affiliated with World Aikido
Headquarters (Aikikai Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan. About Us
Mission
At Redlands Aikikai, our mission is to enhance the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the community by providing instruction of the highest quality in the martial and healing arts. We welcome all who can safely practice, regardless of age and physical condition. Enhanced learning in a safe environment is our primary concern. We practice sincere, traditional and non-commercialized training in refinement of the human spirit.
Operation and Facility
We are a privately owned school, in operation continuously since 1994. Our instructors are highly dedicated to the very best instruction, offering personal attention to each student.
Our 4,600 sq. ft. facility includes nearly 2,000 sq. ft. of mat space for the martial arts and a 700 sq. ft. room dedicated to the healing arts. We have been in our current location since December 2004.
We have created a beautiful and tranquil environment for practicing the refinement of the spirit.
Offerings
Martial arts:
Redlands Aikikai is the largest and also the only full-time professional Aikido school in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. We have the only school of Kendo in the area including and adjacent to the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino and Redlands.
For adults we offer Aikido and Kendo:
Aikido: A martial art that works with the energy of the attacker to neutralize the attack with minimal force, by means of the coordination of mind, body and spirit. It has its origins in both jujitsu and the Japanese sword. Both empty-hand and weapons techniques are practiced, including two-person weapons kata and weapons take-aways. Belt-ranks are awarded through our internationally recognized affiliation with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (see below).
Kendo: A martial art of sword-fencing, practiced with body armor and bamboo swords.
For children we offer instruction in:
Kids' Aikido: An ideal martial art for kids, as Aikido is noncompetitive and nonviolent. Kids' classes provide safe, effective, and realistic instruction. Our instructors are trained to give each child personal attention: we get to know each child’s strengths, weaknesses and motivation. Children gain self-defense experience while learning discipline and conflict resolution, gaining confidence and increasing flexibility and fitness - in an environment that supports social interaction, sportsmanship, camaraderie and fun.
Everyone is welcome to join the adult or children’s martial arts classes at any time. These classes are open to free observation and a free trial class. Currently, we have 11 black-belt instructors ranked 1st through 5th degree black belt. Only black-belt instructors teach adult martial arts classes and supervise or teach the children’s classes.
Healing arts:
For adults we offer Tai Chi and Zazen:
Tai Chi: An ancient system of gentle movement for health, balance and longevity. Our instructor has over forty years in the art and over thirty years of teaching experience. He is one of the senior-most Tai Chi instructors in the Inland region and in his association (see below).
Zazen Meditation: Sitting and walking meditation in the Buddhist tradition, open to persons of all faiths. The instructors have extensive experience and certification.
Professional Affiliations
Aikido: Redlands Aikikai (formerly
San Bernardino Aikikai) has been in continuous operation since 1994, when it was
established as a member dojo of
Aikido Schools of Ueshiba,
affiliated with World Aikido
Headquarters (Aikikai Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan.
Kendo Instructor: Japan Kendo Federation; Southern California Kendo Federation
Tai Chi Instructor: Northwest Tai Chi Chuan Association
Zazen: Hazy Moon Zen Buddhist Center of Los Angeles
Business: Redlands Chamber of Commerce.