Aikido classes for kids and adults. Feel free to come watch class.
Operating as usual
04/27/2023
As we honor the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba today on the anniversary his death, the USAF remains forever grateful for our strong connection, through the lineage of our teachers, to Aikikai, O Sensei and the Ueshiba family. (O Sensei demonstrating with Yamada Sensei looking on)
04/23/2023
Summer camp!! Field trip time!
2023 Summer Camp Registration is Open! We are happy to announce that registration for the 2023 USAF Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan Memorial Summer Camp is now open. You can review all of the information and proceed with your registration at usafsummercamp.com Please read the details carefully, as they will instruct you on how to reserve your h...
03/31/2023
This just in!
Save the Date! 2023 USAF Yamada Sensei Memorial Camp! with special guest instructor, Hayato Osawa Shihan, Aikikai Hombu Dojo
03/28/2023
We have wonderful memories of Kanai Sensei when he came to our dojo and taught. His teachings still influence our practice to this day.
In loving memory of Kanai Sensei, who passed 19 years ago. We are eternally grateful to him for dedicating his life to spread aikido and support his students. His legacy remains strong and he will in our hearts forever.
03/28/2023
After 4 years, this will be great in so many ways!
03/02/2023
It was a wonderful memorial for Yamada Sensei and a testament to his influence that so many people from around the world were there. Much gratitude to the Yamada family and New York Aikikai for giving us a loving place to grieve.
02/21/2023
If you’d like to join the memorial this Saturday, Feb 25, for Yamada Sensei online, here’s the link. The ceremony will start around 2pm EST (11am Santa Barbara time)
02/17/2023
Happy heavenly birthday Yamada Sensei
It is with heavy hearts that we honor Yamada Sensei today on his birthday. We miss you and love you.
01/28/2023
On 1/25/2023, three members who started in our kids program tested for adult kyu and shodan ranks! We are insanely proud of these young people- they are the future aikido teachers! Congratulations!!
Ian McMurtry - 5th kyu
Emiliano Gallegos - 4th kyu
Ava Engle - Shodan
01/26/2023
Aikido of Santa Barbara makes the news!
Finding Peace and Balance at Aikido of Santa Barbara - The Santa Barbara Independent The dojo introduces its students to a kinder, gentler martial art.
01/21/2023
There will be a memorial gathering to honor Yamada Sensei on February 25, 2023 in New York City.
Yamada Sensei Memorial Registration Open! Yamada Sensei Memorial Registration Open! You have 5 days to do it. https://tinyurl.com/yamada-memorial We are humbled by the overwhelming global response to Yamada Sensei’s Memorial. For planning purposes, we need to gather a guest list. Kindly reserve your space as soon as possible if you are pl...
01/18/2023
Yamada Sensei was a major influence and a big part of Aikido of Santa Barbara. We were very fortunate to have him teach at our dojo several times, including our 30th Anniversary seminar in 2019. And our dojo field trip every year to his seminar at San Francisco Aikikai was something we always looked forward to. We will miss him tremendously.
01/16/2023
With great sadness we mourn the passing of our teacher.
Sad Announcement Regarding Yamada Sensei Dear Aikido Community, It is with a heavy heart that we share the following announcement from New York Aikikai regarding the passing of our beloved teacher, Yamada Sensei. We will be in touch with more information as it becomes available. The USAF It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing...
12/10/2022
Happy holidays!
Holiday Message from Yamada Sensei
10/13/2022
Photos from Feilen Meishûkan's post
08/29/2022
Sugano Sensei was our very first guest teacher when we moved to our space on Milpas St. We remember the awesome classes and still practice some of the things he taught us.
Thank you Brian Ericksen, Chief Instructor of Heaven and Earth Aikido, for creating this wonderful homage to Sugano Sensei. On the 12th anniversary of his passing, Sugano Sensei remains greatly missed, and his teachings continue to live on through the memory and practice of all his students around the world.
08/10/2022
And now, the fun part...
08/02/2022
New roof construction is taking longer than anticipated! The dojo will be closed until August 13, 2022.
07/14/2022
Kyu testing in person is back!
05/08/2022
Aikido of Santa Barbara at the San Francisco Aikikai’s 30th Anniversary seminar. It was so great to see Yamada Sensei, Peter Bernath Sensei and Penny Bernath Sensei! Added bonus- and as well as great friends!
04/29/2022
Starting our kids program after a two year stop- and what better way than having a light saber weapons class?
03/28/2022
Kanai Sensei taught an amazing seminar in Santa Barbara. We will always remember and miss him.
