Wadokan Aikido Dojo

kido Association of America organization. In 2004 he received his shodan (first degree black belt) from the chief instructor of Aikido Association of America Andrew Sato sensei. Shortly after the formation of the Aikido World Alliance, Galdamez sensei joined the AWA organization following his chief instructor. He received his nidan, sandan and yondan (2nd, 3rd and 4th degree black belt) under Sato Sensei in the AWA. He has participated in international training in Japan and Qatar, and has recently assisted in the training of the police force in Qatar. This is a Japanese word which means ‘please teach, please share.’ In the dojo there are many black belts who help instruct along with Galdamez sensei. Each has their own twist on the AWA style of Aikido and the students gain unique knowledge from each one. However, the true aikido student will always keep an open mind, and a black belt can learn just as much from a white belt, as a white belt can learn from them. Aikido is a very practical art, and each student develops his own fund of knowledge from experience working with others of all different sizes and ages. Our students include both men and women that range from teenage years to over 60. The specific style of Aikido practiced at Wadokan is very practical and energetic, with a friendly and cooperative atmosphere that is necessary to truly learn and understand the art. Aikido World Alliance is one of six officially recognized United States organizations directly affiliated with Hombu dojo in Japan. Standardized testing requirements are provided for all dojos and black belt ranking is directly certified through the Aikikai Foundation, World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The organization holds seminars all over the United States and international seminars in Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Qatar and Puerto Rico, with new dojos constantly adding to the list. All belt ranks are welcome at these seminars and they are a time to directly interact and learn from Sato Sensei, as well as receive fellowship from and network with Aikido practitioners from all over the world. The special introductory class offered for $50 includes a month of training in which you can attend as many beginner classes as you wish. In these classes you will receive special one-on-one training from Galdamez sensei as well as from the various black belt instructors, in order to learn some specific skills necessary in Aikido. The skills that will be focused on in your first month include rolling, falling, basic hand movements, basic throws and technique. This is a time to get to know the instructor, the style of Aikido and the other students, and decide if this dojo is a good fit for you.