Yama Kawa Dojo

Yama Kawa Dojo Yama Kawa Dojo offers Iaido and Aikido classes led by Suzanne Rancourt Sensei. Our Dojo has been, and continues to be, located in the Schenectady, NY area.

We welcome new students ages 15+ and of all ability levels. We also welcome Keith Pray Sensei. Yama Kawa Dojo was founded by J. Kano Flores Sensei (1949-2007). We practice Hombu style Aikido with practical applications and Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido, specifically, Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu. We are affiliated with the USAF, AUSKF, AEUSKF and a member of Aiki-Extensions. The dojo is currently led b

y Rancourt Sensei, Yon Dan Iaido, Ni Dan Kano Aiki, Ni Dan USAF. She was first introduced to Aikido via Ki Society in 1988 and has trained consistently since December of 1999. She is a member of the USAF and AUSKF. Rancourt Sensei is a veteran: USMC, USA. Classes are ongoing and progressive in nature. Teaching staff assist new students who can start at anytime, and at any level of fitness. Classes will teach you:
• proper Dojo etiquette
• warm up exercises and stretches that develop core strength, flexibility, and aerobic stamina
• Ki development
• basic body movement: technique, rolls, soft falls, break falls
• self defense techniques: take downs, immobilization's, disarming,
• eye/hand/foot/body coordination “Ki ken tai ichi”
• testing requirements for promotion

Iaido classes:
Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:45pm

Aikido classes:
Mondays, 6:30 - 8:15pm
Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:15pm

Lets Train! COIVD PRECUATIONS ARE IN PLACE. WEAR A MASK. TEMPS TAKEN. USE HAND SANITIZER. Be responsible and TRAIN INTELLIGENTLY. Iaido links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C5%8D_Jikiden_Eishin-ry%C5%AB

05/27/2026

Shobu Aikido Vermont seminar series with Gleason Shihan 2026.
June-August-October dates

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HZBdi7gz6/
05/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HZBdi7gz6/

Expand and draw out - take balance.
Notice if we push and pull.

Harmonize and blend - connect.
Notice if we collide and force.

Take balance to redirect and lead.
Notice if we grab and physically insist.

Surrender to allow - wait for it.
Notice if we use strength and force to make.

Immobilize and pin.
Notice if we cause excess pain to submit.

Aikido involves a mindset
present in manifested technique.
These notions, present (or not) can be visually observed.

Consider uke as a part of the whole, our interaction is connected and relational not separate and transactional.
Emphasize a heartened depth, reciprocity and mutual benefit.
Draw a distinction from the short term, singular benefit, a partial exchange that bears ‘no heart’.

Observe the dichotomy.
Increase awareness.
Mindfully train.

G. Breeland, 6th dan

05/03/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14aU9if6f12/
05/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14aU9if6f12/

2026 USAF SUMMER CAMP UPDATES - MAY 1ST

1 - The deadline to apply for a camp scholarship is May 15th. Please spread the word to help make sure applications arrive on time.

2 - Children's Dinner Options - The registration page now reflects that children ages 5 and under eat for free (no need to register for their dinners), and those 6-12 can eat for half price, and must be registered for their dinners.

3 - Details about the class schedule, dan testing, and other updates will follow shortly.

If you have not yet registered for camp, please do so at your earliest convenience. It will be very helpful as we work with the hotel on meal plans and room counts.
Here is the link to register:

https://unitedstatesaikidofederation.regfox.com/2026-summer-camp

Thank you!

With warm regards,

Laura and Karen

04/27/2026

Keith Pray Sensei teaching Aikido tonight!

04/26/2026

As promised, special 4 week session.

12/26/2025

Address

140 Erie Boulevard Unit 211
Schenectady, NY
12305

Opening Hours

Monday 5pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 5pm - 8:30pm

Telephone

+15184703078

Website

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