Updates
Don’t miss an update! Subscribe now.
A message from the Finance Committee
We announced on Tuesday that two members of the Board of Directors of the NY Aikikai are matching gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Since we announced we have completed just over 50% of this matching opportunity. This offer ends on Sunday!
Student body launches year-end campaign
It is awe-inspiring to think back over the last 60 years ago when Yamada Sensei descended upon the NY Aikikai as its new chief instructor…the years of love, labor, patience, and pure grit and determination that he possessed to make us who we are today. That we could still be considered a central force in the study of aikido worldwide is a testament to that.
2025 Summer Camp Celebrating NY Aikikai’s 60th Anniversary
Aikido Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of O Sensei, has graciously accepted our invitation to teach at the 2025 Summer Camp, that we are organizing, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Yamada Sensei’s arrival at the NY Aikikai.
2024 Summer Camp Photos
A few photos of NY Aikikai members and friends at the July 2024 Summer Camp. Thanks to Javier Dominguez for the capturing of so many moments, and for all who came to partake in great training, and thank you to Aikido de la Montagne for organizing!
3rd floor demo
Construction continues with demo of the third floor and the setup of a temporary shower and bathroom for the men’s room that we will use when working on the second floor. Thank you to all who make this possible.
Finance update
We have just completed our fiscal year, which goes from July 1-June 30. Every transaction has been categorized and all the accounts have been reconciled.
Construction begins
Yesterday, Jay broke ground, starting to move the wall on the easterly side to widen the other stairwell and entrance. So, it all begins. Jay is also in preliminary actions to organize the boiler room, including preparing for HVAC, water, electricity, etc. Eventually, Jay’s crew will demolish the third floor to put up a temporary dressing room, so Jay can get started on the 2nd floor.
An interview with Steve Sensei
An interview with Steve Sensei for the Aiki Kai Australia’s newsletter, Musubi.
Congratulations are in order
We are extremely proud to announce the following promotions for our New York Aikikai members. Congratulations to you all. Of special note are the promotions of Mike Abrams and Harvey Kongisberg to 8th dan. Mike and Harvey are beloved by all of us and have been devoted to our dojo for 60 years. We value them as dedicated teachers, students and exemplary human beings. What a great honor for both Mike and Harvey - and for the New York Aikikai.
Rest in Peace, Sensei
Today, January 15th, marks one year since the passing of Yamada Sensei. The date coincides with the commemoration of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. As it is a national holiday, our dojo is closed.
New Year’s Greeting
2023. A year that rivaled a ride on the Coney Island Cyclone. Heart wrenching lows, exhilarating highs and everything in between.
Christmas Seminar in Photos
What an amazing seminar! Over 200 people from at least 31 dojos across the world joined us for our 2023 Christmas Seminar. Thank you for the heart and teaching of Yoko Okamoto, Steve Pimsler, Sharon Dominguez, Laura Jacobs Pavlick, Hal Lehrman, and Harvey Konigsberg. Congrats to the dan test-takers, and thank you to all who brought tasty treats to the potluck.
Construction Plans
A great many people have been working tirelessly on the NYA Capital Campaign for much of this year and we are making good progress in meeting our initial financial goal of $490,000. Thanks to you and our wonderful community we are only $13,000 away from meeting our primary goal, and after that we will begin raising funds for the HVAC, security system, viewing window, and new mats.