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

09/02/2026

In the 1984 presidential debate, Ronald Reagan said: “I believe in the idea of amnesty for those who have put down roots and lived here, even though sometime back they may have entered illegally.”

In 1986, Reagan signed immigration legislation that legalized roughly 3 million people while also promising stronger border enforcement and penalties for employers who knowingly hired undocumented workers.

That is not a matter of interpretation. It is the historical record.

08/28/2026

Summer camp videos now available on the USAF Youtube page. At this time you can find classes taught by Osawa Shihan and the Technical Committee members. Make sure to check out the 2026 Playlist for easy access to all of this year's content.Photographs taken by Javier Dominguez continue to be added t...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1365956765749623
08/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1365956765749623

Jackie chan learned aikido moves with Miyako Fujitani and his daughter.

The photo shows martial artist and actor Jackie Chan, Miyako Fujitani (an Aikido master and Steven Seagal's first wife), and her daughter Ayako.

Today She holds a 7th dan through the official Aikikai Foundation (Aikikai Hombu Dojo / Tokyo), with her long-standing teaching base located in Osaka (Tenshin Dojo).

She has practiced Aikido for well over 45 years, making her a pioneer among female instructors in Japan.

She began training early on when groups/dojos were affiliated with the Tokyo Hombu, and she interacted with and trained during the era of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei).

08/06/2026

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

07/20/2026

Sign up now for Aikido for Adults through SUNY SCCC Workforce Development!!
Aikido for Adults and Teens

Thursdays
August 6 – August 27
7-8:15 p.m.
CRN # 60199
CFP 800-51
Fee: $75

This course will be held at the Yama Kawa Dojo located at 140 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, NY 12305, Suite 211

Students, ages 14 and older, will practice Hombu style Aikido, which strengthens the body, mind, and spirit. Aikido uses blending and redirecting techniques, Jujutsu joint locks and boxing elements that keep this martial art applicable for all individuals. Aikido promotes self-defense, flexibility, strength building, and coordination. Note: Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Register for Aikido

Register for non-credit community education courses at SUNY Schenectady. Courses available for adults and kids in the spring, summer, and fall.

Address

140 Erie Boulevard Unit 211
Schenectady, NY
12305

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+15184703078

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