History

Twin Cities Aikido Center is the premier Aikido dojo in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul metropolitan area. The Center is a member of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), and operates under the guidance of members of the USAF technical committee. It is recognized by the Aikikai Foundation and Hombu Dojo, home to Aikido’s principal teacher, Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of Aikido’s Founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei).

The Twin Cities Aikido Center is one of the Midwest’s oldest dojos. It is a  non-profit 501(c)3 , member-run organization, founded in 1976, that has operated at or near its current location for over fourty years.  We admit students of any national or ethnic origin, religion, race, age, gender identity or sexual orientation who can comply with the Japanese rules of polite conduct. The Center has one of the most extensive and experienced group of instructors in Minnesota. Indeed, five of its regular instructors have achieved or exceeded the rank of 3rd Dan. Chief Instructor Calvin Blanchard (6th Dan, Shidoin) leads and coordinates all teaching at the Center. Operations of the dojo are run by a member-elected board of directors. See the News Page for the current board members.

Class Options 7 days a week

We offer more weekly classes than any other aikido dojo in Minnesota. Members may attend as many Aikido classes and Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) classes as they wish for one monthly fee. See the TCAC Class Schedule for more information.

Aikido Classes
The Center offers both morning and evening Aikido classes to accommodate its members’ varied schedules. Among its  eighteen weekly classes  are three “Basic” classes (Tues, Thurs, Sun), two youth classes (Thur, Sat), one “Advanced” classes (Sun) and an MBC knife class (Tues).

Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) Class
Cal Blanchard, an authorized MBC Affiliate Instructor, teaches the Tuesday evening Martial Blade Concepts class. Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) is a modern knife defense system that focuses on stopping an assailant from continuing an attack. Using practice knives, students hone their knife defense skills through partnered drills, applications, and exercises. Note that MBC classes do not count towards Aikido hours.

Developed by Michael Janich, Martial Blade Concepts incorporates tactics and techniques from Filipino martial arts along with other systems. Visit the official Martial Blade Concepts website for more information about the system.

Welcoming Environment for Beginners

We are a friendly bunch, and enthusiastically welcome new members, who can begin the practice of Aikido at any time! Although, schedule permitting, beginning students are encouraged to attend the two “Basic” classes offered each week, new members are also welcomed to attend ANY of the Center’s “Regular” classes.

Because Aikido is based on harmony rather than conflict, beginning students can practice immediately–and safely–with advanced students, creating valuable learning opportunities for both practitioners.

Seminars taught by Guests Instructors

The Center hosts a January  Kagami Biraki seminar and two other seminars annually , bringing to Minnesota teachers of the highest caliber. Guest instructors have included: Peter Bernath (7th Dan, Shihan), Donovan Waite (7th Dan, Shihan), Harvey Konigsberg (8th Dan, Shihan), Clyde Takeguchi (8th Dan, Shihan), Gordon Sakamoto (6th Dan, Shihan), and Darrell Tangman Sensei (6th Dan, Shihan).

Opportunity to Join a Community

When you become a member, you join our community. In addition offering to our daily Aikido classes, we host a variety of fun social events and gatherings for our members throughout the year including:

• Coffee and Chitchat (every Monday through Saturday morning)
  After the morning class, we brew a couple pots of coffee right at the dojo and hang out for a little while.
• Dojo Movie Night (Friday Night, every 1 to 2 months)
  We periodically host a Friday movie night at the dojo following the regular Friday evening class.
• Aikido and a Pint (Saturday Night, every 1 to 2 months)
  Aikido and a Pint is a special Saturday evening class taught by one of our instructors (instructor rotates). Following the class we head over to a local brewery.
• CLAW (Cities Light Academy Workshop) (Generally Third Saturday of the month). Get your Laser Sabers out for a weapons workshop for your favorite fantasy series.

See the CLAW Page for more information.

• Seminars at the Dojo (3 times a year)
  Two to three times a year we host high caliber visiting instructors who teach Aikido classes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening of the seminar we welcome all members and guests to attend a potluck/dinner.
• Dojo Trips to Seminars (at least 1 a year)
  Each year we organize a dojo road trip to Chicago for the O’Sensei Memorial Seminar (late April). Our members also sometimes organize trips to other Aikido events in Iowa, Nebraska, Florida, or elsewhere around the country.

The Twin Cities Aikido Center is a great place to learn and practice the martial art of Aikido. Whether you’re an experienced aikidoist or an aspiring practitioner, you will be pleased by the Center’s experienced instructors, friendly members, and beautiful practice space. Even if you’re just curious, come watch a class in the comfortable seating area adjacent to our spacious mat.