“I set out to learn Budo
but in mastering its secrets
I have learned a much greater truth”

Ueshiba Morihei, Founder of Aikido

AIKIDO

“THE WAY OF HARMONY”

Aikido-Kanji-White
O-Sensei-Ueshiba-Morihei-Founder-of-Aikido-portrait

O’Sensei Ueshiba Morihei, Founder of Aikido

  • Founded by Ueshiba Morihei, referred to as O’Sensei, Aikido developed as a pure form of Budo (Martial Way). Drawing upon aspects of many ancient Japanese disciplines, Aikido is a highly refined Martial Art that strengthens the individual practitioner and improves both physical and mental abilities.

  • The powerful techniques of Aikido are based in self-awareness and control of one’s fear and adrenaline in a confrontation. By learning to perceive and act in a fashion dictated by the true nature of a given situation, the techniques of Aikido can be applied against an attack from a larger and stronger opponent with great effectiveness. Without this ability, one can only react, which may lead to unnecessary escalation of conflict.

  • O’Sensei believed Aikido to be not only a way to effect positive control of violent encounters, but also a path for development of the whole self.

  • Developed as a powerful method of self-defense that redirects the force of the attacker without violence or competition, Traditional Aikido offers the benefits of true Martial Arts training for yourself or your child.

  • The present Aikido Doshu, Ueshiba Moriteru is the grandson of Ueshiba Morihei, Founder of Aikido and son of Second Doshu, Ueshiba Kisshomaru. The Aikido Doshu heads the Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, Japan and Aikikai Foundation. The efforts of the Doshu and the Hombu have made it possible for Aikido to be taught in over 140 countries and regions worldwide.

Loading...
Loading...

Aikido Agatsu Dojos

Agatsu-Kanji-White
  • Agatsu Dojos takes its name from a portion of an O’Sensei Doka (poem) ‘Masakatsu Agatsu’ or ‘True Victory is Self-Victory’.

  • Established in 1976, Agatsu Dojos has become recognized in the US and abroad for its dedication to the ‘Riai’ or ‘Harmonization of Principles’ of Taijutsu (body arts), Aiki-Ken (sword), and Aiki-Jo (staff) found in Traditional Aikido as developed by the Founder.

  • Training at Agatsu Dojos promotes an atmosphere of awareness among students for each other’s mutual development and safety.

  • Students learn the true meaning of being involved in a Traditional Budo (Martial Way). Under the direction of both R. Crane Sensei, Nana Dan & K. Crane Sensei, Nana Dan, Agatsu Dojos is dedicated and remains committed to the proper impartation of the Traditional Aikido practice and principles of O’Sensei Ueshiba Morihei.

  • Agatsu Dojos are supporting members of Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan under the direction of Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.

DOJO CHO

(CHIEF INSTRUCTORS)

Learn From Those Who Have Made This Their Life Journey

The traditional tsuba of Aikido Agatsu Dojos, providing professional instruction in the martial art, aikido, near by in Laurel Springs, Stratford, and throughout Camden and Gloucester Counties in South Jersey!
Kathy Crane and Richard Crane
Kathy Crane and Richard CraneDojo-Cho, Nana Dan
Crane Sensei are the Dojo-Cho (Chief Instructors) of Aikido Agatsu Dojos, which they opened together in 1976. Both R. Crane & K. Crane Sensei currently hold the level of Nana Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) issued and presented in Japan directly by Aikido Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru, Aikido World Hdqtrs., Hombu Dojo, Tokyo. Both Sensei have also been presented Mokuroku (teaching certification) for Aiki-Ken & Aiki-Jo by the late Saito Morihiro, 9th Dan, former Chief Instructor of the Founders’ Dojo in Iwama, Japan.

R. Crane, Sensei is also the current President of Aikido Agatsu Remei, which certifies higher level ranking directly through Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. The Remei is an organization of Dojos which regularly offers classes in New Jersey, Nebraska, Alabama, Florida and Israel. The Remei is in full support of Aikido World Hdqtrs., Aikido Doshu, and the propagation of Traditional Aikido.

K. Crane Sensei was honored to receive the Camden County Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal in 2019 for her commitment to service throughout the South Jersey community through Aikido. Sensei also holds Teaching Level certification in Ikenobo Ikebana, a School of Traditional Japanese Flower Arranging with a 550 Year history. Her arrangements are regularly displayed at the Dojo and have appeared at the Shofuso Japanese House, Longwood Gardens, and at the Philadelphia Flower Show, along with other noted venue in the South Jersey area.

Together, Crane Sensei and Agatsu Dojos have been honored by the US Senate & Congress, as well as by State Legislators, law enforcement, and civic organizations for their dedication and contributions through their teachings of Aikido and its principles to the community.

In 1993, Crane Sensei released their comprehensive work, ‘Aikido In Training’, first as a hardcover and now in its second printing as a softcover. The successful publication of their book was followed closely by the 12-Volume ‘Aikido in Training’ DVD Series. ‘Aikido In Training’ has received extensive recognition worldwide as one of the authoritative works on the practice and principles of this unique Japanese Martial Art.

SHIDOIN

The traditional tsuba of Aikido Agatsu Dojos, providing professional instruction in the martial art, aikido, near by in Laurel Springs, Stratford, and throughout Camden and Gloucester Counties in South Jersey!
Regis Y., Roku Dan
Regis Y., Roku Dan
Jane S., Roku Dan
Jane S., Roku Dan
Mike P., Go Dan
Mike P., Go Dan
Donna S., Go Dan
Donna S., Go Dan
Jason Z., Go Dan
Jason Z., Go Dan

OUR COMMUNITY

The traditional tsuba of Aikido Agatsu Dojos, providing professional instruction in the martial art, aikido, near by in Laurel Springs, Stratford, and throughout Camden and Gloucester Counties in South Jersey!

ACHIEVE YOUR PERSONAL GOALS

Your Progress Is Our Priority!