Welcome to Upstate Aikido. Now Open in Anderson SC!
Best Price for Everyone

Your Aikido Practice

Monthly charges include any applicable classes - we encourage you to attend as often as possible.
Sensei Mike Welcomes you

Let us know if you have any questions about Upstate Aikido or utilizing our Dojo.

Questions?


Monthly Memberships

Monthly Membership

  • Adult classes from 1 to 4 times a week
  • Kid's classes twice a week
  • Saturday Classes offered once a month
  • No Long term Contract

Aikido (Adults) from $100-$150/mo

Ai-Kid-Do (Kids) $100/mo

Ask about our family discount plan! Get Started
Monthly Memberships Include

Monthly membership includes:

  • Become a member of United States Aikido Federations (After first testing) - and may attend classes at any Aikikai (mat fees may apply)
  • Discounts on Gi's, Weapons, Bags and other Equipment (Optional)
  • Free Mat time for practice (See Schedule)
  • Beverages available after class
  • Month to Month = cancel Any Time
You can set up your payment right now - Paypal charges show as IRMS.
UpstateAikido monthly dues
Name of Student

Dojo Schedule.

Classes are generally 40 minutes to an hour.

Why learn Aikido?

Why learn Tai Chi?

Ready for an introductory class?

Date
( Weekly Schedule )
Tuesday
4:30 pm
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- Christine

Kids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.

5:30 pm
Kids 15 mins/ Adults 15 mins- Open Tatami
6:00 pm
Adult Class- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.

Wednesday
6:00 pm
Aikido Basics- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down. This class focuses on Aikido Basics and is great for beginners or those wishing to polish up their Aikido basics.

7:15 pm
Tai Chi- Sifu Christine

Tai Chi class offering balance, mobility, breathing and focus.

Thursday
4:30 pm
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- Christine

Kids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.

5:30 pm
Kids 15 mins/ Adults 15 mins- Open Tatami
6:00 pm
Adult Class- Sensei Mike

Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.

7:15 pm - 8:00 pm
Weapons Class- Sensei Mike

The weapons class at Upstate Aikido focuses on the general handling of the Bokken and the Jo. The focus is more on Suburi, Kata, Kumi-jo and other practice techniques. Students are generally not required to take ukemi/falls during this class - weapons practice of that kind is during norrmal Aikido classes.

Saturday reserved for special events
Unscheduled
Reserved for Special Events and Testing

Benefits of Learning Aikido

Aikido is a martial art, and there are great benefits to studying martial arts in general. But there are many reasons to study this particular martial art other than just self defense.

Some insight into Aikido from Florida Aikikai: Video Interview

An article about Upstate Aikido: News Article

Ready for an introductory class? Pick a Time

Yoga Icon

Increased Balance

By focusing on maintaining one's center of gravity, understanding leverage, and practicing circular movements, Aikido helps develop both physical and mental balance. Repeated practice of falling and regaining equilibrium also strengthens the body's ability to recover balance quickly.




Yoga Icon

Coordination

Aikido significantly enhances coordination through its emphasis on mindful movement, balance, and body awareness. By focusing on blending with an attacker's movement and redirecting their force rather than resisting it, Aikido develops a strong connection between mind and body, improving overall physical coordination and responsiveness.


Yoga Icon

Reaction and Sense of Timing

Aikido enhances reaction time and timing through focused practice on body awareness, balance, and efficient movement. By emphasizing blending with an opponent's energy rather than resisting it, Aikido trains practitioners to anticipate and respond to attacks with fluidity and precision.


Yoga Icon

Improved Posture and Flexibility

Aikido movements emphasize maintaining a balanced and integrated posture, even during dynamic techniques.

Relaxation is crucial in Aikido for generating power and executing techniques effectively, and this focus also encourages the release of tension that can restrict flexibility. The techniques themselves involve controlled bending and twisting, improving the flexibility of the joints and connective tissues over time.

Yoga Icon

Aerobic Conditioning

Aikido can contribute to aerobic conditioning through its emphasis on dynamic movements, falling techniques (Ukemi), and the overall physical activity involved in training. While not a primary focus like in some other sports, the continuous movement, paired practice, and cardiovascular demands of Aikido can improve endurance and overall fitness.






Yoga Icon

Greater Awareness of our bodies

Aikido enhances body awareness through its focus on coordinated movement, posture, and breathing, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body. Practitioners learn to move from their center, understand how to use their body as a unified unit, and develop sensitivity to their own body and the movements of others. This leads to improved balance, flexibility, coordination, and a greater sense of overall body control.