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, 5th 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).
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, 5th 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 Instructors
Sensei J. Weiner, 5th Dan, Shidoin
Weiner Sensei, Chief Instructor & Dojo Cho, approaching 25 years studying & teaching Aikido, he is one of a few full time professional aikido teachers & 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 & teaches Aikido seminars regionally each year. He has trained in over 130 seminars learning from many Shihan (Master Teachers). In addition, he also actively teaches Self Defense Workshops to corporations & organizations such as Newell, TIAA, Real Estate companies and various associations as well as teaching defensive tactics to law enforcement. His credentials also include NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Certified Range Safety Officer (RSO), and is a Certified Glock Armorer. Jonathan is the Owner of 360 Visuals, Inc. a Video Production Agency.
Sensei D. Main, 6th Dan, Shihan (In Memoriam)
Main Sensei, (1946-2021) Founding Instructor spent his life studying & teaching the Japanese Martial Art of Aikido. In 1989, he started Aikido of Charlotte & with over 51 years of practice, he was the senior-most Aikido teacher in the Charlotte area & advanced to 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) joining a small group of aikido teachers in the world to reach that level. In August 2021, he was notified that the 2022 New Year's promotions from Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan would include his appointment to Shihan (Master Instructor), another milestone shared by very few. To his students, he was known as Sensei & was well-liked & respected in the Aikido Community for his powerful wrist lock techniques, kindness & shared that with many students over his lifetime.
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