Train hard with a pure heart

In the Shinkawakan Dojo, both beginners and advanced students train together. Same is true for teenagers and adults. Aikido practice benefits from having partners of different sizes, ages, and athletic abilities training together. The aikido curriculum is rich and expansive, offering training experiences commensurate to each individual's progress and abilities. In aikido there are no opponents, only partners. There are no competitions, no winners, no losers. The true competition is within oneself. 

Dojo etiquette is of the utmost importance. Students are expected to maintain discipline and follow instructions at all times. While it is true that SIAF aikido is a serious endeavor, we do have a lot of fun training! 

For beginner students, classes focus on learning the fundamentals of moving the body in balance. We focus on form, conditioning, and basic technique to build a solid foundation for the student. SIAF aikido places great emphasis on kihon (basic) movements as a vehicle to develop a strong posture, maintain balance, and move as a unified being. 

Once the basic exercises and techniques are ingrained, advanced students focus on fluidity and power generation in a more challenging training experience. This includes developing awareness of the timing, distance, and intent of the training partner. Weapons are introduced as well as multiple attackers. At this level of training, practical applications of technique emerge, and each student starts developing what will ultimately be his/her own aikido. 

Contact us if interested in private lessons for individuals or small groups. Our instructor will work with you to develop a customized training plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

The Shinkawakan Dojo is not offering kids classes at this time. The minimum age to train is generally 13 years old. Exceptions may be made depending on the maturity of the potential student. Teenagers and young adults are encouraged to try classes. Aikido training is a great way to develop body awareness, control, and power as a supplement for other sports. More importantly aikido training instills core values such as discipline, courtesy, respect, humility, and character; values that are needed to live a fulfilling life. 

Our self-defense classes are designed to teach practical techniques that can be used in real-world situations. We focus on situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, legal requirements, an understanding of violence, and physical self-defense strategies to help our students stay safe. Refer to the self-defense page for more information.