Stop by and watch class today!
As a traditional Japanese Aikido school, we make the important distinction that we are a dojo and not a business. We are not here to sell memberships, hand out black belts, or sign up customers. It is our duty and obligation to pass learning down from hundreds of years of tradition. When it comes to whether you will be accepted as a student, we focus on if you are a good fit rather than how much tuition you can pay. Therefore we ask you to do the same. If you were to join a University for example, the first thing on your mind would be your desired education and whether that institution has the qualified professors, resources, and ability to get you where you want to be. Asking the tuition price before doing your research on the University is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. So it is with Aikido Shoubu Dojo. We ask that before all inquiries, you come to observe a class. Come by anytime, we would love to meet you.
If you would like to try for free:
- Wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in that do not have any zippers etc. that could damage the mats.
- Bring a friend if you like, and have a blast!
- LGBTQIA+ Friendly -we are here to learn Aikido and that is all we care about.
The address is 5556 E. Speedway blvd. Tucson, Arizona
Aikido Shoubu Dojo is located at Speedway and Craycroft between the restaurants Takamatsu and La Parrilla Suiza.
Aikido Class
Mon, Wed, 6:00-7:30 PM, Saturday mornings from 9-10:30am
The Traditional art of Aikido taught in an authentically Shinto enshrined Dojo.
Knife Fighting Class
Saturdays 10:45-11:45 AM
Learn how to use a knife in combat, as well as how to defend against one. In the Knife Fighting class we practice state of the art knife fighting techniques including armed disarms, anti-sentry, joint locks, stealth and non-deadly force.
Private lessons
One on one lessons with Lewallen Sensei, usually reserved for dojo members having studied for a minimum of 6 mo.
Uchideshi program
Take your training to the ultimate and live, breathe and train the full Aikido experience.
What to expect:
Entering the dojo you are whisked back to feudal Japan. You start by taking off your shoes. Cleanliness and respect are of upmost priority, not only for hygienic purposes, but in order to improve your personality, we start at the beginning and follow an etiquette that was the foundation of the Samurai.
You can just watch or participate in class. If you participate, you are shown some of the basic movements of Aikido and shown how to actually do techniques with a more advanced partner. You are always safe and never under any kind of pressure. It is a fun environment where you can learn much about Aikido martial technique, Japanese culture, and you can look very deeply into yourself. Following class, the students briefly sweep and clean the mats and dojo as a form of silent meditation. After that the dojo is open for free practice where you can practice the Shoubu Dojo techniques you like.
What is aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art. On a purely physical level, it is a fighting system involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from the fighting styles of the samurai. Practitioners of aikido focus not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using the attacker’s own energy against them to gain control. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. Upon closer examination practitioners will find in aikido what they are looking for, whether it is applicable self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health and fitness, or peace of mind. There is a moral and spiritual aspect of the art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art. Without war, you cannot have peace. We could attempt to pigeonhole aikido into a synopsis of X number of words, but that would not do it justice, so we leave the practitioner to find out what aikido is for themselves without any preconceived notions.
What is the Knife Fighting class?
In the Knife Fighting class students not only learn how to defend from a knife attack, but they learn how to use a knife as a weapon to defend themselves. The best way to learn how to defend yourself from a knife attack is to know how to use a knife. The knife fighting class gives insight into how your opponent will attack and how to best defend yourself. This style of knife fighting takes from the sword angles used in Aikido, Iaido and several kenjutsu arts, as well as techniques from Aikido, Kenpo, Ninjutsu, Arnis, and Hwa Rang Do. In class you will learn how to not only use a knife as a weapon to defend yourself, but you also learn to use it as a non-deadly tool assisting in joint locks, pressure points, holds and escape techniques. This class is taught the traditional way stressing technique, discipline and etiquette. It is for students 18 and over.