Davis Aikikai

Aikidoka practicing with boken

The Davis Aikikai offers instruction in aikido and weapons for adults and children. Adult Aikido classes are taught through the Experimental College and are open to all - you do not have to be affiliated with UCD to attend. Weapons classes require permission of the instructor. Children's classes are open to kids 6-17. Exceptions are made to the age limit with permission of the instructor.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Ueshiba Morihei, reverently known as O' Sensei. The kanji characters comprising Aikido (Ai harmony - Ki energy of the universe - Do way or spiritual path) can be translated as "the way of spiritual harmony". Aikido does not teach defeating or "beating" an opponent. Instead, the student learns to neutralize aggressive energy by blending and merging with the energy of an attacker. Weapons work also constitutes part of Aikido training. More advanced students practice with boken (wooden sword) and jo (staff) before graduating to Iaido, the art of drawing the steel sword.

Since Aikido redirects the energy in an attack, people of all ages and sizes may become effective aikidoka.

The Davis Aikikai closed following the death of their Sensei, David Birt. https://www.smith-funerals.com/obituaries/david-birt

Here is a video of Aikido weapons practice from the Davis Aikikai website: http://www.the-davis-aikikai.com/Davis_Aikikai_Jo_Work.mov(10.5MB)

Older comments can be found in the comment archive.

2009-01-09 13:16:11   I've never heard of a sensei saying bad things about another sensei or dojo. It's not inappropriate that an opinion is being expressed, but this is not just an opinion; it's an appeal. It's like someone standing outside of the dojo telling passersby to stay away. It seems that this person has an agenda against the Davis Aikikai. What is the purpose of attempting to dissuade others from discovering that which they may in fact enjoy? It's presumptuous to petition others against trying something on the grounds that they would not enjoy it merely because the petitioner himself doesn't enjoy it. It makes sense that one would not ask for others what they would not want for themselves. But people want different things. If one doesn't like dancing what is to be gained by dissuading others from trying it?—NilesRyan

2009-02-24 13:34:36   I'm certainly not an officially sanctioned spokesperson for The Davis Aikikai, but at times I've felt like offering responses to some of the comments left here. Thinking about it now though, if I was a prospective student, I wouldn't be deterred from trying the Davis Aikikai, even if the negative comments left here were much worse. Even if I tried, I doubt I'd be able to reverse any or all of the damage these comments may have caused in the minds of some prospective students, considering that each reader is unique and will have a unique reaction to a forum like this. I think what Nick Howells wrote above is right; "prospective students should try the class for themselves". Also, I don't see an end to this kind of debate, it seems like some students who have a negative reaction to the class will always feel like writing their opinions in a forum, and maybe some students with a positive reaction will always feel compelled to respond. Therefore, this will be my last entry in this forum. My first Aikido instructor shared with me this sentiment, and I paraphrase, that "people should strive to master the arts that allow them to be successful in life, and although it's not for everyone, Aikido is a very good way". So I hope you all find the right paths for you. —NilesRyan

2009-05-09 11:49:25   My principal reason for commenting was an objection to the categorization of Birt-sensei's teaching as simply 'non-Western'. Given my past experience, and my impressions watching the class (reinforced by other comments here), I felt compelled to clarify the nature of Japanese instruction. Perhaps I saw Birt-sensei on a bad day, but that does not excuse his dismissive behavior. It is specifically *because* I value Aikido highly that I wished to dissuade interested students from choosing this instructor. I think it would be discouraging and unrepresentative of the joy that Aikido has to offer. As for making such comments public, I agree that it would be inappropriate for another sensei to make such comments, since they have some interest in attracting students themselves. However, the purpose of the DavisWiki is to inform new Davis students of aspects of the Davis community. Consequently, it is an appropriate forum for discussing one's experiences as a student. In fact, it took me several months to decide to actually post about my observations, and I only did so because my feelings were strong and others seemed to have had the same experience. I also used my name because I did not wish to be sniping anonymously. The post was not a fervent appeal for students to stay away, but simply my observations and a defense of proper Japanese teaching. No doubt Birt-sensei is quite skilled, and his class is conveniently located. If, after reading the comments here, students still wish to train with him, more power to them. Perhaps being forewarned about the teacher's impatience will allow them to "roll with the punches", so to speak, and lead to a more enjoyable training experience. Aikido is a wonderful art and fosters a great community, and I urge all students to give it a try through whichever venue they think best. —EAalto

2015-06-20 16:35:54   This is a great place to practice Aikido. I have been in several very famous Aikido Dojos around the world and I was surprised to find this great teaching quality in Davis. The members of the Dojo are very friendly and supportive with new students. Besides, the Dojo has supreme teaching quality in weapons (Aikijo Aikiken and Iaido). Sensei Bird learned Aikido from several of the most important students of O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of Aikido); therefore, he teaches a traditional Aikido with a strong martial content. Sensei Bird is very serious about the way that his teachings will be passed to the next generation. So he request your best efforts in your training. He really wants you learn in the right way and some people is not used to a demanding teacher. I have been training here for more than a year and I really love it. Besides, Davis Aikikai is not a money oriented Dojo. There are not contracts and the Dojo duties are ridiculous low. I pay 25 dollars a month. It will be impossible to find a good Aikido Dojo at this price in America. —nonoespi