About Kulshan Aikikai

Kulshan Aikikai started as an Associated Students club of Western Washington University in January of 2002 with a small group of dedicated Aikido students who trained at 6 am three days a week. During June of 2008 the mat room on the WWU campus was reclaimed by the university, and the search to find a new training space began. In September of 2008, with the hard work and generosity of several Aikido club members, Kulshan Aikikai established a Dojo dedicated to Aikido training in downtown Bellingham. Kulshan Aikikai incorporated in the State of Washington in 2008 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Kulshan Aikikai is affiliated with the Rev. Zenko N. Okimura, Shihan, 7th Dan, and his organization, World Aikido Aikikai Inc (WAAI). Through WAAI the ranks of students at Kulshan Aikikai are recognized by Aikikai Hombu Dojo (Tokyo, Japan), headquarters of the International Aikido Federation.

Our instructors are: Spencer Anthony-Cahill (yondan, dojo cho); Andrew Sloley (yondan), Mike Morin (sandan), Eric Williams (shodan) and Duane Foster (shodan). Membership in Kulshan Aikikai is open to all. If you are interested in learning more about Aikido training at Kulshan Aikikai, we encourage you to stop by the Dojo to observe and/or participate in a class.

Contact Kulshan Aikikai

info@kulshanaikikai.org

360-207-0078 (message phone)

Kulshan Aikikai
1305 Fraser St, Suite D107
Bellingham, WA 98229

Click Here for Directions to the Dojo

The goal of Aikido training is to develop and maintain health in body, mind, and spirit. Aikido was developed in Japan in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), who is known as “O-Sensei” (“Great Teacher”) by students of Aikido. During his lifetime O-Sensei studied many martial arts including jujitsu, kenjutsu and spearfighting, from which many Aikido techniques were derived. O-Sensei was also a profoundly spiritual man who put into practice a philosophy of universal harmony and peace. He developed Aikido for the benefit all of humankind, as a Way to achieve peace within the individual and thereby to build a strong foundation for a more peaceful world.

The name “Aikido” is derived from the elements “Ai” (harmony), “Ki” (universal energy or spirit), and “Do” (the Way); thus, one way to translate “Aikido” would be: “the Way of harmonizing with the energy of the natural world.” The philosophy of harmonizing with the natural world is realized in the physical training of Aikido.

Aikido is a practical defensive martial art utilizing joint locks, pins, and throws, against single or multiple attackers. Aikido does not focus on punching or kicking attackers, but rather on using their own energy to immobilize them or to throw them while inflicting minimal harm. Aikido places great emphasis on spiral motion and the dynamics of flowing circular movements which blend and harmonize with the force of an attack. The goal of Aikido training is not simply to develop mastery of technique, rather, it is to improve ourselves and our abilities to resolve conflicts without escalating violence. At Kulshan Aikikai, Aikido is taught in a traditional manner with an emphasis on proper Dojo etiquette and abiding respect for our training partners.