What is Yoshinkan Aikido?

The word "Yoshinkan" means house of cultivating spirits. Our founder, Kancho Sensei, developed his skills through hard and stringent training while studying under his teacher Ueshiba Sensei in 1932-1940. Through this hard training, Kancho Sensei was able to cultivate this in spirit training. The Yoshinkan Dojo began when Kancho Sensei started his dojo in the early 1950’s in Tokyo, Japan. To this day, we still cultivate this spirit by always doing our best.

Yoshinkan Aikido is non-competitive and non-aggressive. It does not meet force with resistance or brute strength. Instead, it redirects an aggressor’s force with well-timed, flowing, circular movements that lead the attacker off their center of balance. Joint locks, throws or pins then effectively control or immobilize the attacker, regardless of their size and strength.

Men, women and children of any size, shape or ability are invited to come and learn Yoshinkan Aikido in a strict yet friendly Japanese format that instills self-discipline and self-confidence. Given time and practice, students will develop powerful self-defense techniques while also greatly improving their fitness, agility, flexibility, and ability to focus, not to mention self awareness.

Is Aikido the correct martial art for me?

First, you must identify why you want to learn a martial art? Is it for self defense? Is it to get into better shape? Is it something that you have always wanted to do.

Second, find something that fits your temperament. If you like to wrestle, kick or inflict pain to other people, Aikido is not for you. One’s development in Aikido is like the process of sharpening a sword. It’s a disciplined process of refinement.

Third, find the principles of Aikido fascinating by how energy can be redirected around you with ease and control. Some find this scientifically stimulating how a smaller weaker person can control a larger stronger person. Like water moving around a rock, Aikido simply fits with whatever it is given.

What expectation do the teachers have?

The only expectations that Randy Sensei and Matt Sensei have toward our students is that they do their best and maintain a mutual respect of dojo etiquette and protocol.

Why should I pick this dojo?

We provide traditional training by traditional instructors at an exceptional value. We follow the Japanese method and style of teaching. All the commands and test techniques are spoken in Japanese. We are a disciplined dojo that puts a premium on etiquette and protocol. We don’t have colored belts to distinguish rank. Rather, the same white belt that the students began with at the start of their studies is used until the black belt is achieved. Students take Kyu tests that move them from 10th kyu to 1st kyu and later shodan (first degree black belt), Nidan (second degree black belt), etc.

We put a premium on the Kihon dosa (6 basic movements). These techniques were developed to ensure that all students, from the highest to the lowest would continue to improve in their own personal training & growth.

Beginning students rely on some cooperation when working with fellow students. This allows proper form, balance and control. As the students progress, resistance is encouraged to properly redirect force through balance and control.

Our class size is small, as we start other classes when the number of students grows larger. By keeping the classes small the level of instruction is high, and traditionally based. We have a close relationship with each and every student, Japan, and have introduced the Japanese culture to all our Aikidoka (students of Aikido). This includes taking trips to other dojos in Japan, such as the headquarters dojo in Tokyo. Randy Sensei speaks Japanese very well, and currently holds a 4th degree black belt, graduated from the 2nd International Yoshinkan Instructors course in Tokyo, and has over 17 years experience. Matt de Heras Sensei has a 4th degree black belt, graduated from the 1st American Instructors course, and has over 17 years of experience.

How do I get started?

Read, understand and sign the release of liability/Medical release waiver

Purchase a Aikido/Judo style dogi (uniform) from us.

Get to class 15 minutes early so that a senior student can introduce you to dojo etiquette and proper protocol.

Have fun!