Jiai Aikido

Specialties

Traditional Aikido & Evolved «Applied Aikido»: Japanese Martial Art classes, and private lessons, for youth & adults.

Jiai Aikido is a well established school since 2003, with expert instruction and a welcoming environment for all people regardless of age or experience.

Although Aikido movements are soft, rational, and smooth in nature, by applying a bit of force these can become unbelievably effective. The gentle quality of Aikido makes it appealing to men, women and children regardless of age, while its power makes it a compassionate yet effective martial art if taught accordingly.

History

Established in 2003.

Jiai Aikido is affiliated with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba; there is direct lineage to O’Sensei via Saotome Shihan, and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan. Jiai is lead by four Main Instructors who align in vision: Dojo Cho Cat Strada Sensei, Dojo Founder Jeff Sodeman Sensei, Nikki Lewis Sensei, and Van Hillier Sensei. Other popular Instructors, Steven Katz Sensei and Teru Murashige Sensei, make up our 7 classes over 5 days/​wk. We have an very structured Intro Program, which streamlines the way to a higher level of advanced, dynamic training. Students not only learn the traditional principles & basic Aiki techniques, but are encouraged to find their own aikido and develop/​evolve their training, whither its for application in actual modern day conflict, physical/​emotional health, or deeper explorations of self and how we related to people and the world around us. With a 4,000sf facility we offer an amazing mat and community– a safe space with progressive, honest training and friendly people. All are Welcome!

Meet the Business Owner

Cat S.

Business Owner

I started at Jiai in 2007 under Founder Sodeman Sensei. While training here transforms me, I also witness the many ways our dojo encourages people in their individual paths. I feel our training includes a needed combination of individualized body/​psyche training, and safe but effective/​challenging partner interactions. We encourage the traditions & foundation principles of Aikido, while aren’t afraid to step out the box, training dynamically, and exploring applicable aspects for modern day conflict whether internal or external. By having a few Instructors, I feel we truly offer students incredible opportunities for friendships, a healthy psyche & body, plus basic effective martial arts which isn’t always easy at first with aikido. Aikido is a deep art, often years to understand. Here students get strong foundation to start that long road of internal work, while integrating and quickly learning advanced ukemi, and basic body movement/​awareness/​relaxation/​breath and self-​defense skills.