Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Aikido Dojo in Sunnyvale, CA
Aikido Silicon Valley has been dedicated to teaching traditional Japanese martial arts since 1998. Our dojo emphasizes the principles of harmony, blending with adversity, and resolving conflict peacefully through Aikido. Led by highly ranked instructors including Bill Witt Shihan, an 8th-degree black belt and one of the first Westerners to train directly under Saito Sensei in Iwama, Japan, we provide structured programs for both adults and children. Our curriculum focuses on developing physical strength, mental discipline, and spiritual awareness, with techniques designed to neutralize attacks without causing harm. Students benefit from a supportive environment where senior practitioners mentor beginners, fostering mutual growth and mastery of Aikido fundamentals.With flexible class schedules and a free trial program, we make martial arts accessible to individuals of all ages and physical conditions. Our lineage traces directly to the founder of Aikido, Ueshiba Morihei O-Sensei, ensuring authentic instruction rooted in tradition. The dojo's commitment to non-competitive training cultivates a cooperative atmosphere where students learn to apply Aikido principles to daily life challenges. Over two decades of operation have established us as a respected community resource for martial arts education in Sunnyvale, California.
Services
Aikido Classes
Youth Martial Arts
Weapons Training
Self-Defense Instruction
Free Trial Program
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer instruction from 8th-degree black belt master instructors with decades of experience
- Our non-competitive environment fosters mutual growth and practical self-defense skills
- Family-friendly programs available for children starting at age 8 and adults of all ages
- Curriculum directly traces lineage to Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei O-Sensei
- Flexible schedule with weekday evening and Saturday morning classes for busy professionals
Associations and certifications
- Takemusu Aikido Association
- Aikikai Foundation
What people say
Great place for kids
Most welcoming instructors
Life-changing experience
Patient with children
Knowledgeable instructors
Services
Aikido Classes
Traditional Japanese Aikido instruction focusing on non-violent conflict resolution techniques. Classes develop physical strength, mental discipline, and spiritual awareness through structured practice of throws, pins, and joint locks. Students learn to blend with attackers' energy to neutralize threats peacefully while improving balance, coordination, and self-confidence in a supportive environment.
Youth Programs
Age-appropriate Aikido training for children aged 8 and above. Curriculum emphasizes focus development, self-esteem building, and safe physical conditioning through non-competitive techniques. Instructors teach conflict resolution skills and motor coordination while maintaining a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and respectful relationships among young practitioners.
Weapons Training
Specialized instruction in traditional Aikido weapons techniques using wooden swords, staffs, and knives. Training develops spatial awareness, precision movement, and application of Aikido principles to armed combat scenarios. Students practice safe, controlled techniques that enhance understanding of distance, timing, and energy redirection fundamental to empty-hand Aikido practice.
Self-Defense
Practical self-defense instruction focusing on real-world conflict scenarios. Students learn to neutralize grabs, strikes, and multiple attackers using Aikido's energy redirection principles. Techniques emphasize de-escalation, escape methods, and non-injurious restraint approaches applicable to both personal protection and defense of others in various environments.
Free Trial
Three-day introductory program offering first-time students personalized instruction in Aikido fundamentals. Participants receive guided training with senior students during regular classes, covering basic movements, safety protocols, and core principles. No prior experience or physical conditioning required, providing accessible entry point for adults and children to explore traditional martial arts practice.
People
Bill Witt Shihan
8th Degree Black Belt
Began training in 1967 at Tokyo's Hombu Dojo, becoming first Western uchideshi under Saito Sensei in Iwama. Promoted to 8th dan by Aikikai Foundation, teaching two weekly classes at Aikido Silicon Valley.
David Yoshinaga Sensei
Dojo Cho
6th degree black belt who began training in 2001 at Aikido Silicon Valley. Assumed leadership as Dojo Cho in 2020, guiding the dojo's traditional Iwama-style practice and maintaining direct lineage to Aikido's founder.
Alice MacAllister Sensei
5th Degree Black Belt
Co-founder of Aikido Silicon Valley with 40+ years experience. Began training in 1981 under Frank Doran Shihan, serving as board president while teaching fundamental techniques and philosophical principles of Aikido.
James Ashby Sensei
5th Degree Black Belt
Certified Fukushidoin by Takemusu Aikido Association with extensive teaching experience. Focuses on technical precision and proper form during classes, mentoring students through progressive skill development in traditional Aikido practice.
Dat Nguyen Sensei
3rd Degree Black Belt
Assistant instructor specializing in youth programs and fundamentals instruction. Provides individualized attention to beginners while maintaining traditional training standards, helping students develop proper technique and understanding of core Aikido principles.
Questions
What is Aikido and how does it differ from other martial arts?
Aikido focuses on non-violent conflict resolution using throws and joint locks to neutralize attacks without injury. Unlike striking martial arts, it emphasizes blending with attackers' energy to achieve peaceful resolutions through circular movements and precise timing.
What age requirements exist for training at Aikido Silicon Valley?
Youth programs accept students starting at age 8, with black belt eligibility beginning at 16. Adult classes accommodate all ages, including seniors in their 60s who have successfully earned black belts through consistent training.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Beginners receive personalized instruction from senior students during the free trial program, with techniques adapted to individual physical conditions and skill levels throughout training.
How effective is Aikido for real-world self-defense?
Aikido develops awareness and techniques proven effective in real situations. Student testimonials document successful applications for personal defense, protecting others, and crisis intervention without causing injury to attackers.
What are the physical fitness requirements for Aikido training?
No specific fitness level is required to begin. Training intensity adjusts to individual capabilities, with beginners starting at slower paces that gradually increase as physical conditioning and technical proficiency improve over time.
