Our Dojo
Aikido of Charlotte is the largest Aikido dojo in Charlotte, NC. A North Carolina Non-Profit Educational organization founded in 1989, our Founding Instructor, Dennis Main Sensei, 6th Dan, Shihan had over 50 years of experience and was the most senior aikido teacher in the Charlotte surrounding area. His senior student & Chief Instructor, Jonathan Weiner Sensei, 6th Dan, Shidoin continues his legacy by offering daily Aikido classes, Self Defense workshops to the public as well as teaching Defensive Tactics to Law Enforcemnt. We are dedicated to the teaching of traditional Aikido as handed down from the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei).
Our Next Seminar - July 18, 2026
2026 Summer Seminar with Reuven Lirov, 4th Dan, Shidoin
Largest Aikido dojo in Charlotte
We have a 72 tatami (mat) dojo, 1,600 sq. ft sprung mat system just minutes from Uptown Charlotte and highly accessible from South Charlotte or the Lake Norman area. We have an “open mat” policy where you can come watch and/or participate in a class. We encourage fellow aikidoka from other dojos to come seek us out in their travels. We strive for a “friendly” atmosphere where we train seriously yet have a lot of fun at the same time. Please contact Chief Instructor, J. Weiner Sensei, 6th Dan, Shidoin to make an appointment.
We are part of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), a not-for-profit organization (501-C3), providing both technical and administrative guidance and support to its members. The USAF not only oversees the practice of Aikido and its instruction as established by Hombu dojo, the international headquarters in Japan, but also develops and maintains rigorous technical standards, while advancing and promoting the practice of Aikido through various activities. The USAF registers Dan grades directly with Hombu headquarters, while standardizing all ranking requirements consistent with Hombu’s international regulations. The USAF also organizes, promotes and conducts Aikido demonstrations and international seminars, encourages activities of member dojos, and researches, studies and publishes information and materials pertaining to Aikido.
Our Chief Instructor
Jonathan Adam Weiner, 6th Dan, Shidoin
Jonathan Adam Weiner, Chief Instructor and Dojo Cho, has dedicated more than 26 years to the study and teaching of Aikido. He is one of the few full-time professional Aikido instructors in the United States and holds the rank of Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt), recognized by both the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) and Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan.
Weiner Sensei is also a Shidoin (Certified Senior Instructor), an appointment conferred by the USAF and Aikikai World Headquarters. He oversees rank promotions and testing at Aikido of Charlotte and regularly teaches Aikido seminars throughout the United States and internationally.
Throughout his career, he has participated in more than 150 seminars, studying under many of the world's most respected Aikido instructors, including Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu, Mitsuteru Ueshiba Dojo Cho, Nobuyoshi Tamura Shihan (8th Dan), Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan (8th Dan), Seiichi Sugano Shihan (8th Dan), Kazuo Chiba Shihan (8th Dan), Mitsunari Kanai Shihan (8th Dan), Hayato Osawa Shihan (8th Dan), Morito Suganuma Shihan (8th Dan), Harvey Konigsberg Shihan (8th Dan), Andy Demko Shihan (8th Dan), Donovan Waite Shihan (7th Dan), Peter Bernath Shihan (8th Dan), Claude Berthiaume Shihan (8th Dan), Steve Pimsler Shihan (7th Dan), and Penny Bernath Shihan (7th Dan).
He is the author of The Aikido Companion: Reflections on a Lifelong Practice, a book that explores the philosophy and lifelong journey of Aikido training.
In addition to teaching Aikido, Weiner Sensei conducts self-defense workshops for corporations, professional organizations, and community groups, including Newell, TIAA, real estate firms, and other associations. He also provides defensive tactics instruction for law enforcement professionals.
His professional certifications include NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Certified Range Safety Officer (RSO), and Certified Glock Armorer.
Outside the dojo, Jonathan is the owner of 360 Visuals, Inc., a video production agency. Through his work as a director and producer, he has created numerous Aikido films featuring distinguished instructors from around the world, helping preserve and share the art with a global audience.
Stay Connected to our Dojo!
We despise spam and promise to never spam you, rent or sell your information to anyone and if you choose to leave we make it super simple to opt-out..
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.
