Starting The Journey
Anyone with normal physical abilities can become skilled in aikido. But aikido is also a challenging art. It’s important to prioritize your training by keeping your body healthy and your life organized and free of interference. Aikido is enjoyable and even fun, but it also requires tenacity and perseverance. Progress is only possible through dedicated and consistent training. Good manners are also essential. This means being respectful and having acceptable social skills. Aikido can help refine basic manners and awareness, but it’s not our role to teach remedial social skills. We expect those attributes to be present when you join.
Classes are open to adults 18 and older. Every student must complete an application (click below) in order to be considered for acceptance. Then we will contact you and arrange your start date.
Application
We accept a limited number of new students. Click below to complete the application only when you feel you are ready to begin. We we will contact you after we receive your application.
Students must be 18 or over.
Greenwood Sensei discusses the spirit, nature and purpose of aikido here in an Aikido Journal podcast by Josh Gold, Executive Editor of Aikido Journal. The interview also appears in written form. Part one is Don’t Cut the Person with your Sword: Philip Greenwood on Nishio and Aikido Philosophy. Part two is A True Aiki Swordsman: Philip Greenwood on Shoji Nishio. Greenwood Sensei was also interviewed on the Modern Aikidoist Podcast.
Class Schedule
The dojo is usually open about 20-30 minutes prior to class time if you want to arrive early and warm up or train a little before class. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before class time. There is changing room and restroom for students. Also please bring your own water.
You are encouraged to train as much as possible. As a member you are welcome to attend all classes.
| Tuesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Aikido 6:30 – 8:00 PM |
Aikido 6:30 – 8:00 PM |
Iaido (sword) 7:00 – 8:00 PM |
Iaido (sword) 8:30 – 9:00 AM
Aikido |
Uniform & Equipment
The only thing you need to begin training is to obtain a proper training uniform (gi).
You can get either an Aikido or judo style or a medium weight karate style gi. E-bogu has good quality, but feel free to shop other options. Karate gi are lighter for summer training. Aikido and judo gi are pretty much identical and are sturdier, but warmer to train in. It’s up to you. Please do not wear uniforms with patches or insignia. A plain, white uniform only please.
You will want to wear slip-on sandals or flip-flops that can be easily removed when entering the dojo.
We have bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff) to use but soon after starting you should obtain these for yourself: There is a nice set that includes a bag here from e-bogu. But feel free to shop around. Oak is good for training as it resists breaking and splintering. With care they will last for many years.
If you want to train in iaido (Japanese sword) you can begin by using a wooden sword (bokken) from the dojo. At some point you may want to get a training sword (iaito) which is a non-sharp sword. When you’re ready to get a sword we recommend Tozando.
Rates
All dues are paid through an automatic payment system so please have a form of payment (credit card or checking account) with you when you join.
$150/month. There is a one-time $85 registration fee.
Aikido is everything a martial art should be: engaging physically, mentally, and creatively. Greenwood Sensei teaches in a way that is captivating to those new to the art, and to those who have been walking the path. The Nishio way of Aikido is extremely effective as a martial art and holds true to the philosophies set forth by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Greenwood Sensei’s communication of this method is top notch, to say the least.
Each week for the past 9 years I drive 1 1/2 hours each way to train with Greenwood Sensei and it’s well worth it. The dojo is a safe haven where I learn to turn the ideas of peaceful negotiation and acceptance into reality, not only physically, but in my everyday life and work.
Before training with Greenwood Sensei I trained for over 30 years in karate and competed in full contact. At 68 i’m at a point in my life where i realize the foolishness of a lot of that. Especially the damage i did to myself. But I do know what works and what doesn’t. Greenwood Sensei is the real deal. He’s extremely patient. He makes sure that you get it right and that it works. Learning to move naturally without causing stress or damage to my body is something i wish i had learned years ago. The dojo is incredible. It feels like family. And the teaching is second to none.
I am constantly working on myself. I have high anxiety and I know Maeve (my horse) can feel it. We definity have to work on ourselves to work with our horses. What has helped me immensely is doing Aikido, a martial art focused on problem solving without violence. It also works on self growth. I’d recommend it to any horse person.
I began practicing Aikido with Greenwood Sensei in my mid-40’s with minimal martial arts experience as a retired Navy sailor who has experienced many things in life. I have to say that learning Aikido in the tradition of Nishio has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. Young, old, man or women this is an incredible experience for anyone.
I’m at 3 months of training now and I love it. I’m starting to pick up certain techniques and I like where I’m going with it. Aikido techniques can be very intricate, but are very effective and make complete sense. Footwork, the way of moving, the way of holding the arms, body posture and so many more details go hand to hand. I especially like how Aikido uses balance and position in a way that neither person gets hurt.
