Mid Atlantic Aikido
Turning body, mind, and soul into an art
Who Are We?
Mid Atlantic Aikido is a dojo created by individuals who are looking to learn a martial art that can be fun. We help individuals train their body, mind, and soul to be one, moving at one time to help avoid attacks and get out of attacks safely. We are non-aggressive, defensive art, making us ideal for individuals of all ages, abilities, and disabilities. We teach hand techniques, bokken (wooden sword), jo (wooden staff), and tanto (wooden knife) that can be easily applied to every day scenarios.
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us with any questions. Please call the dojo at
1077 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
240-431-3714
Common Questions
Who is Ashley Sensei?
Ashley began studying Iwama Style Aikido in 2010. As a student of Bruce William Sensei, 4th Dan, Mid-Atlantic Aikido, she achieved the rank of 2nd Dan black belt and Fukishidoin certification. As a student of Aviv Goldsmith, 6th Dan, Aikido of Fredericksburg, she achieved the rank of 3rd Dan black belt. She is associated with the Takemusu Aikido Association (TAA), which is recognized by the Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai Hombu) in Japan. The TAA promotes the teachings of Saito Morihiro Sensei, 9th Dan.
Ashley teaches Aikido in a lighthearted and fun manner that endorses a positive learning experience. She is open to questions and tries to make sure each individual gets the most out of each class and gains vital martial arts technique in a manner that makes it easy to learn.
What is Aikido?
It is different than other martial arts. Aikido teaches how to resolve conflict as safely and peacefully as possible. Aikido uses graceful yet powerful throws, pins, and joint locks to quickly immobilize an attacker. Effective self-defense is then possible and is not dictated by an individual’s physical size and strength. Techniques are taught for self-preservation and protection. Techniques include a variety of grabs, attacks with weapons, and techniques are taught with the jo (wooden staff), tanto (wooden knife), and bokken (wooden sword).
Do I need to have previous knowledge in self defense?
No. At Mid Atlantic Aikido we teach you everything you need to know, starting at the basics and moving into more advanced techniques.
What do I need to wear?
If you have a gi, that would be preferred. If not, PE gear will suffice. If you decide to remain in the program, a gi will eventually need to be worn. This includes a shirt and pants. No shoes or socks are allowed on the mat. It is preferred you remove all jewelry and keep nails short or neatly trimmed for safety purposes. Long hair is recommended to be put up in a pony tail or bun. Masks are worn at your own discretion.
Do I need to buy my own weapons?
Eventually. There are some extra weapons available for temporary use. As you progress in the program you will prefer to have your own set of weapons.
Who were the Iwama founders?
Saito Shihan was a long-time uchideshi (live-in student) of O Sensei, beginning in 1946 and staying with him until O Sensei’s death. Many consider Saito Shihan to be the student who spent the most time directly studying with O Sensei. Saito Shihan’s goal was to preserve and teach the art exactly as it was taught to him by the Founder. Technically, Iwama-ryu resembles the Aikido that O Sensei was teaching in the early 1950s, mainly in the Iwama dojo. The technical repertoire is larger than in most other styles and a significant amount of the emphasis is placed on weapons training and basics. The traditional weapons used in Aikido are the Bokken (wooden sword), the Jo (short staff), and tanto (wooden knife). The weapons are practiced in solo form, called suburi, and in partner form, called awase.
What is the TAA?
The Takemusu Aikido Association is dedicated to the development and dissemination of Aikido based on the highest ideals of the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei. The Association does this by continuing to promote the Founder’s traditional teaching and training methods. They are passed on by his longest direct disciple, Morihiro Saito Shihan.
The TAA is recognized as a qualified Aikido organization by the Aikikai Foundation and the Hombu in Tokyo, Japan. This recognition enables the TAA to obtain Aikikai International registration and recognition for ranks obtained by qualified students of its members.