Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Traditional Aikido Training in Houston
Aikido In The Heights has been dedicated to teaching traditional Aikikai Aikido since 2004. Our dojo follows the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba and Hiroshi Kato Sensei, emphasizing effective self-defense, personal discipline, and mastery of Aikido principles. We maintain strong affiliations with Aikido World Headquarters and Suginami Aikikai in Tokyo, Japan, and collaborate with affiliated dojos in Florida, Mexico, and across Texas. Our instructors bring decades of experience, including direct training under renowned Aikido masters. We offer structured programs for children aged 7-17 and adults, with flexible class schedules and membership options.Our technical director holds a 5th Dan black belt and regularly teaches advanced techniques. We host regional seminars and maintain active participation in global Aikido events. Our Houston dojo continues the legacy of founder Jorge Garcia Sensei, who established our commitment to traditional practice. We prioritize dynamic movement, practical application, and internal power development in all training sessions. Our community includes practitioners from diverse backgrounds united by Aikido's philosophy of harmony and non-aggression.
Services
Adult Aikido Classes
Children's Martial Arts
Weapons Training
Black Belt Preparation
Seminar Participation
Family Martial Arts
Beginner Aikido
Advanced Techniques
Internal Power Development
Conflict Resolution Training
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer direct lineage instruction from Hiroshi Kato Sensei (8th Dan)
- Our technical director holds a 5th Degree Black Belt with international recognition
- We provide family-friendly martial arts programs for ages 7+
- We maintain active international affiliations with Tokyo headquarters
- We host regular seminars with visiting global Aikido masters
Associations and certifications
- Aikido World Headquarters
- Suginami Aikikai
Services
Adult Aikido Classes
Our adult Aikido classes focus on traditional techniques, self-defense applications, and personal development. Students learn joint locks, throws, and conflict resolution methods rooted in Japanese martial arts philosophy. Classes emphasize practical application and internal power development for practitioners aged 18+.
Children's Martial Arts
Structured martial arts instruction for children aged 7-17 builds discipline, coordination, and confidence. Our curriculum teaches basic techniques, calisthenics, and character development while maintaining a safe, engaging environment for young practitioners.
Weapons Training
Advanced training in traditional Aikido weapons includes wooden sword (bokken), staff (jo), and knife (tanto) techniques. Students develop precision, timing, and spatial awareness while learning weapon-based applications of Aikido principles.
Black Belt Preparation
Our structured testing program prepares students for Aikido rank advancement through the Shudokan Aikido Association. Regular evaluations assess technical proficiency, understanding of principles, and demonstration of proper form and application.
Seminar Participation
Members gain access to regional and international seminars featuring guest instructors from Japan and around the world. These events provide opportunities for intensive training, cultural exchange, and deeper understanding of traditional Aikido practices.
People
Joe Cavazos
Technical Director
5th Degree Black Belt with 30+ years experience, trained under multiple Aikido masters including Hiroshi Kato Shihan. Leads advanced technique instruction and regional operations.
Carol Harkness
Chief Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt with international training experience, including direct instruction at Tokyo's Suginami Aikikai. Focuses on dynamic movement and practical application in her teaching.
Memo Almaguer
Chief Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt contributing to Houston dojo's technical instruction and student development programs.
Andy Nguyen
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt providing foundational and intermediate Aikido instruction to students of all experience levels.
Andy Croft
Instructor
1st Degree Black Belt assisting with classes and supporting student progression through basic Aikido techniques.
Questions
What is Aikido and how does it differ from other martial arts?
Aikido focuses on redirecting attackers' energy through joint locks and throws rather than striking. It emphasizes harmony, non-aggression, and conflict resolution through circular movements.
What age groups do you accept for training?
We offer classes for children aged 7-17 and adults. Older children (14+) may join adult classes with permission.
What are the membership costs?
Monthly rates range from $80 for children to $120 for adults. Family packages and visitor options are also available.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide two free trial classes for prospective students to experience our training environment.
What qualifications do your instructors hold?
Our instructors hold black belts from 1st to 5th Dan, with direct training from Japanese masters and international Aikido organizations.
