Business Details
8 Years
experience
Traditional Aikido Training in Bozeman
Founded in 2018, Bozeman Aikido has grown from Big Sky Aikido under Greg Olson Senseis mentorship into a thriving community-centered dojo. Our instructors collectively bring over a century of Aikido experience, emphasizing injury-free training accessible to all agesfrom children aged 5+ to adults. As a registered dojo under the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and affiliated with the Aikikai Foundation Hombu Dojo, we uphold traditional Japanese martial arts principles while fostering local engagement. Our mission focuses on personal growth, art preservation, and collaborative training, offering structured programs for beginners through advanced practitioners.Two weekly classes accommodate varying skill levels, with specialized sessions for weapons and internal techniques. We maintain affordability through transparent monthly dues and provide free two-week trials to welcome newcomers. Our affiliation with international Aikido institutions ensures alignment with global standards while maintaining a grassroots community focus.
Services
Aikido Classes
Kids' Aikido
Weapon Training
Internal Aiki
Testing Programs
Family Classes
Beginner Sessions
Advanced Techniques
Dojo Etiquette
Rolling Falls
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer free two-week trial periods for all beginners
- Our instructors have accumulated over 100 years of combined Aikido experience
- We maintain strict adherence to traditional Aikido principles through our Hombu Dojo affiliation
- Our flexible scheduling accommodates both beginner and advanced practitioners
- We provide multi-tiered membership options to suit various training needs
Associations and certifications
- Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
What people say
Welcoming community
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly
Progressive curriculum
Accessible training
Services
Aikido Classes
Traditional Japanese martial arts instruction emphasizing harmony and non-competitive training. Our classes cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners. Techniques focus on redirecting opponent energy safely through precise movements and partner drills.
Kids' Aikido
Specialized martial arts program for ages 5 and up with structured belt progression. Sessions teach safe falling techniques, foundational movements, and Japanese vocabulary through engaging activities. Monthly fee includes full access to youth-focused curriculum.
Weapon Training
Advanced technique sessions focusing on traditional Aikido weaponry applications. Students learn proper handling and defensive movements with wooden weapons. Class emphasizes coordination and situational awareness during weapon-based scenarios.
Internal Aiki
Specialized instruction for experienced practitioners emphasizing subtle energy principles. Sessions explore complex movement patterns and dynamic response training. Requires prior completion of beginner curriculum for participation.
Testing Programs
Structured examination system for belt progression with four annual testing cycles. Evaluations assess technique mastery, response reflexes, and Japanese terminology comprehension. Requirements increase progressively through six ky levels.
People
Leif Summerfield
Chief Instructor
Sandal level practitioner with extensive experience in traditional Aikido techniques. Leads regular classes and examination programs while maintaining dojo standards. Committed to accessible martial arts education for all ages.
Nicole Edwards
Instructor
Specializes in youth programs and beginner instruction. Focuses on teaching safe movement fundamentals and dojo etiquette. Coordinates children's classes and family training sessions at the dojo.
Christopher Gonzales
Assistant Instructor
Supports senior instructors with curriculum implementation. Leads practice sessions and helps maintain training standards. Contributes to community engagement initiatives and student mentorship programs.
Questions
What are your beginner class options?
We offer free two-week trials with open beginner sessions Wednesdays 7-8:30pm and Saturdays 8:30-9:30am.
Do you offer family training programs?
Yes, our Saturday morning sessions accommodate family participation with mixed-age groups and progressive skill development.
What is your testing schedule?
Quarterly examinations occur around solstices/equinoxes, with specific dates announced annually for rank advancement opportunities.
How do payments work?
Monthly dues auto-process via Square on the 1st of each month. We offer sliding-scale memberships for students and children.
What safety measures exist?
Our curriculum emphasizes safe falling techniques and gradual skill progression. Insurance-certified instructors prioritize injury prevention during all training sessions.
