It is with deep gratitude and personal honor to be one of only two dojos authorized in Virginia to teach Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku Ho (Suenaka Style, Philosophical Way) Aikido. The second affiliate dojo is Aikido of Suenaka-Ha Ashland.  We are members of Wadokai and the American International Ki Development and Philosophical Society, founded by Roy Y. Suenaka Soke.

As members of Wadokai (Peaceful Way Society) and students of Suenaka Sensei, we have a passport of privileged opportunity to a direct personal relationship to one who has devoted the majority of his life to the diligent study of the martial arts -- with over 50-years dedicated to the Art of Aikido. During the course of the year, numerous events are held throughout the Wadokai organization; winter and summer camps, seminars, testing, and other gatherings which permit our students an up-close training experience under the vigilante and guiding direction of Sensei himself.  He is multi-faceted filled with humility and gratitude.  An unassuming and personable teacher that is deeply respected, he freely shares his vast wealth of knowledge through his tireless martial teaching throughout our organization.  All that he asks is a sincere attitude toward learning.  Just as O’Sensei was considered a living national treasure in Japan, Suenaka Sensei is equally considered a treasure – a priceless treasure, to those of us who have the unique privilege of calling him…"Our Sensei".   

If by chance you are new to martial arts or you have prior martial experience in karate, judo, jiu-jutsu, or other form of self-defense, our dojos in Richmond and Ashland Virginia provides support and encouragement to all that join our Wadokai Aikido Family.

What is Aikido?

The word ‘Aikido’ consists of three Japanese characters: Ai – love, harmony, Ki – spirit, universal energy, Do - the Way.  It may be translated as:  “the Way of spiritual harmony” or “the Way of harmony with universal energy” or “the Way of unifying (with) life energy” or "the Way of the harmonious spirit.”  Depending on your preference, either would be correct.

For the beginner, Aikido is essentially a modern manifestation of the Japanese martial arts.  It combines the spiritual and martial tradition of ancient Japan with its essential nature being to provide an effective method of self-defense while inflicting only as much harm to an attacker as is determined to be necessary.  Simplistically understated, the tactical efficiency and power of these self-defense techniques are accomplished by blending with the motion or energy of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it directly.  This requires very little physical energy as the aikidoka (practioner of aikido), harmoniously blends with the aggressive movements of an attacker, while trapping and controlling the balance of the attacker, then executing diverse joint locks and/or dynamic throws to neutralize the attack.  Aikido could be classified under the general umbrella of grappling arts.  The effectiveness of aikido is neither physical or spiritual, it is both.  Make no mistake, Aikido is Budo. 

Learn more about the history of Aikido and founder Morihei Ueshiba.

You're Invited:

We invite you to visit our dojo in Richmond, Virginia, to experience up-close and personal this powerful and efficient style of aikido known as Suenaka Aikido.  Since aikido techniques do not rely on physical size or strength to be effective, it is ideal for men and women of all fitness levels. We offer two free introductory classes without obligation.

Whatever your personal reasons may be for considering a new journey of self-discovery; whether for spiritual development, philosophical nurturing, physical conditioning, learning the rich tradition, culture and history of this Japanese art, or just pure effective self-defense, we will and can accommodate your wants and desire. If your personal preference is slow and easy, the fast and the furious, or perhaps the opportunity to train as realistically as possible by throwing down, these diverse levels of intensity are available.

We provide the opportunity for you as the student to create your own space and to study for your own reasons. Each member of our dojo family (aiki kasoku) is allowed to train at their own personal level of comfort, without feeling compelled or embarrassed to perform anything which makes them feel uneasy. Safety is always the cornerstone of our instruction with the objective of raising the bar of challenge within each student’s respective skill level. Our emphasis is to develop within every student a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles and the essential elements of effective self-defense.  These elements of self-defense are combined with the philosophical teachings of Suenaka Sensei and Aiki Principles.

Our Dojo Instructors and Students.

How we train.

What we are looking for in a student:

Should you have a thirst to be challenged, with a sincere desire to learn and to be genuinely committed in your study, we offer you the opportunity to tap in to a source of unlimited learning. The Well of Opportunity for personal growth and development is only limited by the student.  If by chance you are in search of an atmosphere where your personal well-being outside of the dojo is equally important as when you are training on the mat, then our dojo may be the environment for that support and encouragement you seek. Our collective interest and concern for our Aiki Kazoku extends beyond the confines of the place where we practice the Way.

Our dojo family looks forward to meeting you.