New York City Aikido

04/14/2026

2026 Shihan Appointments

We are pleased to announce that the following ASU members have been appointed Shihan by the Examination Committee for the Appointment of Shihan at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Congratulations to all!

Jim Alvarez, Aikido of Livermore
Lee Crawford, Bond Street Dojo
Robert Deppe, Aikido Shobukan Dojo
Eugene Lee, Aikido Shobukan Dojo
Chetan Prakash, Redlands Aikikai
Gary Small, Aikido of Maine
Marsha Turner, Chicago Aikikai

This honor reflects their deep experience, technical mastery, and long-standing dedication to the transmission of Aikido and its values through their leadership, engagement, and support of ASU.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Saotome Sensei, whose vision and lifelong commitment to Aikido continue to guide and inspire our community. We also offer our sincere thanks to Doshu and the Aikikai Foundation for this recognition.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding leaders in our community.

01/13/2025

Hiroshi Ikeda sensei on the 8th dan promotions list for 2025

10/20/2023

Article on Saotome sensei coming to Sarasota, Florida, years ago, and the Aiki Shrine at Myakka. With great photos, too.

Meet the aikido master of Myakka.

08/30/2022

04/26/2022

A Kickstarter campaign for two board games made by a Japanese design and production team: "Fujiyama with Ajisai" | 富士に紫陽花を

Fujiyama is a "new kind of drafting and tile placement board game where the most “considerate” player wins!” Ajisai is an Othello-like game, themed around color-changing hydrangeas.

Create colorful hydrangeas & mountains decorated with wooden animal tokens. Two easy to play, strategic Japanese style board games.