To my Aikido friends abroad,

The COVID-19 virus has spread across nations and has affected everyone's lives as well as the Aikido world. In this new environment, I hope that everyone is enjoying their Aikido practice.

Here at Igarashi Dojo, we had to temporarily close in April and May. We resumed practice in June wearing face masks, strictly adhering to the "Dojo etiquette" published by Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Practice consists of basic individual movements, as well as ken and jo with proper ma-ai (distancing) observed.

I appreciate your concern over the condition of my right shoulder. Surgery was performed in January, and I am still undergoing rehabilitation. It has been 1 year since the operation, and I am happy to say that I have recovered sufficiently to the point that it does not affect my day-to-day activities. However, there's still a long way to go before it will not hinder my Aikido practice. My doctor says that I should avoid vigorous practice for the remainder of the year, but I should be completely recovered by the start of 2021 April to practice and teach fully.

If COVID-19 will have ended its "reign of terror" by 2021 March, I am fairly certain that I will be able to visit you in your own dojos and practice together at that time.

I look forward to seeing you all again as soon as possible.

Dojo-cho IGARASHI KAZUO

Attention

In 2020, on May 26th the Emergency Declaration of Japan was lifted. However, this does not mean that the corona virus has been resolved, as relaxing measures may allow for infection to once again spread.
On June 2nd the Aikido Igarashi Dojo reopened for practice. However, as indicated on our homepage, we cannot hold practices in the same manner as before. Consistent countermeasures, prudent care, and ingenuity are required to avoid the “Three Densities.” Until the day the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled, we must create a new daily life in the dojo with compassion for all through the cooperation of everyone.
In order to prevent the spread of the virus among our communities, we will not accept any visitors regardless of where they are until the end of 2021 March. These dates are subject to change as the circumstances develop. Thank you for your understanding. I can see the end of the Tunnel.

Dojo-cho IGARASHI KAZUO

Dojo-cho is wearing a mask with the Dojo Logo.

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a modern, nonviolent Japanese martial art that was developed in the earlier part of last century by the late master, Morihei Ueshiba. The Founder passed away in 1969 at the age of eighty-six.
Effective as Aikido is as a martial art, its essence goes beyond the resolution of physical conflicts. Based on his background of rigorous training in several traditional Japanese jujutsu, the Founder spent the years from the middle of his life developing his art as a means of refining and uplifting the human sprit. The Founder succeeded in creating what he then named "Aikido", "The Way of Harmony with the Forces and Principles of Nature." Aikido is a true "budo", a path in which the keen edge of martial training is utilized as a "Way" to spiritual growth.
Despite its growing popularity, Aikido remains true to the goals of "budo". Its methods are based on the Founderﾕs deep faith in "austere training for the sake of improving the human sprit through tireless polishing and perfection of the mind and body." In accordance with the Founderﾕs ideals, the art has been kept separate from sports, in which one person competes with another. Aikido is rather, a path of personal development for people who sincerely desire to perfect their own human nature. As such, Aikido places great importance on the Oriental conception of the universal principle, "Ki"―the life-force or breath. Aikido seeks to achieve the total unification of this universal "ki" with the "ki" of the individual human "self". Aikido is a budo to harmonize the individual with the universal Principle, and to establish concord among all peoples. Out of the ancient traditions of Japanese martial arts, Aikido thrives today as a source of harmony to counter the disharmonious forces that exist in the world today.

Igarashi Sensei teaches at Four Dojos in the Kanto area, which together are known as "Igarashi Dojo".

These are :
1. The main Dojo at Hashimoto, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, established in February, 1983
2. Hachioji Dojo, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
3. Honatsugi Dojo, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa
4. Umegaoka Dojo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

In the adult class training is more rigorous, but naturally always under the strict guidance of the instructor, everyone participating to the extent they enjoy. While　placing emphasis on basic skills, such as empty-handed techniques, there is also　practice with weapons, primarily the aiki-sword and staff. This includes mainly partner drills with weapons, but also other combinations, such as one against many.

The Igarashi Dojo has friendship agreements with training centers in Canada and the Republic of China. There are also ongoing exchange programs with Dojos in other countries, including the United States, Sweden, Finland and Australia.

AIKIDO IGARASHI DOJO
　5-20-2 Hashimoto, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa 252-0143 JAPAN
　Tel: 81-42-773-6362 　Fax: 81-42-773-6375

How to get to Hashimoto Station from Narita Airport