Business Details
31 Years
experience
Iwama-Style Aikido Training in Allen, TX
North Texas Aikido has been dedicated to teaching Iwama-Style Aikido for over 30 years, providing a safe and welcoming environment for students of all ages. Our free-standing dojo, nestled on eight acres near Lake Lavon, offers a tranquil setting for serious martial arts training rooted in the traditions established by Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. Under the guidance of Russell Alvey Shihan, a 6th-degree black belt with over 40 years of experience, we emphasize technical precision, philosophical depth, and personal growth through rigorous practice. Our curriculum includes weekly classes for all ages, specialized weapons workshops, and a structured ranking system that values both skill development and spiritual understanding.We maintain a strong commitment to preserving the integrity of Iwama-Ryu Aikido while fostering a community that prioritizes mutual respect, discipline, and continuous learning. The dojo's location, designed specifically for Aikido practice, provides a distraction-free space where students can focus on mastering circular movements, blending with attacks, and redirecting energy peacefully. As one of Texas' largest purpose-built Aikido facilities, we welcome both beginners and advanced practitioners seeking authentic martial arts education grounded in O-Sensei's principles of harmony and non-resistance.
Services
Aikido Classes
Weapons Workshops
Rank Testing
Martial Arts Training
Beginner Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of dedicated Iwama-Style Aikido instruction
- Our free-standing dojo provides an ideal environment for focused training
- Instructors hold advanced black belt rankings with decades of experience
- We maintain traditional Japanese ranking and testing standards
- Specialized weapons workshops complement empty-hand techniques
Services
Aikido Classes
Weekly Aikido classes for all ages focus on Iwama-Style techniques including throws, pins, and circular movements. Training emphasizes blending with attacks, redirecting energy, and developing body awareness. Classes incorporate traditional Japanese etiquette and philosophical principles of harmony and non-resistance.
Weapons Workshops
Specialized workshops teach Aikido's weapon techniques using wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo). These sessions develop precision, timing, and understanding of Aikido's foundational movements through traditional kata and partner drills.
Rank Testing
Structured testing evaluates technical proficiency and philosophical understanding for rank advancement. The process follows traditional Japanese standards without fees, ensuring ranks reflect genuine skill development and commitment to Aikido principles.
Beginner Instruction
New student program introduces fundamental Aikido techniques, ukemi (falling), and dojo etiquette. Instructors provide personalized guidance to develop proper form, body mechanics, and understanding of Aikido's core principles in a supportive environment.
Weapons Workshops
Specialized workshops teach Aikido's weapon techniques using wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo). These sessions develop precision, timing, and understanding of Aikido's foundational movements through traditional kata and partner drills.
People
Russell Alvey Shihan
Chief Instructor
Russell Alvey Shihan, 6th-degree black belt, has practiced Aikido for over 40 years. He founded North Texas Aikido and maintains traditional Iwama-Style teachings through rigorous technical instruction and philosophical guidance.
Keith Fink Sensei
Instructor
Keith Fink Sensei, 5th-degree black belt, has trained for over 30 years and taught Aikido for two decades. He assists Alvey Shihan in maintaining technical standards and guiding student development through structured curriculum.
Questions
What Aikido style do you teach?
We teach Iwama-Style Aikido, directly descended from founder Morihei Ueshiba through Morihiro Saito Shihan, emphasizing traditional techniques and philosophical principles.
Are there classes for beginners?
Yes, we offer beginner-friendly classes with personalized instruction covering fundamental techniques, ukemi, and dojo etiquette for new students of all ages.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes. We provide loaner uniforms for initial classes. Avoid jewelry and ensure nails are trimmed for safety and proper technique.
How often are classes held?
Regular classes occur Tuesday and Friday evenings, plus Saturday mornings. Weapons workshops follow Saturday sessions. The dojo observes major holidays.
What payment options exist for membership?
Monthly dues are $125 for adults, $100 for students, $75 for children. Payment before month's start is required. We offer family discounts and prorated rates for mid-month enrollment.
