AIKIDO IN FREDERICKSBURG

 

AIKIDO IN FREDERICKSBURG was is a not for profit corporation formed to expand on the mission of the Fredericksburg Aikido Club which was founded in 1993 by Dwight Petersen Sensei, then a 1st degree blackbelt.  In 2002, Aviv Goldsmith Sensei moved to the area after being the senior instructor at Reno Aikido Co-Op and became the Club's Chief Instructor.  Aviv Sensei is a 5th degree blackbelt instructor and holds teaching certification in Aiki-weapons (wooden sword and staff).  He has trained as uchi-deshi (senior student in residence) under M. Saito Sensei at the Iwama Dojo in Japan, where Aikido was developed.  Saito Sensei trained with O'Sensei for 23 years. The school is a member of the Takemusu Aikido Association and is affiliated with and Hombu Dojo (Aikido World Headquarters) and the Iwama Dojo in Japan.   Aikido in Fredericksburg seeks to be an educational resource for Aikido in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area and works with other dojos around the country.


THE DOJO offers many classes each week, open to Aikido students of all levels.  The class schedule will be expanding, so please tell Aviv Sensei if there is another time that meets your scheduling needs. Beginners should be prepared to commit to at least three months of training to get a feel for the art. Students pay low monthly dues for access to classes -- train as often as your schedule allows. There is a one-time enrollment fee equal to one month's dues. Discounted enrollment packages are also available that offer reduced dues for advance payment.  If you are interested in enrolling, please see one of the instructors.  Visitors are welcome at all classes.


STARTING AIKIDO begins simply with interest and a desire to learn.  Beginning students are accepted into the dojo at all times.  Required clothing is a loose sweatsuit with a long sleeve top or a white martial arts uniform. Beginners get individual attention from the instructor and senior students to become familiar with the basics of AIKIDO practice.

"Those who seek to study Aikido should open their minds, listen to the sincerity of the spirit of the universe through Aiki, and practice.  Willingly begin the cultivation of your spirit by practice and you will improve without hindrance.  Aikido is not for correcting others, it is for correcting your own mind.  This is the mission of Aikido and should be your mission."

 

      We work to faciliate our students' advancement:

AIKIDO IN FREDERICKSBURG is committed to developing and maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential.  AIKIDO IN FREDERICKSBURG prohibits discrimination against any member of the community on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation or disability.  It is also Aikido in Fredericksburg's policy to comply with all applicable national and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunities.