Business Details
Aikido Training in Stamford, CT
Aikido Of Fairfield County has been dedicated to teaching the transformative art of Aikido since its founding. Established by Chief Instructor Ray Farinato, a 7th-degree black belt certified by the United States Aikido Federation and International Aikido Federation, the dojo emphasizes the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of Aikido practice. With over 50 years of combined experience among its instructors, the school offers a welcoming environment for students of all ages and skill levels. The curriculum focuses on Morihei Ueshiba's philosophy of conflict resolution through harmony, blending, and redirection. Classes are held in Stamford, CT, and New Canaan, CT, with a commitment to fostering personal growth, confidence, and community.The instructors, including senior practitioners with decades of experience, provide expert guidance rooted in traditional techniques while adapting to modern needs. The school maintains affiliations with prestigious Aikido organizations, ensuring adherence to authentic practices. Students benefit from a supportive community that values perseverance, mental focus, and ethical development. The program caters to both beginners and advanced practitioners, offering a pathway to lifelong learning and self-improvement. Aikido Of Fairfield County continues to uphold the Art of Peace as a foundation for personal and collective well-being.
Services
Aikido Classes
Private Instruction
Children's Programs
Workshops
Seminars
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined instructor experience in traditional Aikido techniques.
- Our team includes certified shihan and shidoin instructors recognized by international Aikido federations.
- We provide a welcoming environment for all ages and experience levels with personalized guidance.
- Our curriculum integrates Morihei Ueshiba's original philosophy of nonviolent conflict resolution.
- We maintain strong affiliations with Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Associations and certifications
- United States Aikido Federation
- International Aikido Federation
Services
Aikido Classes
Our Aikido classes teach traditional techniques emphasizing harmony and nonviolent conflict resolution. Students develop physical fitness, mental focus, and self-defense skills through structured practice. The program accommodates all experience levels in a supportive community environment.
Private Instruction
Private Aikido sessions offer personalized attention for skill development and technique refinement. Instructors tailor lessons to individual goals and learning paces. This option provides focused guidance for accelerated progress in Aikido practice.
Children's Programs
Our youth Aikido programs build confidence, discipline, and physical coordination in children. Classes emphasize respectful interaction and nonviolent conflict resolution. The curriculum develops motor skills and mental focus through age-appropriate techniques.
Workshops
Aikido workshops provide intensive training on specific techniques or philosophical aspects. These sessions allow deeper exploration of particular Aikido principles. Participants gain specialized knowledge through concentrated practice and instruction.
Seminars
Seminars feature advanced instruction from senior instructors and visiting Aikido masters. These events offer opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners. Topics cover technical refinement and deeper philosophical understanding of Aikido principles.
People
Raymond Farinato
Chief Instructor
7th-degree black belt with 50+ years of Aikido experience. Trained under renowned masters in the U.S. and Japan. Founder of Aikido Of Fairfield County and member of the US Aikido Federation Board of Directors.
Thomas Milucci
Senior Instructor
5th-degree black belt with 40+ years of practice. Certified Shidoin by the US Aikido Federation. Combines Aikido instruction with a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation leadership.
Gene Batan
Instructor
5th-degree black belt teaching at University of Connecticut Stamford. Integrates Aikido with Southeast Asian martial arts instruction. Former IT security expert with 34 years of professional experience.
Krzysztof Zawadzki
Assistant Instructor
4th-degree black belt with 25+ years of practice. Combines Aikido teaching with custom home design. Emphasizes conflict resolution principles applicable to everyday life situations.
Chris Kerin
Instructor
4th-degree black belt with 20+ years of experience. Uses Aikido principles in real estate advisory work. Focuses on maintaining calm under pressure through martial arts practice.
Questions
What is Aikido and how does it differ from other martial arts?
Aikido focuses on harmonizing with attackers rather than meeting force with force. It uses joint locks and throws to redirect energy without causing injury, emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution.
Are there age requirements for Aikido classes?
We accept students aged 12 and older. Children's programs start at age 5. Our instructors adapt techniques to suit different physical capabilities and developmental stages.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our classes welcome complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike, with techniques adaptable to all skill levels.
What should I wear for my first Aikido class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes. Avoid restrictive clothing. We recommend cotton or flexible fabric that allows full range of motion during practice.
Are there opportunities for advanced training?
Yes, we offer seminars with visiting masters, private instruction, and rank advancement through the US Aikido Federation testing system for dedicated students.
How often are classes held?
We offer six weekly classes in Stamford and New Canaan. Additional workshops and special sessions provide extra training opportunities throughout the year.
