OUR DOJO
Aikido of Charlotte is a North Carolina Non-Profit Educational organization founded over 30 years ago and is the oldest, most experienced aikido dojo in the Charlotte area. Our Chief Instructor, Dennis Main Sensei, 6th Dan, Shidoin has over 50 years of experience and is the most senior aikido teacher in the Charlotte surrounding area. We are dedicated to the teaching of traditional Aikido as handed down from the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei).
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. Dojo Operations are run by our Dojo Cho, J. Weiner Sensei, 5th Dan, Shidoin, please contact him for questions.
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.
Self Defense. Exercise. Confidence.
Our Location.
Benefits of training in Aikido:
- Self-Defense.
- Confidence.
- Exercise.
- Discipline.
- Fitness.
INSTRUCTORS
Sensei D. Main, 6th Dan, Shidoin
Main Sensei, Chief Instructor has been studying Aikido for the past 50 years and currently holds the rank of Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) as recognized by the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan). Main Sensei is also a Shidoin (certified senior instructor) appointed by the USAF and Aikikai World Headquarters. Main Sensei is the senior most aikido teacher in the Charlotte surrounding area and is among a handful of the highest ranking aikido teachers in the country.
Sensei J. Weiner, 5th Dan, Shidoin
Weiner Sensei, Senior Instructor/Dojo Cho has been studying Aikido for the past 20 years and currently holds the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) as recognized by the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan). Weiner Sensei is also a Shidoin (certified senior instructor) appointed by the USAF and Aikikai World Headquarters. Weiner Sensei oversees rank promotion and testing at Aikido of Charlotte and has attended over 130 seminars the past 20 years learning from many Shihan (Master Teachers).
SCHEDULE
PHOTOS
REVIEWS
Khurram Mirza
00:48 22 Apr 20
With a training lineage that stretches directly back to Aikido’s founder, Aikido of Charlotte is a gem of a dojo. The... training is done seriously and with purpose, the instructors are very experienced and sincerely interested in your progress (whatever your pace) and the fellow students are incredibly friendly, helpful and encouraging. You will always feel welcome. Aikido was created as the martial art for the modern age and Aikido of Charlotte earnestly carries that mission forward.read more
Jeff Starnes
04:08 07 Dec 19
I cannot say enough positive things about this dojo, the Sensei’s, and the Aikidoka that train there. After over 25... years being away from studying Aikido or any other martial art the family at Aikido of Charlotte openly welcomed me in. Family, that is how they treat and respect each other as well the art of Aikido. They have all been very patient and supportive in helping me get back into training on a regular basis. I would highly recommend a visit to Aikido of Charlotte to anyone that is considering studying Aikido or any martial art. This dojo facility, environment, and people are unlike anywhere else I have seen or experienced.read more
Richard P
14:22 05 Dec 19
Beautiful and large dojo. Students training are very engaged and willing to work with newer students.
Tammy Rojas
17:46 04 Dec 19
I took a Self-Defense Class at Aikido of Charlotte a few months ago. As a wife to a Police Officer, I know how... important it is to be aware of your surroundings and have the skills to protect yourself if needed. The Instructors are experts at what they do! We learned how to assess potentially dangerous situations as well as learned practical self-defense techniques that were easy to learn, practice. While it's a serious topic, the instructors made it a fun and enjoyable class - all while learning the skills I needed. I highly recommend this class to everyone!read more
Samantha Humphreys
17:33 23 Jul 19
Can’t recommend this class more to anyone, especially girls and women. Some potential life saving techniques were... taught, demonstrated and practiced during the session. The instructors are extremely experienced and knowledgeable in the area of self-defense and aikido and I feel privileged to have been taught by them. Not just informative but really good fun. Can’t wait for the next class will definitely be back!read more
Lauren Morris
18:17 22 Jul 19
I attended a self defense class at Aikido of Charlotte this past weekend and I cannot say enough good things. The... instructors were extremely knowledgeable and it was a comfortable learning environment. As a stay at home mom of two young children, I feel better prepared to defend myself/ family if a situation should ever arise. I encourage everyone to take this class, especially women, moms, and young females. I will be retaking this class in the Fall. This class could save your life! Thank you again Aikido of Charlotte! Laurenread more
Robyn Riedlinger
13:18 15 May 17
The Aikido Self-Defense class is one of those training tools necessary for life's toolbox. Not only can this class... change your life, it can save your life. I recommend for anyone who values their life as well as others. Aikido of Charlotte showed me an imperative and rewarding experience. Thank you for what you do!read more
I am very pleased with my experience at Aikido of Charlotte. This is not a place that churns out black belts; they want to make sure you’re learning effectively at a pace that’s appropriate for you as an individual. The sensei work closely with students, ask what you feel you need work on, and follow up on your feedback to see how you’re progressing. As a female student I’ve found there’s an air of camaraderie that is different from the hyper aggressive/competitive atmosphere of other martial arts. My sensei and fellow students have given me a feeling of acceptance without making me feel babied or “othered.” I work with other students every single class and never feel like I’m at a disadvantage. They’re also involved in the wider Aikido community. Our sensei host and attend seminars all over the country and invite sensei from other states to teach at our dojo. It feels much more like a cooperative network and means we’re invested in the longevity of aikido practice.
Natasha M.
I cannot say enough positive things about this dojo, the Sensei’s, and the Aikidoka that train there. After over 25 years being away from studying Aikido or any other martial art the family at Aikido of Charlotte openly welcomed me in. Family, that is how they treat and respect each other as well the art of Aikido. They have all been very patient and supportive in helping me get back into training on a regular basis.
I would highly recommend a visit to Aikido of Charlotte to anyone that is considering studying Aikido or any martial art. This dojo facility, environment, and people are unlike anywhere else I have seen or experienced.
Jeff S.
Our enrollment process:
- Contact J. Weiner Sensei to make an appointment.
- Come to our Dojo and observe class and ask questions.
- We want you to see our facility.
- We want you to meet our students.
- We want you to meet our instructors.
- We want to learn what brings you in.
- Go over the different membership plans and payment options.
- Start your training.
Open to Everyone:
Our application process is an important part of ensuring the sincerity of our students, and preserving the overall culture and future of our dojo.
We welcome new members and look forward to sharing our knowledge of aikido with them. We have a process for integrating new members, to help you better understand who we are and what aikido is all about.
Aikido of Charlotte prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission to, or treatment of students in its programs and activities.