Welcome to Budo Dojo - School of Aikido
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Budo Dojo - School of Aikido
Budo Dojo is a school of traditional Japanese martial arts, teaching aikido and self-defense in the Portland metropolitan area for over 20 years. Training includes throws, locks, and pinning techniques as well as traditional weapons including wooden staff and sword.
Class training includes dynamic throws, locks, and pinning techniques as well as traditional weapons including wooden sword and staff to develop Mind, Body and Spirit!
We are affiliated with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) under Mitsugi Saotome Shihan.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged to drop in and observe classes. If you are wondering if aikido is right for you please take advantage of our free class offer.
Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
For fifteen years, until O-Sensei's passing in 1969, Saotome Shihan lived as his personal disciple, studying under his guidance the practice and philosophy of Aikido. In 1975 Saotome Shihan left a highly respected position as a senior instructor at the World Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo to come to the United States. When asked why he made this decision he replied, “I meditated on O Sensei’s (Great Teacher) spirit for three days and three nights and I felt it was his wish that I should go. This country is a great experiment, a melting pot of people from many different cultural backgrounds living together, the world condensed into one nation. The goal of Aikido and O Sensei’s dream is that all the peoples of the world live together as one family, in harmony with each other and with their environment. The United States has the opportunity to set a great example.”
Aikido
The roots of Aikido go back hundreds of years to the roots of the Japanese Samurai. However, Aikido, in its current form is a modern, contemporary martial art formed in the early 20th century. Aikido is a non-competitive but powerful martial art that teaches us to unlock our potential. It improves health, confidence, and spirit, making strong, healthy human beings.
The study of Budo and the development of Aikido was the life work of Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei or Great Teacher), a figure of great renown who traveled the length and breadth of Japan studying under the greatest masters of many arts.
The mission of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba is to preserve and disseminate the teachings and principles of Aikido, as transmitted by Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei to his direct disciple Mitsugi Saotome Shihan.The Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) was founded as the membership organization that affiliates all of the Aikido dojos under the instruction of Saotome Shihan and his students. It is currently established as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The name of the organization reflects a commitment to the vision of O Sensei and not the cultivation of a style or territory. Since its establishment, there have been over 1,000 black belts awarded to ranked members of ASU. ASU is affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Health Benefits of Aikido:
Daily aikido practice is gentle on your body while building core muscles and improving balance, proprioceptive awareness, and cardiovascular health. The partner practice keeps your attention highly engaged and sharpens your awareness and senses leaving you feeling healthy, relaxed, joyful and refreshed after every practice. It is an excercise in mind, body and fitness that improves your daily life.
Budo Dojo Instructors
Dan Penrod
Dan Penrod is chief instructor of Budo Dojo. Mr. Penrod has been practicing aikido for 30 years and other forms of traditional Japanese Budo for approximately 40 years. He holds a godan (5th degree black belt) in aikido awarded to him by his teacher, John Messores Sensei and recognized by ASU and Hombu World Aikikai Foundation. He also holds a nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate awarded by Fusei Kise Sensei.
Craig Slack
Craig Slack Sensei began his training in 1990, studying under Saotome Sensei in Washington, D.C. and George Meyer Sensei, a direct student of Saotome Sensei. Craig currently holds the rank of yondan (5th degree black belt), and teaches Thursday evening classes.
Kevin Tomlinson
Kevin Tomlinson Sensei has been training for more than a decade and holds shodan in aikido>. He teaches the very popular Monday afternoon class at 1pm.