Suenaka Aikido of Richmond Dojo History

Gratitude

Everything begins and ends with ‘Gratitude’ especially with the study of budo.  Without a heartfelt appreciation for those that have so generously given of their time and knowledge, I would not have the opportunity to be so fortunate with having the dedicated students I am privileged to teach in the present at Suenaka Aikido in Richmond Virginia. 

These friendships I have forged within the aikido community in Richmond and throughout the world have greatly enhanced my life for almost fourteen years.  As such, my life has been richly blessed as a result of my studying Aikido under Suenaka Sensei.   
 

Our History

I became a student of Suenaka Sensei in August of 1994.  After almost eight years of committed study Sensei granted me permission to establish an affiliate school in Richmond Virginia, teaching Suenaka Style Aikido.  Our inaugural class was held on July 1, 2004.   

There were two primary reasons for establishing a Suenaka Aikido Dojo in Richmond Virginia.  The first reason was to create an atmosphere that was welcoming to all who had a genuine interest in studying Suenaka Sensei’s method of aikido.  The second reason was to provide a place for serious study while creating an environment that placed value on the personal growth of our students.   

Though we study with an intense focus on the self-defense aspects of aikido, it is my personal belief a dojo should be more than just a training hall.  It should be more than just four walls and a mat where you are learning how to effectively defend yourself.  It must have a soul and a living spirit that inspires our very best at whatever level of participation is possible for the individual.  A dojo’s very essence should be the natural collective energy of its students’ attitudes towards their training, combined with appreciation and gratitude for one another.  A dojo without such a spirit is like an empty water bowl in the hands of a thirsty traveler. 

The history of our dojo has been brief, but our path remains true and sincere.  If you would like to explore the possibility with becoming part of something which is greater than any one individual, that has meaning and purpose which places value on the individual, we invite you to join and become part of our history as it continues to be written.