Greetings

As we enter May 2022, the threat of new coronavirus infection in Japan and abroad has not yet ended. However, at Igarashi Dojo, we have been able to practice almost normally by shortening the practice time and thorough disinfection. Thank you very much.

The situation of dojo practice overseas is still much more difficult than in Japan. We have not been able to see a bright light yet until we can send overseas instructors and overseas dojos to Japan. I hope to get out of the dark and long tunnel from the corona pandemic as soon as possible.

In May 2023, I am planning to hold a celebration to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of Aikido Igarashi Dojo, as well as a training camp in June. I look forward to your cooperation and participation.

2023 Igarashi Dojo 40th Anniversary Celebration and Training Camp
Celebration：Sunday, May 28, Place：Machida Hotel, Tokyo
Training camp：June 3(Sat) - 4(Sun)
at"Shisei-so", Yamanaka-Lake, Yamanashi

* Details will be posted on our website in late December.

I hope that we will be able to practice without masks and enjoy exchange training with our friends in Japan and overseas as soon as possible.

Until the current Corona pandemic comes to an end, I would like to ask for your continued compliance with the practice manual and etiquette.

Dojo-cho Kazuo Igarashi

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 Three 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

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