Happy Thanksgiving!

From everyone at the Aikido Association of America, we would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Workshop at Methuen Aikido

Frank Gallo Sensei (Eastern Regional Director) will conduct a 3 hr Aikido workshop on December 6th at 11:00 am at Methuen Aikido. The focus of this workshop will include a review of the AAA kihon waza.  For directions to the dojo, please vist:  www.northeastaikikai.com

Hatayama Shihan Video provided by Gajuki Dojo

Here is a video made by Gajuki dojo during their visit to Shoshinkan dojo (Rhode Island Aikido) for their 10th Year Anniversary.  The video features clips of Hatayama Shihan, Glen Matsuda Sensei, and many more!  Maybe you can find yourself in the clip?  Enjoy!

'My Impression of the Aikido Seminar Held in Arecibo' by Alec Rivera

From October 31 to November 2, 2008 our dojo, Aikido Dojo del Norte, sponsored a seminar with Glen Matsuda Sensei in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The seminar was attended by AAA students in Puerto Rico, representatives of all the major Aikido organizations in Puerto Rico and some martial artists of other styles. We also had an AAA member from a Pennsylvania dojo who attended.

Some of the most interesting moments for me at the seminar were the following:
1. Matsuda Sensei has a unique style of teaching. His ability to explain, break down and demonstrate technique was very impressive and allowed us to learn the technique while enjoying the practice.
2. Matsuda Sensei continuously emphasized the concept of “spirit” in the technique. Form is not enough if not accompanied with “spirit”. My understanding of this is that form without “spirit” is only empty movement and my Aikido would be incomplete and lacking substance.
3. Matsuda Sensei explained the use of correct breathing and how this would enhance our Aikido practice and permit us to prolong our practice. As an example we practiced katatekosatori kokyunage using the breathing techniques he showed us and guess what it works!
4. One of the highlights of the seminar was watching Yudansha tests, both Nidan and Sandan. I had the privilege to participate in my sensei’s Sandan test and perform Kumitachi with him. I had been learning and practicing Kumitachi for eight months in preparation for Sensei’s test. Was I nervous when the moment came but I pulled through and everything turned out right.

Thank you Matsuda Sensei for the excellent seminar, for your explanations, for your friendship and the joy you express when you teach and demonstrate Aikido.

Thank you Stephen Toyoda Sensei for always supporting our dojo and Aikido in Puerto Rico.

The author of this article is a teenager, 2.5 Kyu and has been practicing Aikido at Aikido Dojo del Norte, Arecibo, Puerto Rico since the age of 5.

Pictures from Rhode Island Aikido's 10th Year Anniversary

At last!

Pictures of this seminar with Hatayama Sensei can be easily found HERE.

If you would like to submit more photos from the seminar please contact us at Toubu.

Shoshinkan Dojo Demonstration

Shoshinkan Dojo / Rhode Island Aikido performed an aikido demonstration for more than 100 students at a local Cranston elementary school on Monday, 11.10.2008.


Don Capuano Sensei and Rick Testa Sensei lead the demonstration, as well as, a discussion on applying the philosophy of aikido to conflict resolution and relaxation.

Shoshinkan Dojo 10th Anniversary Seminar Update

The seminar with Kengo Hatayama Shihan and Stephen Toyoda Sensei at Rhode Island Aikido (Soshinkan dojo) in honor of their 10th Anniversary was a great success. Thank you to all of those in attendance from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and more!

Many pictures of the seminar will be posted this week. If you have any other pictures, videos, or experiences to share, please do not hesitate to contact us and share!

Also, congratulations to Bill Bradbury on passing his nidan examination!

History of AAA

Aikido Association of America was founded by Shihan Fumio Toyoda. Its goal, as defined by Shihan Toyoda, was to raise and maintain the quality of American Aikido instruction at its highest level. Towards this end, AAA emphasizes strong Aikido technique, legitimate instructors, and a clear teaching methodology. The organization provides support and guidance to its instructors, members, and affiliated dojo. It offers standardized test requirements, training seminars and camps (local, regional, and national), and instructor training and certification. Shihan Toyoda, known for his powerful and dynamic Aikido as well as for his unique and effective teaching methodology, is approachable by students of all levels. He was also more than willing to share his method of teaching and what he's learned in his more than 40 years of Aikido experience. His personal goal, and the continued guiding vision of Aikido Association of America, is to promote Aikido. This vision is continued by Stephen Tatsuo Toyoda (his eldest son) and his most senior students.