Hello from Southern CT

My name's Jay. I studied Aikido for a short time in Florida at the Brevard Aikiai and loved every minute of it. I'm interested in training again. I am looking for a dojo that works with the spiritual side of Aikido just as much as the technical/physical parts. If there are any close to Groton CT, even in RI I'd be really interested in hearing about them. Thanks for your time.

Sincerely
Jay

Hi Jay,

Welcome, and thank you for your intrduction!

-- Jun

Dear Jay,

Sensei Robert Burns Aikifarms at Ledyard, CT has a very spiritually oriented dojo and farm. It is difficult to find.

http://www.aikifarms.com/

I decided that the balance of concentration and zazen and spirituality was not right for me. I get my 'soul cleaning' through simple active training of the art, without thinking about it too much. But I'd wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants a little more spiritual emphasis.
I am still looking for Aikido dojo in the Groton area, so if you hear of anything, please drop me a line.

Thanks,

Paul.

Hi, new here, but if you are in groton, try the connecticut aikikai with mike sidebottom sensei, it's 45 min on the 95 but worth the drive. I tried the other dojo, and I think it may be the age of the instructor, but I like the real "training" you get with sidebottom sensei (no offense). Unfortunately, I moved out of the area, but I miss that it is worth the drive. Good luck.

I don't know if you're near this group: http://www.shobu.org/ct.php Rob Liberti is a long time student of Bill Gleason Sensei. His aikido is wonderful, very dynamic and fluid. His ukemi is amazing. Good luck in any event.

I would honestly suggest that you check out the Iwama dojo in Rhode Island as far as quality and nearness... I started also teaching in Middletown and at Yale if you want to visit - although neither is very "close" - but you (and anyone else) are very welcome to come train with me.

Hi Steven, long time no see!

Rob