Aikido & Healing Arts Center of Roseville

Frank Doran, Cherry Blossom Seminar, Washington DC, 1994 This is an excerpt from the Aikido Today Magazine video of the 1994...

Highlights of this weeks training. Some great people With an aikido problem!

Thanks for the great shots Sam.

One of the most incredible things about the past several months has been witnessing the growth happening throughout our dojo.

Since the beginning of the year (and it's only May) we have had 3 fantastic seminars chock full of information and fellowship with several more to come.

Because of the tremendous progress and commitment of our students, we have had approximately a dozen promotion tests and demonstrations recently — ranging from students just beginning their journey all the way through rare yudansha demonstrations, including Shodan, Sandan, and even Yondan level testing.

In truth, since Covid, we have only had maybe one or two yudansha (1st degree black belt or above) demonstrations in our dojo, and in the past year alone, we now had 8 promotions! To witness this level of growth, momentum, and dedication has been something very special.

And what has stood out most is not simply the rank advancement itself, but the spirit behind it.

Every single person preparing for a test or demo has been surrounded by support. The willingness of dojo members to show up, help each other, train hard, share videos to learn, take ukemi, show up on non-training days, encourage one another, travel to other dojos, and give everything they can for someone else's growth is difficult to even put into words.

That spirit is what makes a dojo truly thrive.

We are incredibly proud of all of our students — not only for striving to better themselves, but for helping create a dojo that feels like a true home for all of us. The level of commitment, heart, and connection on these mats is something deeply special, and we are grateful to share this journey together.

The future of our dojo feels very bright.

Today we would like to wish all the incredible mothers of our dojo family, and all the mothers of our students, a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Thank you for all the rides to class, the late nights, the encouragement, the patience, the sacrifices, and the endless support you give behind the scenes every single day.

Many of the qualities we strive to develop in aikido such as compassion, resilience, strength, calmness, perseverance, and heart - are qualities we first learn from our mothers.

Our dojo is stronger because of the love and support you bring to your families and to this community. We are deeply grateful for everything you do, often without recognition, simply because you care so deeply for those around you.

We hope today brings you the same love, appreciation, and kindness that you so freely give to others every day.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at the dojo.

Saturday was a very special day.

Saving one of the best moments for last as far as testing/demonstrations go, a contingent from our dojo traveled to a place very dear to our hearts - Petaluma, to watch our very own Kehaulani perform her Sandan black belt demonstration at her home dojo, Two Rock Aikido.

In her uniquely powerful, flowing, and graceful Kehaulani way, she gave an absolutely exceptional demonstration. Using several of our own students as ukes, she performed with precision, composure, spirit, and heart from beginning to end.

What made the day even more meaningful was not just the demonstration itself, but the love and support surrounding it. Watching fellow aikidoka travel together to support one of our own, while also deepening the bonds with our extended family at Two Rock Aikido, was something truly special. These relationships go far beyond dojo walls, they feel more like family.

The energy in the dojo was unforgettable. You could see the pride and emotion in the eyes of her mother and family throughout the day. Moments like these remind us what aikido is really about: growth, connection, perseverance, and community.

Congratulations, Kehaulani. Thank you for all the years of effort, dedication, generous teachings and spirit you bring to the mat, and for showing all of us how powerful flowing aikido can truly be.

We are so very proud of you!

🚨 THIS IS IT -- THE FINAL PUSH OF SPRING 🔥

The dojo hasn’t just been busy… it’s been alive.
And now we’re closing out this promotion cycle with a stacked lineup you do NOT want to miss.

🥋 TOMORROW (BEGINNER CLASS 6–7 PM)

Zach steps up for his 3rd kyu examination.

He’s put in the reps. Now it’s time to show it.
👉 He’ll be demonstrating toward the end of class. If you can, please be there to support.

🥋 FRIDAY — SHODAN TEST

Jim takes the mat for his Shodan (black belt) demonstration.

This is years in the making. No shortcuts. No luck. Just work.

📍 Schedule:
• No Weapons Class This Friday
• Regular Training — 5:30 PM
• Shodan Demo — ~6:30 PM

🍲 Legendary potluck after -- don’t disappear early. What are you bringing? ;)

🥋 SATURDAY, MAY 9 — NEXT LEVEL

Kehaulani steps forward for her Sandan demonstration at
Two Rock Aikido — her home dojo.

This is high-level Aikido.
This is years of refinement on display.

A contingent of us is making the trip to support —
👉 ask around, coordinate, and come be part of it.

🌱 Step back and look at what’s happening…

Multiple tests.
Multiple levels.
Real progression across the board.

This isn’t coincidence -- it’s culture.
Alive. Growing. Expanding — exactly as Aikido teaches.

Show up. Support loud. Be part of it. 🔥

Come train with us today❤️🥋

A rare opportunity this Saturday.

We’re hosting a one-day, focused deep dive into Kimusubi no Jo- a chance to spend real, uninterrupted time developing connection, timing, and structure through jo practice.

It’s not often we get this kind of dedicated space to work in depth, especially with instructors of this caliber: Danielle Smith Shihan and Michael Smith (6th Dan).

This is a donation-based seminar, with all proceeds supporting the Granlibakken Aikido Seminar Scholarship Fund this May—so your training also helps others get on the mat.

🗓 Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
🍱 Potluck Lunch 12:00–1:30 PM
📍 Aikido & Healing Arts Center of Roseville

If you’ve been meaning to spend more time on your jo work, this is a great setting to do it.

👉 RSVP for your spot now and join us Saturday!