Aikido of Thermopolis, WY

Aikido of Thermopolis is a martial arts school (dojo) located about 4 miles south of Thermopolis, Wyoming, USA, operated by Reginald Reid, Yon (4th) Dan.

Aikido of Thermopolis is located about 4 mile south of the town of Thermopolis, WY (population about 3,000), and along the Big Horn River, in the northwestern part of the state. The dojo is located in the barn at 388 Buffalo Creek Rd. The Dojo Cho (instructor) is Reginald Reid, Yon (4th) Dan, who teaches the Aikikai "Iwama" style of Aikido. Although Reggie Sensei has only the use of his left arm,

he enjoys teaching both one- and two-handed Aikido to his students in a fun and lively atmosphere. Class schedule:
Adults: M & Wed., 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Youth: Tu & Th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Weapons: Sat., 10:00 am

Classes usually begin with stretching and warmup exercises and basic body movement drills. Techniques are first demonstrated by the instructor, then practiced by the students with partners. Often the class will end with a vigorous Randori, where a student is attacked by two or more other students, and the defending student must move accordingly. Always, the most important aspect of each class is personal safety and students are encouraged to communicate any physical concerns with their partner before practicing a technique. Again, there is no competition in Aikido, so working with a partner is not a contest of strength. Partners switch roles after 2 to 4 tries at the technique, and as a partner you want to help your partner get better at Aikido. Aikido techniques have their foundation largely in Japanese sword and spear fighting, but also in jujitsu, in all of which the founder was an expert. Techniques are circular and flowing. They include blending with and redirecting an aggressor's energy leading them into an arm or wrist pin or projecting them into a throw. It is commonly said on the mat in the dojo (school) that "the faster one comes in to attack, the faster they will go out" of the circle of merging energies. So, we generally practice at slower speeds in order to learn the techniques in a safe environment. Another saying in the Aikido dojo is "if you are using muscle in your technique, you are not doing Aikido." Upper body strength is not needed to perform an Aikido technique. These "full-body" techniques, when done properly, should be effortless, relying mostly on proper distance, angle, and timing. It is often jokingly said that your best friends in Aikido are "Ken" and "Jo." Aikido classes may include use of a weapon, such as a wooden sword (bokken or ken), staff (jo) or knife (tanto). Weapons practices are meant to help with your empty-hand techniques, especially the footwork, and vice versa. Aikido is a relatively recent Japanese martial art designed for defense against an unprovoked attack from multiple attackers. It was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who passed away in 1969. The founder is often respectfully referred to as "O'Sensei," which means Great Teacher. Aikido is not considered a "striking art." There is no competition in Aikido because it is not a sport. This is as O'Sensei requested. O'Sensei considered Aikido the Martial Art of Peace and hoped its practice would spread around the world in that capacity. As such, the principles of Aikido can be practiced both on and off the mat to resolve conflicts in our daily lives. One of my favorite sayings by O'Sensei is "Always practice the 'Art of Peace' in a vibrant and joyful manner."

07/29/2024

Due to my personal medical issues the dojo has been closed since April 2024. The dojo will continue to be closed until further notice.

07/16/2023

CORRECTION: The correct times for the August 8, 2023, Self-Defense Workshop are 10 am & 6 pm, as shown on the color flyer. There is no 1:00 pm workshop.

06/19/2023

In celebration of the Juneteenth Holiday, we are offering three (3) free classes to any prospective students and half off for any regular students during the month of June 2023. Interested parties should set up an appointment by calling me on my cell phone at 775-741-5743. The regular class fee is $45/student/month. A group/family fee may be arranged upon request.

06/23/2022

Aikido of Thermopolis is currently open for new memberships. No mask currently required. COVID shots encouraged. Classes are available at 1:00 pm and evenings upon request (6:00 pm suggested) by cell phone (775-741-5743 or text message.

11/22/2021

Aikido of Thermopolis, WY, is currently closed due to the COVID-19 virus and Variant(s). Classes may be offered upon request if interested parties agree to show their COVID-19 vaccination card, wear a mask upon entry to the dojo, and wipe hands with a sanitizer before class. Sanitizer & masks will be available.

04/07/2021

Aikido of Thermopolis, WY, is now opening up on a limited basis. Classes are currently offered on Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, MST. Other times can be scheduled upon request. We look forward to seeing you at the dojo and having a worthwhile and positive energy experience.

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and according to CDC recommendations, students will be required to wipe hands with a supplied hand sanitizer, wear a mask (one will be supplied if you don't bring your own), and practice some social distancing while on the mat.

01/21/2020

The Aikido of Thermopolis dojo is closed until further notice. Classes may resume in June 2020.

Photos from Aikido of Thermopolis, WY's post

09/21/2019

Congrats to Vicki Powell of Thermopolis for passing her first Aikido Test, 6th Kyu, on September 11, 2019!

12/10/2018

Hey, hope ya’ll had a great Thanksgiving last month & got in on some Holiday Season shopping deals. Now is a good time to start working off some holiday cheer & stress by training in Aikido. Classes resume tonight at the Barn at 7:00 pm. Other classes are at 7:00 pm on Tu & Wed and Sat. mornings at 10:00 am. Because of the crazy holiday schedules, class are free this month. Hope to see you there.

11/15/2018

UPDATE: I’m canceling Aikido classes scheduled for next week, since many folks will be traveling out of town forThanksgiving. Classes will resume the following week, beginning Monday, 11/26/18 @ 7:00 pm. Classes will be FREE this last week of November. Peace & Happy Thanksgiving!

11/12/2018

Just thought I’d give a belated shoutout to the folks at CASTLE ROCK AIKIDO (Castle Rock, CO) for organizing the September 22-23, 2018, seminar featuring Greg Olson Sensei of Big Sky Aikido, Bozeman, MT. This was the second seminar I have attended at Castle Rock Aikido, the first being with Mary Heiny Sensei a few years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed both seminars and hope to attend more in the future. Castle Rock Aikido continues to attract very high level & knowledgeable instructors for weekend seminars, so check out their web site (http://www.craikido.com) & page () for future events. They get a big thumbs up from me.

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Location

Thermopolis

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Telephone

+17757415743

Website

http://www.thermopolisaikido.com/

Address

388 Buffalo Creek Road
Thermopolis, WY
82443