History Aikido is the Japanese martial art that uses a system of holds, throws, and locks as its principle movements. The art focuses on controlling one's ki to subdue an opponent. Aikido principles hold that the mind and body are one. When a person acts in this manner, great power is possible. By joining with the motion of an attack and taking control of its force, it is possible to redirect the power of the attack safely and effectively.
Aikido was developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969); known to his students as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). A legendary master of several schools of martial arts, O-Sensei was also a deeply spiritual man. An early taste of war forged his opposition to the use of martial arts for destructive purposes. His pursuits of these passions led him to the development of Aikido, a discipline designed to control aggression and violence, as well as help people realize their full potential as individuals: physically, mentally and spiritually.
San Diego Aikikai History: The original San Diego Aikikai was founded in 1981 by T.K. Chiba Shihan. T.K. Chiba studied intensively under the founder of Aikido, O-Sensei from 1958 to 1965 as an uchideshi. Under Chiba Shihan, San Diego Aikikai served as the headquarters for Birankai North America, an organization directly affiliated and recognized by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan. For twenty-seven years Chiba Shihan worked diligently to promote aikido world-wide by creating a rigorous teacher-training program for those students who demonstrated the desire to become aikido teachers themselves.
San Diego Aikikai II was created by T.K. Chiba's chosen successor, D. Drake Sensei upon Chiba Shihan’s retirement from active teaching in 2008. San Diego Aikikai II boasts a rich and diverse community of martial artists from beginners to 6th degree black belts.
Etiquette The protocol observed in an aikido dojo is built upon that of Japanese society. The following list outlines basic dojo etiquette:
Glossary
frames required
Chief Instructor Drake Sensei, 5th Dan, Shidoin Deena Drake Sensei began training in Aikido in 1995 with M. Flynn Shihan in Northern California. She joined the kenshusei (teacher’s training) program in 1998 and continued her training as an apprentice to T.K. Chiba Shihan in San Diego beginning in 2000. Drake Sensei graduated from the kenshusei program in 2007 as a fully certified instructor (Shidoin). She holds the rank of yondan (5th degree black belt) and is an ICU nurse at UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest.
Shidoin
Leslie Cohen, 5th Dan
Steve Garber, 4th Dan
Fukushidoin
Alan Del Tredici, 3rd Dan
Lori Stewart, 3rd Dan
Other Instructors
Deirdre (Dee Dee) Coppedge, 5th Dan
Ed Martini, 4th Dan
Gary Payne, 3rd Dan
Suzanne Gonzales-Webb, 3rd Dan
Richard Miller, 2nd Dan
Adult Program Aikido is a Japanese martial art that uses a system of holds, throws, and joint locks as its principle movements. The art focuses on controlling one's ki to subdue an opponent.
Aikido principles hold that the body and mind are one. When a person acts in this concerted manner, great power is possible. By joining with the motion of an attack and taking control of its force, it is possible to redirect the power of the attack safely and effectively.
Aikido is not only a spiritual discipline but also involves physical mastery. We learn to respect others through mutual physical contact. In this way, a means of communication is established that transcends the barriers of lifestyle, language, culture, and race. Aikido, as a martial Way for all people, is like a compass which directs the completion and unification of each person's body, mind, and spirit with the fundamental and creative spirit of the universe.
Aikido is practiced world-wide by men and women both young and old and is appropriate for children as young as five years old.
Taijutsu Taijutsu (or empty hand) training, is the major form of practice at San Diego Aikikai. This training is broken down by level: Beginners, Mixed and Advanced.
The Beginner class is reserved for new students wanting to try Aikido for the first time, and for junior students wanting or requiring closer attention and practice on more basics concepts. The Mixed class is the general class, designed for all but the newest members, while the Advanced class, is intended for senior students and focuses on more intense training.
Weapons Aikido training is also composed of weapons training. There are three designated weapons classes, where the student will learn to become familiar with handling a bokken (wooden sword) and a jo (wooden staff), and learn the formal weapon system developed by Chiba Sensei. Occasionally, taijutsu will be combined with weapons training to expose the student to disarming techniques.
Note: Permission should be received prior to attending any weapons classes.
Iaido Iaido is the art of sword drawing. Students at San Diego Aikikai practice Batto-Ho.
Zazen Zazen is a practice in meditation, an element of Zen Buddhism, and is performed while sitting. The sessions vary in length from one hour, to three days (sesshin) and eight days (rohatsu).
The Birankai International Zen Meditation page offers more information and links.
Children's Program Why is Aikido a good choice for my child? Aikido is perfect for children because it teaches that there are alternatives to violence. Instead of learning how to kick and punch, children learn to redirect an attacker's energy and resolve conflict while minimizing injury to the attacker. Because Aikido is not taught as a sport there is no competition. Competition in sports is healthy for children if the emphasis is not placed so much on winning but rather on effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork. In a martial art, however, when a child fights another child, one must "win" and the other must "lose." Aikido is built on the premise of not-fighting. Winning by defeating another human-being is not winning at all. Instead, we teach children to learn to protect themselves while not hurting others.
What will my child learn at San Diego Aikikai? Our program for children focuses on developing the whole child. Our conditioning exercises, Aikido techniques, and games develop physical coordination, flexibility, agility and endurance. We also seek to reinforce core values such as self-esteem and self-confidence, humility, discipline, and respect for others.
Children's Program Instructors Deena Drake, 4th Degree Black Belt, Shidoin (certified instructor), Chief Instructor, San Diego Aikikai. Drake Sensei has been training in Aikido for over 15 years and is the graduate of a special teacher's training program designed by T.K. Chiba Shihan, the founder of San Diego Aikikai and an original student of Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei). Drake Sensei has taught Children’s programs for many years and enjoys challenging young minds and bodies – she wishes all of her students were as enthusiastic and joyful as children. In her "real life" Drake Sensei is an ICU nurse at UCSD Medical Center. Drake Sensei teaches at the 30th Street dojo.
Richard Miller, 2nd Degree Black Belt, Children's Program Chief Instructor – Hawley Blvd. Dick Miller has been training in Aikido for ten years and has been leading the Children's program for over seven years. He is a retired California State Park Ranger who volunteers his time in many San Diego community organizations. Dick respects children's innate intelligence and their ability to learn and master just about anything. Dick teaches all classes at our Hawley Blvd location. He and his wife were instrumental in obtaining city funds for a scholarship program for Adams Ave Elementary School Students.
Suzanne Gonzales-Webb, 3rd Degree Black Belt, Children's Program Instructor. Suzanne has been training in Aikido since 1992 and has taught children's classes for more than ten years. Suzanne is an information security analyst and is the proud mother of Chance and Isabella. Suzanne strives to make her classes fun and energetic and always encourages parents to join in.
Adult Program Schedule
Adult Program Fees
Children's Program Schedule
Children's Program Fees