
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Salt Lake Aikikai is currently not training at the Salt Lake County Sports Center.
We will begin weapons practice in the Bountiful City Park (400 N 200 W, Bountiful, UT 84010) on May 26th at 7:00pm.
Weapons class will run 30-45 minutes, with the possibility of longer training sessions in the future.
Bring your weapons, neribo, and a mask, which is required by state & county health departments.
We will practice together apart, keeping good social distancing.
Contact Jack if you need to borrow weapons or need a washable face mask.
We will wait to return to open hand practice after we hit the green risk level zone, and we feel it's safe to practice Aikido.
This may take a long time.
We'll update any changes on the website and e-mail to all students on the current list.
Please stay safe until we'll fight off this pandemic.
Welcome to Traditional Aikido in Salt Lake City!
At Salt Lake Aikikai, we practice traditional Aikido. Our emphasis is on fun, while assimilating sound martial principles. We are directly affiliated with the Aikikai “Hombu Dojo” in Tokyo, headquarters of the original Aikido organization. Everyone is welcome: beginners and visitors alike. Our training is safe for all ages (14 and up) and all levels of athletic ability.
New to Aikido? Here’s what to expect:
- Classes start at 7 p.m. sharp (3:30 p.m. on Saturday, 3:00 p.m. on most Sundays), but we typically arrive as early as 6:40 p.m. to set up (3:10 p.m. on Saturday, 2:40 p.m.).
- Practices begin with a 20 min. warm-up focused on specific Aikido needs. For example, we train in ukemi (falls).
- You do not need a ‘gi’ (white uniform) to start but we recommend you get one as soon as you know Aikido is something you want to pursue. The black pants (hakama) are not required in our dojo until you reach the rank of 2nd kyu. (See the FAQ for more on rank advancement.)
- All skill levels train together and beginners are as important to train with as more experienced practitioners. Everyone — whatever her/his experience — adjusts to work with the partner. This is part of the training of harmony (the “ai” of Aikido).
- We train both empty-handed and with weapons (jo staff, sword, and knife — all of wood). Each class, we will practice many different Aikido techniques — with safety as the top priority (each person is responsible for respecting his or her own limits). We also learn balance and how to focus our energy or “ki” (each one tries her/his best).
- We do observe dojo etiquette (based on traditions that originated in Japan) as a way to show respect for the dojo.
- In the end, paying attention, listening, and observing are the best ways to grow in Aikido. It is a solid and slow growth process (“do”).
Practice Times
Tuesday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Location
Salt Lake City Sports Complex
645 South Guardsman Way (1580 East)
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Map / Driving and UTA directions
Fees
Monthly rate One-time drop-in fee Six-month discounted rate Family monthly rate | $35 $8 $189 (10% discount) $35 + $5 for each add. family member |
Please refer to the FAQ for additional information regarding fees.
No contract required. There is no charge to observe practice.
I have been a member of the Salt Lake Aikikai since its opening at the Salt Lake City Sports Complex in November of 2004. My experience with the dojo has unquestionably left me a better person. No matter how stressed or tired I may feel before practice, I finish feeling relaxed and well. I have made new friends and I have found Aikido unique in promoting a spirit of cooperation. The Aikikai’s association with the Hombu Dojo in Japan (the world Aikido Headquarters), gave me an opportunity to travel to Japan and experience Aikido practice where it originated. The instructors for the course, Richard Sano and Philippe Wyffels (and during the first several years, David Iannucci) have been patient and tireless with all who attend. They have consistently taught safe practice; no one is pressured to attempt anything with which they were uncomfortable. The modest fees and unheard-of class cancellations reflect their selfless interest in teaching this martial art.
Mark H.Aikidoka
Visiting Salt Lake Aikikai in April 2013 was my first martial arts class of any kind. I was promptly greeted and accepted warmly as a member of the group, demonstrating the openness of the class to accept all who show interest. I was told during my introduction that although I may see some advanced techniques, my safety was the most important concern of the dojo, and I should not attempt to do anything I did not feel comfortable with. This is all in keeping with the principles of learning Sano Sensei demands of all participants.
I believe Sano Sensei embodies the values of teaching to the highest degree. He is not only highly skilled in his practice of Aikido but conveys the importance of balance in our lives regarding family, work, and other interests. He is truly special in what I have since seen at other dojos in that our classes incorporate men, women, children, and all ages, at all skill levels working together. Only his knowledge of proper Eastern teaching philosophy allows safely for this.
In addition, his skill in Aikido has allowed for me to progress in this discipline at a much higher rate than I could have ever imagined. He takes the time to individually assist each student creating a learning experience of great reward.
I recommend Sano Sensei to the highest degree. His compassion, skill, and teachings, are a valuable assets to our community.
Scott C.Aikidoka
I love Aikido because it is fun. Teachers are kind and helpful, and members are so nice and passionate. I want to practice more so that I can be as skillful as my teachers and other senior members. I very much enjoy every Aikido class at Salt Lake Aikikai.
Yoshio (age 7)Aikidoka
I was looking for a self defense class that my son and I could both attend. Salt Lake Aikikai was the only place where they allowed us to practice together. People in Salt Lake Aikikai are very respectful. Instructors are knowledgable and professional, and all the members are always willing to teach beginners patiently. I appreciate the stance of teaching one another. My son and I both came to love Aikido, and we enjoy attending the class every Tuesday and Friday. We are so glad to find this class and grateful for Salt Lake Aikikai.
Nao S.Aikidoka
I started training aikido with Sano sensei and Wyffels sensei in July 2012. I work at the University of Utah. Not only is the location supremely convenient, I find the dojo a fantastic fit for my personality and current approach to this martial way. I have become one of the regulars. During my time training at Salt Lake Aikikai, I have observed both instructors scale instruction to the audience on a given evening. Some nights, when we have inexperienced visitors, this means that we very carefully move through beginning material. On nights with just the more experienced students, the training time ramps up to more difficult techniques. Of course, classes range widely between these two points. I am amazed at how Sano and Wyffels make this dynamic teaching look effortless. Further, both seem to find great ways to push and encourage me to improve.
I looked into a number of other dojo options prior to joining Salt Lake Aikikai and trained briefly elsewhere some years ago. None of the other options provided as well-rounded a grounding in the foundation of the Way as disseminated by Hombu Dojo, the home headquarters of Aikido worldwide. I appreciate that instruction is focused on the core of Aikido, rather than adding superfluous and unnecessary roadblocks to instruction found in other subsidiary Aikido organizations. There isn’t another first-class alternative for traditional aikido in the area.
Jack H.Aikidoka
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