Business Details
37 Years
experience
Aikido Training in Bellevue, WA
Aikido Eastside has been a premier martial arts training center since its founding in 1989. Our dojo specializes in Aikido, a Japanese martial art that combines physical self-defense techniques with philosophical principles of harmony and non-resistance. We offer daily classes for adults and children, emphasizing Mind, Body, Spirit integration through moving meditation and conflict resolution strategies. Our instructors, including internationally recognized George Ledyard Sensei, have trained directly under Aikido's lineage holders to preserve authentic techniques. We provide weekly sword and staff training, multiple attacker practice, and internal power development sessions.Our community includes practitioners from around the world who attend specialized seminars on traditional Aikido, Daito Ryu, and martial arts philosophy. With over 35 years of experience, we make Aikido accessible to all skill levels through beginner programs, private lessons, and instructor-level intensives. Our Bellevue facility serves local communities while hosting national and international martial artists seeking advanced training. We maintain strict safety protocols including vaccination requirements and mask policies to protect our students and instructors.
Services
Aikido Classes
Kids Programs
Sword Training
Private Lessons
Seminar Series
Membership Options
Internal Power Workshops
Daito Ryu Instruction
Randori Practice
Beginner Training
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1989 with decades of martial arts expertise
- Internationally recognized instructors with direct lineage connections
- Certified 6th-7th Dan instructors including George Ledyard Sensei
- Hosts annual multi-day Aikido intensives with global participants
- Offers specialized training in traditional weapons and internal power
Services
Aikido Classes
Daily Aikido classes for adults and children focus on self-defense techniques through harmonious movement. Our curriculum integrates traditional Japanese martial arts principles with modern conflict resolution strategies. Classes emphasize physical conditioning, weapon training, and philosophical development for practitioners of all levels.
Kids Programs
Structured martial arts instruction for children develops discipline, coordination, and self-confidence. Our age-appropriate curriculum teaches Aikido principles through engaging activities while emphasizing safety and proper technique. Classes are led by experienced instructors specializing in youth martial arts education.
Seminar Series
Annual multi-day intensives cover specialized topics including Aikido sword techniques, multiple attacker scenarios, and internal power development. These events feature master instructors and attract participants from across the United States and international locations for advanced training opportunities.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction with senior instructors allows focused skill development. Private sessions complement regular classes or serve as standalone training for individuals seeking personalized attention to refine their Aikido techniques and understanding.
Beginner Training
Structured month-long program introduces fundamental Aikido principles to new students. The curriculum covers basic techniques, movement patterns, and philosophical concepts in a supportive environment with experienced mentors guiding each participant's progress.
People
George Ledyard
Chief Instructor
7th Dan Aikido master with 40 years of direct training under Mitsugi Saotome Shihan. Internationally recognized instructor and founder of Aikido Eastside's unique teaching methodology emphasizing traditional techniques and philosophical principles.
Josh Drachman
Senior Instructor
6th Dan Aikido instructor and member of the exclusive Ueshiba Juku. Specializes in advanced technique development and co-teaches annual intensive training programs with senior instructors from affiliated dojos across the United States.
Alex Nakamura
6th Dan Instructor
Experienced martial arts teacher with expertise in traditional Aikido techniques and weapons training. Provides instruction in weekly classes and specialized workshops focusing on technical precision and proper form development.
Questions
What Aikido styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Aikido techniques as transmitted by Morihei Ueshiba through direct lineage holders, including weapons training and multiple attacker scenarios.
Are there classes for beginners?
Yes, we offer a structured month-long beginner program with personalized instruction to learn fundamental techniques and principles in a supportive environment.
Do you offer children's martial arts programs?
Our youth programs develop discipline and coordination through age-appropriate Aikido instruction focusing on safety, proper technique, and foundational skills.
Are there opportunities for advanced training?
Annual multi-day intensives and seminars provide advanced practitioners with specialized instruction in sword techniques, internal power development, and randori practice.
What safety protocols are in place?
We require vaccinations for all participants and currently maintain mask requirements to ensure safety during training sessions for students and instructors.
Can I observe a class before joining?
Prospective students are welcome to watch any class and meet instructors without appointment. No prior experience is needed to observe training sessions.
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