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Old 12-24-2008, 12:42 PM   #1
marlon10
 
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Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

I live in the Laurel area so I am between Baltimore and DC. Can anyone suggest an Aikido dojo that has a reputation for being a high quality place to practice Aikido, delivering both a practical and spiritual interpretation of the art? I really feel like I am ready to invest the rest of my life to studying Aikido but I want a place that will pay dividends on this investment. I want a place that will really provide me with the tools for personal defense yet still provide me with a vehicle for improving my self on a spiritual level. In short if I am going to devote my time and money I want to know that the school is serious about delivering a authentic art with the purpose of improving my self-defense skills and harmony with the universe.
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Old 12-25-2008, 12:41 PM   #2
AsimHanif
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Shouldn't be hard to find a quality dojo in the area. Baltimore Aikido has a good reputation, though I've never trained there myself.
I can only personally recommend Capital Aikikai in Silver Springs. The dojo has a long history of quality aikido and great atmosphere. Takeguchi Shihan is def one of the best around. As far a spirituality, I think that is a unique journey that each of us has to discover on our own. 'Spiritual training' is not overtly taught at Capital...but training there has without a doubt been a spiritual endeavor for me.
Best wishes.

Asim
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Old 12-25-2008, 06:55 PM   #3
L. Camejo
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

I second Asim's recommendation of Capital Aikikai. Trained there as well and my experience was very positive.

Regarding spirituality of practice I think this is defined be each individual differently. So I think the best approach is to use the Aikiweb dojo search engine or google to make a list of dojos and then go visit practice sessions to get a more personal feel of how spiritual a dojo's practice may be.

Best to you.
LC

--Mushin Mugamae - No Mind No Posture. He who is possessed by nothing possesses everything.--
http://www.tntaikido.org
http://www.mushinkan.ca
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Old 12-26-2008, 09:33 AM   #4
marlon10
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Thank you both for your response. It is very appreciated. I will take your advice and give Capital Aikikai a visit. I am excited about starting my life long journey of Aikido off in 09 regardless of what school I settle on.
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Old 12-28-2008, 09:49 AM   #5
Aviv
Dojo: Aikido in Fredericksburg
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Yes, Capital Aikikai is great. So is Shobukan Dojo in Takoma Park. If you are looking for a smaller group to practice with, closer to home, check out Joseph Sumalbag's Red Fern Budokai in Columbia, MD. His website with contact info and more is aikidimension.com

Peace, Aviv Goldsmith
Aikido in Fredericksburg
www.aikidoinfredericksburg.org
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Old 12-29-2008, 07:00 AM   #6
marlon10
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Thank you for the information. I will visit Red Fern Budokai as well. That would be more convenient for daily practice. Thanks to everyone for thier help and information. It appears that I have more to choose from then I originally thought.
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Old 12-29-2008, 08:56 AM   #7
Ron Tisdale
Dojo: Doshinkan dojo in Roxborough, Pa
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

http://www.aikimartialarts.com/
Get's my vote. On the spiritual side, personally, I think that's up to you. If you invest yourself in the practice, the other stuff will tend to take care of itself.

Best,
Ron

Ron Tisdale
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"The higher a monkey climbs, the more you see of his behind."
St. Bonaventure (ca. 1221-1274)
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Old 12-29-2008, 12:28 PM   #8
gdandscompserv
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

My vote goes to my sempai Michael Veltri at:
http://www.oki-aikikai.com/
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Old 12-29-2008, 02:26 PM   #9
marlon10
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Ricky Wood,

Does the schedule that is currently on the site still hold true. Becuase even though that is a trek for me I still like those beginner times of 7:00 to 8:00pm and 8:15 - 9:15pm.
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Old 12-30-2008, 10:17 AM   #10
gdandscompserv
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Quote:
Marlon Hester wrote: View Post
Ricky Wood,

Does the schedule that is currently on the site still hold true. Becuase even though that is a trek for me I still like those beginner times of 7:00 to 8:00pm and 8:15 - 9:15pm.
I'm on the other coast so I don't know about that. His email address is on the homepage though. He's a really nice guy with great aikido skills. Drop him a line.

