Welcome to the Sandia Budokan. If you are a native to Albuquerque you may have already noticed the Dojo on your travels. We are only blocks from the University of New Mexico and conveniently located at 2203 Silver SE just off of Central Avenue.
Visitors are welcome to observe our classes, but are expected to observe basic Dojo etiquette.
Please arrive a few minutes before class starts, and plan to stay for the entire class. A senior student will make you welcome and be your host. You will remove your shoes and sit at the side of the mat. After class, we encourage you to ask our members about the dojo and any training questions. If you wish further information, your host can introduce you to the instructor.
Aiki is sometimes called a "non-aggresive" art because there are no strikes, but this is only true of the lower levels of practice. Aikido is a martial art which evolved under Morihei Ueshiba from his earlier training under sword, spear, staff and Daito-ryu Jujutsu. This training, combined with his spiritual pursuits led to modern Aikido. The style of Aikido studied at the Sandia Budokan is from his lineage, in affiliation with Robert Nadeau Sensei, 7th Dan, Shihan, and the California Aikido Association.
As a martial art, Aikido aims to neutralize an attack by blending with the force of the attack. Techniques are studied to redirect the attack force in many ways, including throws, pins and joint locks. Aikido requires considerable touch and timing to produce dramatic effects.
Aikido is more than a physical art. It is a way of life that develops the mind-body principles of centering, grounding, blending, relaxation, timing, intuition and energy (Ki) flow. At Sandia Budokan we are concerned with developing strong and focused spirit, together with a sensitive and powerful technique.
Mr. James Cornfield, Aikido Instructor.
Mr. Cornfield is the chief instructor of the Sandia Budokan Aikikai. He has trained since 1983 and holds black belt ranks in Aikido and Aikijutsu.
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For centuries,
the martial arts of Japan have been a focus of training for self-discipline,
self-reliance and competence in crisis. Originating as combat arts for victory
on the medieval field of battle, these disciplines were soon identified as
excellent vehicles for development of one's character as well. The martial way
is called Budo. Sandia Budokan is a center for the practice of Budo. Here one can train in the art of the sword and other weapons, study the subtle techniques of Aiki, and learn the more modern Japanese art of Karate. Each group operates independently, and a student normally trains in only one art until he or she has attained black belt level in their first art. All students participate in group dojo activities including open mat periods, all-dojo classes and seminars. Sandia Budokan is a nationally respected traditional dojo, known for high standards and classical training. We frequently host visiting instructors and wholeheartedly support students attending quality seminars outside the dojo. We do not care about sports or organizational politics, and we do not teach children, or other "self-defense" courses. We are a self-sustaining organization with a modest dues structure, no paid instructors and no contracts. We welcome serious men and women to join us in our journey along the way. Please feel free to continue on to the photo section where actual class sessions were photographed, giving you a very brief view of some very basic techniques. Sandia Budokan also has a sister dojo, Quemazon Aikido in Los Alamos, NM at the Los Alamos Fitness Center. The instructor is August Swanson. Classes are held Monday 8-9:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday 7-8:30 p.m. If you should have any questions, please feel free to stop by and observe a class, or email info AT sandiabudokan DOT org. |
Aikido Class Schedule: Monday 7:15-8:15 p.m. Open Mat Tuesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday 6:00-7:00 p.m. Friday noon-1:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00-10:00 a.m. Sunday 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sandia Budokan 2203 Silver SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 (505) 268-5339 Map |
