Aikido Of Charlotte

At Aikido of Charlotte, we are dedicated to teaching traditional Aikido as handed down from the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O'Sensei). Our dojo is the largest Aikido dojo in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was founded in 1989 by Dennis Main Sensei, who had over 50 years of experience in Aikido.

Our dojo is a non-profit educational organization, and we are part of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), a not-for-profit organization (501-C3) that provides technical and administrative guidance and support to its members. The USAF not only oversees the practice of Aikido and its instruction as established by Hombu dojo, the international headquarters in Japan, but also develops and maintains rigorous technical standards, while advancing and promoting the practice of Aikido through various activities.

We have a 72 tatami (mat) dojo, with a 1,600 sq. ft sprung mat system just minutes from Uptown Charlotte and highly accessible from South Charlotte or the Lake Norman area. We have an "open mat" policy where you can come watch and/or participate in a class. We encourage fellow aikidoka from other dojos to come seek us out in their travels. We strive for a "friendly" atmosphere where we train seriously yet have a lot of fun at the same time.

Our Services

At Aikido of Charlotte, we offer a variety of services to cater to different needs and interests. Our services include:

1. Daily Aikido Classes: We offer daily Aikido classes for both beginners and advanced students. Our classes are designed to help you learn and improve your Aikido skills, while also providing a great workout.

2. Self Defense Workshops: We offer self-defense workshops to the public, teaching effective techniques to protect yourself in various situations. These workshops are designed for individuals of all ages and skill levels.

3. Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement: Our Chief Instructor, Jonathan Weiner Sensei, also teaches defensive tactics to law enforcement officers, helping them to stay safe and effective in their line of duty.

4. Video Library: We have an extensive video library that includes various Aikido techniques, self-defense methods, and other related materials. This library is a great resource for our students to learn and review at their own pace.

5. Dojo Rental: Our facility is available for rental for various events and activities. Whether you need a space for a seminar, workshop, or private event, our dojo can accommodate your needs.

Meet Our Instructors

Our instructors are highly experienced and certified in Aikido. They are dedicated to teaching and sharing their knowledge with our students. Our instructors include:

1. Sensei J. Weiner, 5th Dan, Shidoin: Weiner Sensei is our Chief Instructor and Dojo Cho. He has been studying and teaching Aikido for over 25 years and holds the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) as recognized by the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan). Weiner Sensei is also a Shidoin (certified senior instructor) appointed by the USAF and Aikikai World Headquarters.

2. Sensei D. Main, 6th Dan, Shihan (In Memoriam): Main Sensei was our Founding Instructor and spent his life studying and teaching the Japanese Martial Art of Aikido. He started Aikido of Charlotte in 1989 and was the senior-most Aikido teacher in the Charlotte area, advancing to the rank of Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) as recognized by the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan).

Our Enrollment Process

To enroll in our classes, please follow these steps:

1. Contact J. Weiner Sensei: Make an appointment with our Chief Instructor, Jonathan Weiner Sensei, to visit our dojo and observe a class.

2. Observe Class and Ask Questions: Come to our Dojo, observe a class, and ask questions about our programs and services.

3. Choose a Membership Plan: Go over the different membership plans and payment options with our instructors to find the best fit for you.

4. Start Your Training: Begin your training with us, and start your journey in Aikido.