Business Details
28 Years
experience
Aikido Training & Self-Defense in Sunnyvale, CA
Aikido Silicon Valley is a community of dedicated practitioners committed to personal growth through traditional Japanese martial arts. Founded in 1998, our dojo emphasizes the principles of harmony, blending with adversity, and resolving conflict positively. Our instructors, including Bill Witt Shihan (8th Dan) and David Yoshinaga Sensei (6th Dan), bring decades of expertise rooted in the lineage of Saito Morihiro Sensei and Ueshiba Morihei O-Sensei. We offer structured programs for youth and adults, focusing on self-defense techniques, physical conditioning, and character development.Our training environment fosters mutual support, with senior students actively mentoring beginners. Classes incorporate weapons training with bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff), reflecting the Iwama-style Aikido practiced by the art's founder. We prioritize accessibility, offering flexible schedules and free trial classes to accommodate all experience levels and physical conditions.
Services
Martial Arts Training
Self-Defense Classes
Youth Programs
Adult Programs
Weapons Training
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer free trial classes for all new students.
- Our instructors include 8th and 6th Dan black belt masters.
- We provide youth programs starting at age 8.
- Our dojo maintains direct lineage from Aikido's founder.
- We emphasize safe, cooperative training for all skill levels.
What people say
Welcoming instructors
Great for kids
Patient teachers
Life-changing experience
Knowledgeable mentors
Services
Martial Arts Training
Traditional Aikido instruction focusing on blending with attacks, joint locks, and throws. Classes emphasize physical conditioning, mental focus, and character development. Suitable for all ages and experience levels with individualized attention.
Self-Defense Classes
Practical self-defense techniques derived from Aikido principles. Students learn to neutralize attacks through redirection and control methods. Emphasis on situational awareness and conflict de-escalation strategies for real-world applications.
Youth Programs
Structured martial arts programs for children aged 8+. Develops discipline, confidence, and physical coordination through age-appropriate Aikido techniques. Classes foster respect, focus, and teamwork in a supportive environment.
Adult Programs
Comprehensive Aikido training for adults with flexible scheduling options. Focuses on self-defense applications, physical fitness, and stress management. Includes partner drills, forms practice, and progressive skill development for all experience levels.
Weapons Training
Specialized instruction in traditional Japanese weapons including wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo). Enhances understanding of Aikido movement principles, distance management, and timing through partnered drills and forms practice.
People
Bill Witt
Shihan (Master Instructor)
8th Dan black belt, the highest rank awarded by Aikikai Foundation. Trained in Tokyo since 1967, recognized as one of only 100 worldwide holders of this prestigious rank. Teaches two weekly classes at our dojo.
David Yoshinaga
Dojo Cho
6th degree black belt leading our dojo with over 20 years of teaching experience. Direct student of Saito Morihiro Sensei, specializing in Iwama-style Aikido techniques and weapons training methodologies.
Alice MacAllister
Sensei
5th degree black belt with expertise in adapting Aikido principles for diverse learners. Focuses on creating accessible training environments while maintaining traditional technical standards for both youth and adult students.
Questions
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art focusing on harmonizing with attacks through throws, joint locks, and redirection techniques. It emphasizes non-violent conflict resolution and personal development.
Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No prior experience is required. Our free trial classes accommodate all skill levels with individualized instruction from senior students.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer youth programs starting at age 8 and adult classes for all ages. Our flexible schedule includes weekday evenings and weekend sessions.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothing. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to prepare and discuss any physical considerations with instructors.
Are weapons used in training?
Yes, we incorporate bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff) training to enhance understanding of Aikido principles and movement patterns.
