Aikido at the Center Tucson

MOVE FOR PEACE!
May 16, 2026
A day of Aikido training to benefit the Sunnyside Foundation

"Today is going to be our peaceful day. We can say these words lightly, like a pleasant thought that floats away, or we can make them real—transforming intention into lived experience. The difference is in how we bring them from abstract hope into practice."
From the Buddhist Monks Walk for Peace

Tentative schedule:

9:30-10:00 Judith Robinson Sensei, opens
10:00-11:00 Sharon Seymour Sensei
11:00 12:00 Thom Haines Sensei

12-1 Lunch break

1:00-2:00 William Maren Sensei (Yamate Aiki-budo)
2:00-3:00 Mike Hazard Sensei
3:00-4:00 Irene Swanson Sensei
4:00-5:00 Gail Skinner Sensei
5:00-5:30 Robinson Sensei, closes

Reserve your spot on the mat:
https://aikidoatthecenter.org/events/
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/aatcdojo

All registration fees and donations go directly to the Sunnyside Foundation.

Mary Heiny Sensei Returns to Aikido at the Center
April 11-12, 2026

Mary Heiny Sensei brings to every class, workshop, and seminar she teaches not only her years of Aikido training and teaching, but also her extensive experience and study of Japanese culture, language, Shinto and Buddhist philosophies, and Non-Violent Communication. She strives always to communicate the beauty and challenge of O-sensei's desire that we use Aikido to become empowered as creative, compassionate beings and learn to appreciate each other as members of one human family.
To register, please go to:
https://aikidoatthecenter.org/events/

“No one left standing.”

Our Aikido Kids continue to impress us with their concentration, dedication and energy. They are a joy to work with.

Robinson Sensei’s advice this week on bowing in with intention:

“Always keep your mind on your sword (or weapon of choice).”

Join us in welcoming back Hans Goto Sensei to Aikido at the Center!

Hans Goto Shihan, Head Instructor and founder of Bay Marin Aikido, is recognized worldwide for his outstanding instruction and ability to make aikido techniques accessible to all. His teaching inspires practitioners of every level and background, and all are warmly invited.

Cost:
$180 for the full seminar
$160 early bird rate, if paid by October 1st.
Individual sessions $50

Online payment: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/aatcdojo

A Look Back at Last Week’s Tokkun

We had a fantastic time in our in-depth study of the history of Ikkyo with Maren Sensei this last Saturday.

Training began with a short sword versus long sword kumitachi from the Ono-ha Itto-ryu. Sensei showed how the kata contains the origins of shomen-uchi Ikkyo. This provided the aggressive spirit and foundational structure for us to advance to the study of Daito-ryu’s Ippon-dori—the actual parent technique of the Ikkyo we practice today (in Aikido).

We then moved beyond the very linear, hard-style jujutsu of Ippon-dori, adding layers of refinement and complexity while maintaining the ideal of complete control of uke from start to finish.

Sensei stressed throughout the need for shugyo (deep study and refinement) over mere repetition of techniques, stating: “Technique must evolve, and the dojo must be considered a very special laboratory where you constantly study, test, and refine your art. Your dojo mates are also your test subjects.”

It was an intense, yet joyful day of study, made even more special by our out-of-town guests. Friends from Phoenix, Prescott, and even Santa Fe, NM made the journey down to this first, of what we hope will be a series of tokkun with Maren Sensei. Thank you all for coming.

CW

Here are a few comments from the attendees:

"Stark comparison between different schools and techniques."

"Interesting to see the development over time."

" Appreciated the attention to shugyo versus keiko."

"So much fun!"

"Wasn't sure how he was going to pull it together, and then he did!"

"Maren Sensei's clarity and skillful management of intensity helped me train past limits I didn't know I had. We went below foundations to bedrock; I will be unpacking the deep lessons of this tokkun for a long time."

Aikido at the Center proudly welcomes Mr. Eric Andrews into our yūdanshakai.

Mr. Andrews provided a well executed shodan exam on 6 March. The test was conducted by senseis Wu and Wade, with Robinson Sensei overseeing all.

Eric guides the Thursday evening weapons class, and that experience was especially evident during the buki portion of the exam.

Shodan is the vitally important “First Step” upon mastery’s endless road. Mr. Andrews took a firm and decisive one—and now, the real work begins…

GANBARE!!!