Welcome to

Aikido of Noe Valley!

AIKIDO is a nonviolent Japanese martial art that can be practiced by people of nearly all ages who want to learn an effective means of self-defense while coordinating mind, body and spirit.  Although the art is comparatively modern, it has roots in the ancient arts of jiujitsu, sword play, and  use of the wooden staff.  Aikido was founded by O’Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), a master of numerous martial arts and a person of high spiritual attainment.  At Aikido of Noe Valley, you will begin by learning basic skills, such as rolling and falling, in a safe and supportive atmosphere.  In this pleasant, well-lighted space on a forgiving sprung floor, your skills will develop as you become adept at the most basic, static techniques (kihon waza).  After finding some comfort at this level, you are then introduced to more flowing versions of these same forms (ki-no-nagare) while continuing to advance toward the ultimate goal of the art -- takemusu aiki, the “spontaneous creation of form.”

AIKIDO OF NOE VALLEY is a proud member of the Takemusu Aikido Association (TAA), an international organization tied directly to Hombu Dojo, the main Aikido school in Japan.  All ranking at Aikido of Noe Valley is certified by that main school.  TAA member dojos promote Iwama Style Aikido, which emphasizes a firm grasp of basic technique, moves towards a more flowing style, and is on the way to takemusu aiki.  Aikido of Noe Valley is located at the corner of Castro and 26th Streets in San Francisco.  Practitioners at all levels are welcome.  If you are new to the art, you may drop by any time to watch or try a free class.  As an introductory offer, you will receive a free keiko gi (training uniform) when you sign up for two months.  Please feel free to continue to explore our website to learn more about our location, our history, the instructor, and current dojo news.  Also on this site is a glossary of helpful Aikido words & phrases as well as the requirements for ranking through six levels of black belt.  Podcasts of the techniques necessary to attain shodan (first degree black belt), along with other movie clips, are offered.

ADULT  CLASSES*

               Monday, Wednesday, Friday:

                        Noon to 1:30 p.m....................................All Levels

                        6:00 to 7:00 p.m..................................Warm-Ups

                        7:00 to 8:00 p.m....................................All Levels

               Select Saturdays (various outdoor sites):

                        Afternoon.....Staff & Sword/Meditation/Picnic

                Sunday:

                        10:00-11:00 a.m...........All Levels (Dolores Park)

YOUTH  CLASSES

                 Monday, Wednesday, Friday:

                        4:30 to 5:30 p.m.............Boys & Girls (ages 6-11)

FEES

       $25 - registration (one-time only)

       $80/month - full member (age 6 and older)

       $40/month - youth (age 6-11, accompanied by adult member)

       $15/class - by special arrangements with instructor only

       $10/session - visitor (must be member of another dojo)

*Children ages 6-11 may train in the adult classes provided they are accompanied and supervised by a legal guardian.