West End Aikido

Specialties

West End Aikido students train in the spirit and with the heart of the Founder of Aikido, O Sensei. Classes are structured so one can began in any class. Senior students are assigned to new students to mentor them. Students from other martial arts and traditions are welcome. We include O Sensei’s spiritual insights as well as his martial teachings. Classes can include moments to reflect on poems by Mary Oliver and other poets. And, we as a community, have fun training together and exploring this wonderful Art.

History

Established in 2008.

West End Aikido evolved from Aikido of Bodega Bay, the town where it was founded. As the student base shifted more to Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, classes were eventually moved there. Paul Rest Sensei also is in the teaching staff at Medicine Horse Ranch outside Tomales, CA where Aikido is being included in the MHR’s curriculum. The philosophy of West End Aikido as both an affirming community and one that focuses on the core teachings of O Sensei as both a martial artist and an intensely spiritual being, is to offer Aikido where ever it is requested and welcomed.

Meet the Business Owner

Paul Sensei R.

Business Owner

Paul Rest Sensei began training in 1993. He received the rank of Shodan in the year 2000 and Nidan in 2006. He has been instrumental in the development and spread of Low Impact Aikido classes– classes for those who wish to learn the Art but are unable to roll or fall. He is a regular columnist for the Exam​iner​.com where he writes a weekly feature titled «Martial Artists Making a Difference.» In this column he writes about martial artists who are taking what they have learned on the mat out into the world and making a difference. Paul Sensei is on the teaching staff at Medicine Horse Ranch, outside Tomales, CA where Aikido is offered in many of the classes and workshops. He has written many articles about Aikido and will soon publish an eBook about his insights into Aikido. He has trained with many of the leading senior teachers in the world including the current Doshu, the Founder’s grandson.