Aikido Academy of Martial Arts

Today I’m humbled to announce that I’ve been promoted to the rank of Yon-Dan (4th Degree Black Belt).

It was an unexpected surprise to be sure. Those of you that know me and especially those that I’ve had the privilege of training, sweating and bleeding with, know that rank has never been a concern of mine. It is always secondary at best. The honor of sharing the mat with my students, fellow instructors and teachers both in Aikido and all the other disciplines I’ve studied, has been enough. Being better than I was yesterday, has been enough. Helping others to overcome, has been enough.

So as I add a fourth stripe at end of my Obi, it’s with humility and a continued steadfastness to help others the way I was helped through the martial arts. Over 40 years since my first Tang Soo Do class and 31 years since I walked up those stairs to begin my Aikido training with Mr. Weber. His voice always has and always be will be one that echoes in my head. I could never repay him for all the years of guidance and patient mentoring, I can only strive to continue what he started. 🙏🏻

DOJO UPDATE:

Beginning next week the Academy will transition into a Private - Invite Only school. We will be taking new students based on current student recommendations and instructor approval. If you would like to be considered for training, please visit our website at www.aikischool.com and fill out a contact form. If you would like to visit In person, please contact the head Instructor for an appointment.

www.aikischool.com

Class is normal time tomorrow.. see everyone on the mat👊

This week we say not goodbye but “See You Later” to Joshua Rinderspacher as he heads back to London. Josh walked into my school a few years ago wanting to train while he visits, to my delight he stayed a lot longer. Always humble, inquisitive, respectful, fearless and willing to help. He was already a black belt in Japanese JiuJitsu when he started with me. Ready and willing to strap on a white belt to learn our way, I instantly knew he would be a fine addition to our dojo and I was most certainly correct! Safe travels Josh and I sincerely hope we share a mat again sooner than later!

DOJO Announcement:

Holiday schedule/closures:

There will be NO class on Saturday 12/25 & Monday 12/27.

We will also NOT have class on Saturday 1/1.

Everyone enjoy their holiday’s!

Sensei Leventis

Honored to welcome our newest Brown Belt...Scott Gore! Congratulations on passing your final attack line test. Scott has been an exemplary student, always looking to help others and willing to make the necessary sacrifices to continue his training. Less than 3% of students that join our school will ever make It to this rank, it takes dedication and acceptance of constant discomfort In the pursuit of something bigger than yourself. Most don't understand this journey, the only true way is to walk through the door week after week no matter what, Scott has never wavered from this path...Now on to Black Belt!

DOJO ANNOUNCEMENT:

Scott Gore will be taking his Attack Line test, his final test for I-Kyu (Brown Belt) on Thursday, December 16th.

Please plan accordingly as I would like full attendance on that day. It's a long and dedicated path to get to this point, so let's honor that.
thank you,
Sensei Leventis