Los Angeles Aiki Kai
A Brief History
The Los Angeles Aiki Kai founded in early 1956 is the oldest aikido dojo established in the USA.
The original dojo was located in the "Seinan" (Jefferson Crenshaw) area of Los Angeles and relocated to its current location in Los Angeles, bordering Culver City, in 1967.
We are the shibu dojo of the Kokusai Aikido Kenshukai Kobayashi Hirokazu Ryu under the direction of Cognard André Hanshi 8th Dan DNBK.
Our chief instructor is Ishibashi Robert Shihan, 6th Dan.
Our Mission
"To foster the practice of aikido through the lineage of Kobayashi Hirokazu Soshu."
“Ethical . Aesthetic . Efficient”
"No domination . No submission . No compromise."
Mizukami Dojo
The Mizukami Dojo is so named in honor of Chief Instructor Mizukami Daniel Sensei who's dedication and passion for aikido and the students of Los Angeles Aiki Kai spanned more than 55 years.
Mizukami Sensei’s martial spirit and rigorous training sessions continue as the foundation of our practice.
Aikido Image
The “aikido image” designed by LA Aiki Kai Chief Instructor Yoshida Clement Sensei in 1961 represents important visual concepts of aikido.
The image consists of three black crescent shapes arranged to form a triangle on a white circle enclosed by a golden ring.
Three black crescents represent body, heaven and earth.
White circle represents mind or ki.
Triangle and circle form are used to apply technique.
Black symbolizes the infinite capacity of man.
White stands for purity of the aikido ideal.
Gold signifies the “golden vapor” that enveloped Osensei at the moment of enlightenment and realization of the philosophy and essence of aikido.