Need something for that special someone...

...or even the office secret Santa? Friend? Neighbor?

Any one who would like to give the gift of Aikido for Christmas, you can do so easily by sending us an email at aikidokokikairochester@gmail.com.  You'll get a numbered certificate good for a year for our beginners' special to give to a new or even long lost student to get them into the dojo and experiencing how Aikido can be a positive influence on their life.  The offer is good for our Rochester dojo only as we obviously can't, well shouldn't, take your money for a different dojo!  :)

Happy Holidays!

Dojo Year End Holiday Schedule

Wed. 12/23 – Bōnenkai – 7:00 pm

Thurs. 12/24 – Christmas Eve – dojo closed

Thurs. 12/31 – New Year’s Eve – dojo closed

Saturday 12/26 - No Kids Class, there will be adults class at 10AM.   UPDATED

Fri. 1/1/16 – New Year’s Day Class – 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Happy Thanksgiving!

What are the things your are thankful for?  (Sorry Sam) For what things are you thankful?

I have the honor and privilege of exploring this state of being we call Kokikai Aikido with a group of people that aren't just my students, not merely my peers, but my extended family.  For 20 years my wife and I have been affiliated with our dojo.  We not only found a practice which has changed our demeanor, our outlook on life, how we interact with others, how we do other crazy tasks like blacksmithing, how we design products (ask me about the device for firefighters inspired by nikyo), but most importantly, we found a home.  The experience of walking through those doors to the foyer and immediately feeling the comfort of being at home is not our unique story, but one that has been the grace of most everyone that has been with the dojo for any length of time.

So, on behalf of myself, my wife Candace, and all of us, I want to thank each and every person that has ever made the Rochester Dojo the Home that it is while never compromising the goal that is the elevation of the art of Kokikai.  To all those that came before me, that sweated beside me (or on me) over the years, to those that remain, and to those to come.  THANK YOU!


While I have you attention, there are a few announcements:

Congratulations to those who have tested in the past few weeks! Progress makes the dojo.  We look forward to participating on your continued journey.

6th Kyu
Mark Douglas
Kristina Karekos
Richard Douglas
Tracy Karekos

5th Kyu
Scott Andrews

4th Kyu
Michael Dorren


There are no classes on Thanksgiving, but please join our extended family on Saturday from 10-Noon for an extended class.  Both Alan Tamayo and Steve Perino will be back up from NY City.  Hopefully a few others may join us as well from our satellite programs.  Though not a formal regional practice, any and all Kokikai students are welcome, as are new comers.

Please enjoy the holiday and may you survive your adventures in shopping!  BTW, if you have someone that has everything on your list, maybe they would benefit from the gift of Aikido.  Think hard  though, it's so awesome you better really like them.  :)

-b

Halloween Seminar 2015!

We were not able to schedule Leon Brooks Sensei for our annual Halloween Seminar. However Brian Martens Sensei and Paul Gardner Sensei (Eastern Sky Dojo) would still like to hold a special class.

When:  Saturday, October 31, 2015

Where: Aikido Kokikai Rochester (aka Downtown Dojo)

Fee:  No Charge

Class Times:                

• Kid’s Class 9:00 am - 10:00 am
• Adult Class 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
• Lunch Break 12:00 noon - 12:30 pm (bring a snack to share)
• Adult Class 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Format: Brian Sensei and Paul Sensei will alternate every ½ hour, senior students will also join into the teaching cycle.

Party: After class at the Genesee Brew House, remember Sensei says, “Sweat makes the beer better”. Costumes are optional but encouraged.

Bring: Bring a snack to share for the lunch break and your weapons

Please come, all are invited. Let Brian or Marcella know if you have any questions.

Dojo Fundraiser

Our fundraising auction is now OPEN.  Check out all the cool hand crafted items and services that have been donated to support the dojo.

You may ask, why is a martial arts dojo having a fundraiser?  The answer is simple, we are an all volunteer run organization funded solely through member dues.  Martial arts practice is typically a function of people's disposable income.  The past few years have been tough economically for the country and Rochester in particular.  We have seen a migration of people away from Rochester for work which has directly impacted our membership.  In that same stretch the dojo had to invest in new mats, foam, and lighting.  The dojo looks great but we have been unable to re-build our reserves. 

Our mission is to teach Aikido to as many people as we can, so we have resisted raising dues.  This auction, along with some other activities on the drawing board, is intended to help fix that.  We need to rebuild our monthly operational reserve, rebuild our scholarship fund, and start saving towards our next mat replacement in a few years.

Please consider supporting our mission.

Thanks,

the dojo