Aikido RVA South

04/12/2026

What a great first Sunday Morning Class!! Although we couldn't seem to get a good group shot...I guess we're not really here for pictures 😂

03/18/2026

Beginning 4/12/2026 - We will be adding a Sunday Morning Class. 11:00am - 12:30pm

12/15/2025

Hi All, I wrote an Android app, it's a simple breathing timer for solo practice of Ibuki No Ho. I'm working to get it published, and I'm in need of 12 testers to opt in and install the app. No side loading, it will be installed through the play store. If you have an Android phone and you'd like to be a tester, please send me a message with your email address, and I'll send a link to the play store.

06/03/2025

06/02/2025

Summer camp came early this year. 😊

It was such a lovely week of continuing Suenaka Sensei’s tradition and training with fellow aikodoka/ohana in the woods of Cheraw.

05/12/2025

Aikdo RVA South will be closed on May 27th and May 29th, as we will be at Summer Camp. Classes will resume on June 3rd.

01/13/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Kagami Biraki tonight. It was a great class. Happy New Year!!

01/08/2025

I hope everyone is safe (and dry) after the recent weather. Classes will resume on Thursday 1/9 at 7:30pm; with a special guest instructor.

While we wait for tomorrow, here is a bit of light reading fun from an AI prompt 😂

On a seemingly ordinary day at Aikido RVA South, the atmosphere is one of focus and discipline as practitioners engage in their training. Suddenly, the dojo's door swings open, and the dark figure of Batman enters. His imposing presence is met with a mix of awe and curiosity from the students who have likely heard tales of the caped crusader's prowess.

Batman strides forward, a confident demeanor radiating from him. He approaches Mike Stefanelli Sensei, the Dojo Cho and a highly skilled Aikido practitioner, and issues a challenge: "I want to see how your techniques measure up against my skills."

Mike, known for his calm and composed demeanor, accepts the challenge with a nod. He understands that Aikido emphasizes blending with an opponent's energy rather than outmatching them with brute strength. As the two prepare to engage, the students gather around, eager to witness a confrontation between two icons of combat.

The fight commences. Batman, trained in multiple martial arts and possessing peak physical conditioning, begins with a series of swift, calculated attacks. However, Mike employs Aikido's core principles, using his opponent's momentum against him. He effortlessly redirects Batman's strikes, demonstrating the art of yielding and flowing.

In this hypothetical scenario, the outcome remains uncertain. Batman's relentless determination and diverse combat skills could see him land a few solid hits. Conversely, Mike's mastery of Aikido could allow him to counter and neutralize many of Batman's attacks, showcasing the effectiveness of technique over sheer power.

As the match progresses, it becomes clear that both combatants respect each other's abilities. It might not be a fight to the finish, but rather an exchange of techniques and philosophies. Ultimately, the dojo atmosphere transforms into a collaborative environment, with both Batman and Mike potentially sharing insights and learning from one another.

In conclusion, while a fight between Batman and Mike Stefanelli Sensei would be an electrifying spectacle, it may evolve into a demonstration of martial arts principles, highlighting the importance of skill, respect, and mutual growth in the world of combat sports.

11/26/2024

Aikido Tonight - 7:30pm
Work off that Thanksgiving dinner before you eat it.

06/15/2024

Let Summer Camp Begin!!!

03/23/2024

Working on a little something for the dojo today....