Siskiyou Aikikai is a traditional dojo offering instruction in Aikido, Iaido, Tai Chi Chuan, and the Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education.

Established in 1983 by Darrell Bluhm (chief instructor), the dojo and its students are committed to advancing these movement arts in an environment of openness and acceptance to people of all ages, races, genders, spiritual beliefs, and sexual orientations.

Special Workshop: Breath in Action

Saturday, April 27 • 2:00–5:00 • $60 ($30 for dojo members)

In this workshop we will explore the action of breathing and the role of breath in action. Breath as a manifestation of ki or chi, as the source for voice, and it’s relationship to posture, balance, movement, emotion, and consciousness will be examined actively, using Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement lessons, aikido and tai chi individual and partner practices, and dialogue. Activities will be structured to insure a safe learning environment for participants and to be suitable for folks with all levels of martial arts experience or none at all.

Instructor Darrell Bluhm, Aikido 7th dan Shihan, certified Tai Chi Instructor and Feldenkrais® Practitioner has over 50 years of martial arts training and bodywork experience, and a life-long fascination with breath.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring your curiosity and “beginner’s mind.”
Space is limited, please RSVP

Contribute to our 2024 Fundraiser
Siskiyou Aikikai is a non-profit organization.
Help support dojo operations, increase outreach to our community,
and provide scholarships for students.

Aikido

Aikido is a modern form of budo (Japanese martial way of self refinement) combining vigorous physical training with spiritual discipline. Aikido cannot be learned intellectually, but must be understood through physical training, unifying body and mind, self and other. Its cooperative nature allows us to execute technique in a more dynamic and safe way than is possible in a competitive situation. Aikido’s inclusiveness transcends boundaries of age, gender, race, culture, religion and class.

Iaido

Iaido (or Iai Batto-ho) is the study of Japanese swordsmanship in which the practitioner defensively draws and cuts at the moment of encounter with a perceived attacker.

The word “Iaido” approximately translates as the way of mental presence and immediate reaction–or learning to deal with life’s unexpected challenges. Iaido is almost entirely practiced using forms, or kata and does not use sparring of any kind. Because Iai batto-ho emphasizes precise, controlled, fluid motion, and a calm state of mind, it is sometimes referred to as “moving Zen.”

At this time, Iaido is only offered concurrently with Aikido training. Please contact us if you have questions.

Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art characterized by its harmonious sequence of fluid movements. Its practice harmonizes movement, breath and awareness to promote vitality, clear focus, depth of spirit and martial ability. Tai Chi allows us to slow down and observe ourselves and our environment, providing a powerful antidote to the stress and strain of modern life.

The Feldenkrais Method®

Feldenkrais® lessons are designed to help you be more comfortable and skillful in your body. Using slow, gentle, mindful movements, the lessons afford you the opportunity to make subtle distinctions that clarify how you maintain habits of action in your daily life and to learn new ways of moving beyond what is habitual.

Feldenkrais instruction is offered in both a group class format (Awareness Through Movement®) and individual lessons (Functional Integration®). Darrell Bluhm has been teaching as a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (CM) since 1996.

© 2005, Rosalie O’Connor. Used with permission of the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America.