This is a photo worth sharing over and over again, as we remember Kanai Sensei on this 18th anniversary of his passing. A classic moment capturing the spirit of this great teacher and mentor. Sending best wishes to his family, loved ones and students around the world. Photo credit: James Keller, NYA.
02/23/2022
SEMINAR | sfaikikai The San Francisco Aikikai Celebration Seminar — with Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, Peter Bernath Shihan, and Penny Bernath Shihan — will be the weekend of May 6-8, 2022. In addition to celebrating being back together on the mat, we are also celebrating the San Francisco Aikikai 30th Anniversary!
02/17/2022
Happy 84th birthday Yamada Sensei!
01/19/2022
Congratulations to our dear friends!
01/09/2022
Congratulations to Louis Caron and Francesco Grieco, our new 5th dans! Well done and very much deserved!
And congratulations to Arturo Peal on his 6th dan! Though now the chief instructor at Aikido of New Orleans, we still claim him as our own!!
12/16/2021
Having fun even with Covid class restrictions!
09/21/2021
A great interview with our friend and teacher, Penny Bernath Shihan!
https://aikidojournal.com/2021/09/20/penny-bernath-on-getting-a-seat-at-the-table/?fbclid=IwAR2twS9MzWxU2AaIDUI0-yEOLJrErmBCtu3cGE2O8ts7-hizKR7Mj0HralA
Penny Bernath: On Getting a Seat at the Table – Aikido Journal Penny Bernath Shihan holds the rank of 7th degree black belt in aikido and is a member of the technical committee for the United States Aikido Federation, the largest aikido organization in the United States. She started aikido in 1973 in Hollywood, Florida and soon after, became a student of Yoshim...
09/16/2021
Celebrating our teachers!
08/31/2021
A great picture by Jaime Kahn that captures the kind spirit of Sugano Sensei. His teachings and generosity left an incredible impact on the international aikido community, as we remember him with fondness and gratitude.
Congratulations to Penny Bernath Shihan!
07/16/2021
Sensei Chris will be in Chicago! Field trip?
Please join us from September 24-26 for a seminar with Christine Wong Sensei and Laura DeGraff Sensei at in Chicago, IL.
DeGraff Sensei is a 6th dan and the Chief Instructor of Kiku Matsu Dojo. She started training in 1998 at Tenshinkan Dojo, the headquarter dojo for Fumio Toyoda’s Aikido Association of America (AAA). In 2004, she followed Andrew Sato Shihan to become a founding member the AWA. She is now a member of the AWA’s National Technical and Testing Committees, and the AWA's Director of Operations.
Wong Sensei is the Chief Instructor of Aikido of Santa Barbara (). She is a 6th dan and a Shidoin (certified teacher). She started aikido in 1985 under the late Kensho Furuya. She studied under the late Mitsunari Kanai Shihan and Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. After moving to Santa Barbara in 1998, she studied with the founders of Aikido of Santa Barbara, Geraldine Louise Tremblay and Xavier Staub. She continues to study under Yamada Shihan and attends seminars throughout the world.
07/13/2021
And we’re open! First class, joined by special visitor Arturo Peal!
For our class schedule, please check our website or email us at [email protected]
Great online classes during a very unusual time! Congratulations to our very own Julia Lovan for her kids class!
06/22/2021
Mark your calendars!!! On July 12, 2021, we will be re-opening for classes! Here's the tentative schedule:
Monday, 6:00-7:15 pm: Aikido (indoor class, vaccinated students only)
Tuesday, 6:00-7:15 pm: Weapons (outdoors, all students)
Wednesday, 6:00-7:15 pm: Aikido (indoor class, vaccinated students only)
Thursday, 6:00-7:15 pm: Weapons (outdoors, all students)
Our kids program is still on hold as we figure out how to re-open it safely. However vaccinated teens can join the outdoor or indoor classes.
Class space is limited, so email us at [email protected] if you want to join us!
05/27/2021
After almost 15 months we were finally able to practice indoors. It was an informal and small vaccinated “pod” adult class. But the thrill for all of us (even the new beginner) to be practicing again was beyond description.
Here’s to opening up fully in July!
05/20/2021
Join us for another great class!
Up Next! MAY 22! The USAF Aikido Online Class! Spread the word! Dear Aikidoka, We are excited to invite you to the next class in the USAF Aikido Online Series. This will take place on Saturday, May 22 at 1 pm EDT (12 pm CDT / 10 am PDT) featuring
03/30/2021
Shea and Julia L take our outdoor weapons classes to a new level!
| Monday | 6pm - 7:15pm |
| Tuesday | 4pm - 7pm |
| Wednesday | 4pm - 7:15pm |
| Thursday | 4pm - 7:15pm |
| Friday | 6pm - 7:15pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 11:15am |
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