4 years old. The dojo atmosphere is one of openness and generosity dedicated to hard work and success of all students.

History

Established in 1995.

Crawford Sensei started Aikido Northshore in Kirkland, WA in 1995. In 2014 she was awarded her 6^th degree black-​belt from Mitsugi Saotome Shihan. She has trained extensively under the direct instruction of Saotome Shihan and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan. She also includes Kevin Choate Sensei and Patty Saotome Sensei as having strong influences on her aikido.

In 2014 Crawford Sensei was awarded the Ueshiba Juku designation by Saotome Shihan. This honor identifies her as having received the principles of aikido in a direct line of succession from O’Sensei, through the teachings of Saotome Shihan.

Aikido Northshore is affiliated with the national organization, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, under the direction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan.

Meet the Business Owner

Lee C.

Business Owner

Crawford Sensei began her aikido training in 1980 under the direction of Akira Tohei Shihan at the University of Wisconsin Aikido Club. After relocating to Seattle in 1988, she became the Assistant Chief Instructor for George Ledyard at Aikido Eastside in Bellevue, WA. In 1995 Crawford Sensei opened Aikido Northshore in Kirkland, WA. Crawford Sensei has trained extensively under the direct instruction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan. She also includes Kevin Choate Sensei and Patty Saotome Sensei as having strong influences on her aikido.

In 2014 Crawford Sensei was awarded the Ueshiba Juku designation by Saotome Shihan. This honor identifies Crawford Sensei as having received the principles of aikido in a direct line of succession from O’Sensei, through the teachings of Saotome Shihan.