Last edited by gdandscompserv : 12-30-2008 at 10:19 AM.
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Old 01-08-2009, 04:56 AM   #11
mdsmith
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Quote:
Marlon Hester wrote: View Post
I live in the Laurel area so I am between Baltimore and DC. Can anyone suggest an Aikido dojo that has a reputation for being a high quality place to practice Aikido, delivering both a practical and spiritual interpretation of the art? I really feel like I am ready to invest the rest of my life to studying Aikido but I want a place that will pay dividends on this investment. I want a place that will really provide me with the tools for personal defense yet still provide me with a vehicle for improving my self on a spiritual level. In short if I am going to devote my time and money I want to know that the school is serious about delivering a authentic art with the purpose of improving my self-defense skills and harmony with the universe.
I attend a dojo in Baltimore county that I really like. It's called Traditional Asian Fighting Arts. They also teach Pentjak Silat if you want to mix it up.
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Old 01-09-2009, 08:10 PM   #12
Garth Jones
Dojo: Allegheny Aikido
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Chuck Weber and Charlie Page Senseis at Baltimore Aikido are both excellent. You live in an aikido rich area, so I would suggest traveling around and visiting various dojos and seeing which one is the best fit (training, location, etc.) for you.

Cheers,
Garth
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Old 01-09-2009, 09:05 PM   #13
MikeLogan
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Hey Garth, I am hoping to introduce a Baltimore friend to aikido, he has mentioned noticing the Light St. dojo to me. I train Aikikai, but I know the ASU dojos in general are no slouch organizations, especially between Light St and Silver Spring.

Funny enough, I started with Takeguchi sensei's group in Silver Spring. After a recent seminar with the aforementioned, I asked his opinion of introducing my friend to an ASU style. They do in fact come highly recommended, hehe.

Quick question. What's the general atmosphere and attitude to visitors. I'd like to attend a class, possibly even tomorrow if I can convince him to come along. I will double check the schedule, but can you advise on the general feel so I don't make an ass of myself? I mean, I want to wait until I attempt actual technique to make an ass of myself, but not before nor afterward

Cheers and thanks.

michael.

If way to the better there be, it exacts a full look at the worst.

- Thomas Hardy
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Old 01-10-2009, 06:56 AM   #14
Garth Jones
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Hi Michael,

They will be fine with visitors. They are serious about their training and a good bunch of people. I've never been a member there, or lived in Baltimore, but I've been going to seminars at that dojo for the past 15 years. They have always been very welcoming of visitors and new people. They may ask your friend to watch a class before getting on the mat - I'm not sure about that. Anyway, I'd say go, train, enjoy....

Cheers,
Garth
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Old 01-10-2009, 11:02 AM   #15
MikeLogan
 
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

A little late for today's classes, but thanks much.

michael.

If way to the better there be, it exacts a full look at the worst.

- Thomas Hardy
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Old 01-12-2009, 07:42 AM   #16
Ron Tisdale
Dojo: Doshinkan dojo in Roxborough, Pa
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

I have to second the Charlie Page recommendation. I've only trained with him at seminars he's given, but it was a good time, interesting waza, and I liked his focus. Can't imagine that training at his dojo would not be a blast.

Best,
Ron

Ron Tisdale
-----------------------
"The higher a monkey climbs, the more you see of his behind."
St. Bonaventure (ca. 1221-1274)
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Old 07-12-2012, 10:36 PM   #17
RobertMu
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Re: Can anyone suggest a dojo in Maryland

Reviving an old thread here instead of starting a new one. I'm in the same general location as the OP and was wondering if there are any updates to the list, since it's over 3 years old. Also, I've found the following and plan to check them out in person. I would appreciate any feedback or other ideas. I'm especially interested in places near Baltimore and with smaller class sizes. Thanks in advance!

http://www.ellicottcityaikido.com/
http://www.aikidomaryland.com/
http://baltimoreaikido.com/
http://www.aikidimension.com/
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