News and Notes
Death of Stanley Pranin
10 March 2017
We noted this post on Facebook this morning from George Ledyard, 7th dan, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba:
I am sad to announce that Stanley Pranin has passed away. Many of you may know him as the publisher of Aikido Journal and the man who hosted the three Aiki Expos in early 2000's. Stan was the preeminent historian of Aikido and its parent art, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu in the English language. His entire adult life revolved around Aikido. We will miss him greatly.
Happy Birthday Mitsugi Saotome Sensei
7 March 2017
Mitsugi Saotome Sensei's birthday is March 7. He is the founder of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. We wish him the very best of everything on this auspicious occasion!
4-Day Mind / Body Principles Intensive with George Ledyard Sensei
4 March 2017
October 6th – 9th 2017
George Ledyard Sensei, Aikido 7th Dan and direct student of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan
Arizona Aikido in PhoenixMind / Body Principles in Aikido - $275
This intensive will offer four full days of instruction on the mind / body principles that function to create aiki. First we will focus on how to develop the “platform”, the integrated body required to do Aikido waza. Explanation and exercises on how to use the “intent” to unify the body will be a focus.
Once we have established the basic “platform”. we will look at how to make that platform move-able. By the end of the four days, we will cover how the various principles we have studied apply in basic Aikido kihon waza. The goal is for the students to have the tools to become their own teachers using a principle based way of approaching their training.
This seminar is open to students of all levels and affiliations. There is a limit of 40 students to ensure that students get maximum personal attention.
Arizona Aikido Annual Winter Seminar
16 January 2017
Arizona Aikido's Annual Winter Seminar took place February 17–19, 2017, and featured Yoshi Shibata Sensei.
This was the first time Shibata Sensei had taught in the Phoenix area! We're sorry if you missed this seminar! Watch for future opportunities to train with Shibata Sensei.
You'll find the flier here.
The seminar was held at Longview Elementary School (map).
If you'd like to check it, here's the Phoenix weather.
You can still pay for the seminar online below:
Full seminar - $100:
Saturday only - $75:
One session (Friday, 1/2 day Saturday, Sunday) - $50: Which session? Friday evening Saturday morning Saturday afternoon Sunday morning
Dojo Update
27 December 2016
This image will let you see the mats in place. They are not yet fully installed, but we can train on them. Keep watching this page for updates on the status of our dojo, located at 939. W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013. We're not quite in a regular schedule, yet. Keep watching this page for updates.
Happy Birthday, Osensei!
14 December 2016
Happy Birthday, Osensei! December 14, 1883!
Thanks, Osensei, for the legacy you have left us!
Seminar with Jim Alvarez Sensei
20 October 2016
Jim Alvarez, 6th dan, Aikido of Livermore Shinrei Dojo, will be in Phoenix for a special seminar December 2 - 4, 2016.
Download the flier here
December is a good time to be in Phoenix! If you'd like to check it, here's the Phoenix weather.
You can register and pay online:
Arizona Aikido Has Moved!
17 October 2016
We have moved to a new dojo located at 939 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013!
October 15, 2016, was our last day at the Asian Arts Center. For what it's worth, we were there for 30 years!
It will take us a little bit of time to finish preparing the new space, which we are calling Arizona Agatsu Dojo. Watch this Web site for information on when classes will resume at Arizona Agatsu Dojo. If you need more information, you can always use the Contact form.
Thanks for your patience!
Arizona Aikido at the Japanese Friendship Garden
17 September 2016
On January 17, 2016, Arizona Aikido gave a demonstration of Aikido at the Japanese Friendship Garden (Ro Ho En). Check out this video to see images of our preparation, some of the actual demonstration, and some scenes from the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Arizona Aikido Fall Mountain Camp 2016
12 September 2016
Our 2016 Fall Mountain Camp is in the books! Thanks to Hiroshi Ikeda, Shihan for his wonderful instruction! Thanks, too, to all the local Aikido instructors who led sessions at camp. We truly appreciate you presence at FMC!Start planning now for next year's Fall Mountain Camp September 7 - 10, 2017!