Business Details
41 Years
experience
Traditional Aikido Training in Watervliet, NY
Albany Aikido has been a dedicated center for traditional Aikido practice since 1985. Under the leadership of Chief Instructor Kevin Grace Sensei, a 5th Dan Shidoin with over 30 years of experience, we continue the legacy of our founder Irvin Faust Shihan. As a fully accredited member of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), we emphasize the harmony of mind, body, and spirit through Aikido's graceful, non-competitive techniques. Our dojo welcomes practitioners of all ages and fitness levels, offering a safe environment for personal growth and physical development. The spacious facility features traditional tatami mats, ensuring a respectful and immersive training experience.We provide regular classes six days a week, including specialized sessions for children aged 5-16. Our satellite location in Averill Park expands accessibility while maintaining the same high standards of instruction. The curriculum includes weapons training, randori for advanced students, and Aiki Movement classes focusing on Tai Sabaki practice. Community engagement remains central to our mission, exemplified by our Irvin Faust Shihan Celebration Seminar held in 2019. Through decades of dedicated practice and teaching, our instructors have cultivated a martial art that promotes conflict resolution, self-discipline, and physical coordination in equal measure.
Services
Aikido Classes
Kids' Program
Weapons Training
Randori Practice
Satellite Dojo Access
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of Aikido instruction experience from certified instructors
- Our USAF-affiliated dojo maintains traditional Aikido standards and practices
- We provide inclusive training for all ages and physical abilities
- Our curriculum includes specialized children's programs and advanced techniques
- We operate two accessible locations with traditional tatami training spaces
Associations and certifications
- United States Aikido Federation
What people say
Experienced instructors
Welcoming atmosphere
Effective training
Family-friendly
Great for all ages
Services
Aikido Classes
Traditional Aikido instruction focusing on harmonious redirection of energy through circular movements. Classes emphasize self-defense techniques, physical conditioning, and spiritual development. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, our practice promotes conflict resolution and personal growth through non-competitive training methods.
Kids' Program
Specialized Aikido classes for children aged 5-16 teaching discipline, coordination, and conflict resolution. Curriculum combines games with technical training, allowing students to progress at their own pace while earning colored belts through demonstrated proficiency in movement mastery.
Weapons Training
Advanced instruction in traditional Aikido weapon techniques including bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff) training. Focuses on extending empty-hand principles to armed applications while maintaining safety and proper form during partner drills and kata practice.
Randori Practice
Intensive randori sessions for blackbelt students focusing on multiple attacker scenarios. Develops reflexes, spatial awareness, and application of techniques under pressure. Requires instructor approval for 1st kyu participants to ensure proper readiness and safety.
Satellite Dojo Access
Access to our secondary training facility in Averill Park featuring regular classes at Sky High Adventure Club. Provides expanded training opportunities with consistent instruction quality across locations while maintaining our traditional Aikido principles and practices.
People
Kevin Grace
Chief Instructor
5th Dan Shidoin with over 30 years of Aikido experience, Kevin Grace leads our dojo with expertise in traditional techniques and modern teaching methods while maintaining our founder's legacy.
Nan Rodriguez
Dojo-cho
2nd Dan instructor Nan Rodriguez oversees daily operations and teaches multiple classes weekly, bringing extensive experience in Aikido practice and community leadership to our training programs.
Irvin Faust
Founder
7th Dan Shihan Irvin Faust established Albany Aikido in 1985, training under Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. He taught until 2020, leaving a legacy of traditional Aikido practice in the Capital Region.
Questions
What Aikido classes are available for beginners?
We offer regular beginner classes six days weekly with certified instructors focusing on basic techniques, ukemi (falling practice), and foundational movements in a supportive environment.
How does Aikido benefit children?
Our kids' program develops discipline, coordination, and conflict resolution skills through age-appropriate training that combines games with technical instruction for children aged 5-16.
Are there different training locations?
Yes, we have our main dojo in Watervliet and a satellite location in Averill Park offering regular classes at Sky High Adventure Club for greater accessibility.
What should I wear for my first class?
Beginners can wear comfortable workout clothes; we provide traditional uniforms for purchase and have changing facilities available at both training locations.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, children can try our kids' program for one week free, and adults receive a complimentary first class to experience our traditional Aikido training methods.
What advanced training opportunities exist?
Blackbelt students can participate in randori practice, weapons training, and special seminars while progressing through dan rankings with formal testing opportunities.
Reviews (2)
Master Shaolin Shaolin
Mar 29, 2020
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Hi brother and Master Sen Sei connect with me on Facebook Messager now ok make friend request ok thanks I'll be waiting for you I'm Grand master founder and director and prof George stathopoulos of Red Dragon international black belt Warriors University counsil and Federation also president of World wide Elite international Warriors union dojos and Federation also we can do demo's and seminars together we can train together and teach others we can do great things together yes Master... Master's it's a great honour to know and meet all of you master's OSS and CHIN
Jerome Tracy
Dec 03, 2018
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7th Dan Irvin Faust, shihan, is reason enough for anyone remotely interested in the wonderful art of aikido to visit this dojo.
