Learn the Art of Aikido in a Safe, Friendly Environment
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in the early 20th Century. The practice promotes self defense while also seeking to avoid serious injury to the attacker. Aikido techniques utilize specific body movements and strikes to neutralize an attack, usually ending with a throw, pin, or joint lock.
Our dojo provides its students with the best physical and mental discipline in Central New York. Through regular practice, you can expect improvements in agility, coordination, flexibility, focus, and awareness.
We have incredible instructors, a wide variety of classes, and friendly, talented students. Everyone works together and learns from each other.
Call us or drop an email if you have any questions or want to get started. You can also visit with us at the dojo: swing by and observe a class, or join us risk-free on the mat.
Chief Instructor | Aikido of CNY
Sensei Jonathan Reid, 6th Dan (6th degree black belt) is the owner and chief instructor of Aikido of Central New York. He has been training in martial arts for over 30 years. He began practicing Aikido in Syracuse in 1991 under Shihan Yousuf Mehter at Aikido of Central New York.
Sensei Reid became dojo cho of the school in 2012. He has also studied with several students of the founder of Aikido, including Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, Sugano Shihan, Chiba Shihan, and Kanai Shihan. He has trained closely with other high level instructors including Harvey Konigsberg Shihan, Donovan Waite Shihan, Irvin Faust Shihan, and Yukiko Katagiri Shihan.
Sensei Reid teaches adult and children’s classes, and has taught Aikido and self-defense seminars all over New York State, as well as in Kathmandu, Nepal. He and several of his students traveled there to teach the Tibetan Buddhist monks of Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, the head of the Tibetan Buddhist lineage. He is very proud of the dojo community which is friendly, diverse, and dedicated to the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido.
Class Schedule
We are open every day of the week, with a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels. Aikido can be practiced safely at any stage: we have students active from ages 4 to 84!
Adult Mixed Rank
Mixed rank adult classes for ages 15+ in the traditional martial art of Aikido.
Aikido Youth Class
Aikido techniques and conditioning for ages 4-14. These 45 minutes classes emphasize focus, discipline, confidence, and self-defense.
Low Impact
The class will emphasize basic movements and techniques without the actual falls. Basic falls will be taught for safety, based on individual ability. The purpose is to enjoy the dynamic, flowing movements of Aikido without impact.
Aikido Weapons
The only traditional Japanese kenjutsu training in CNY! We train primarily with Bokken (sword), Jo (short staff), or Tanto (knife). For adults ranked 5th Kyu or above.
Adult Mixed Rank
Mixed rank adult classes for ages 15+ in the traditional martial art of Aikido.
Adult Beginners Class
These classes are more closely focused on basic Aikido movements and techniques, with opportunities for additional individual practice.
Falling Class
Falls are inevitable, regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or physical ability/function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths.
- Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
- One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling—usually by falling sideways.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- In 2015, the total medical costs for falls totaled more than $50 billion. Medicare and Medicaid shouldered 75% of these costs.
While fall prevention programs are available, existing fall prevention programs do not address the inevitability of falling. This program offers a safe, accessible system for teaching a broad range of ages and physical abilities. The system is laid out in a series of realistic modules that progress gradually. Fall safety, in addition to fall prevention, strategies create a unique, holistic approach to ultimately serving our collective goal of minimizing injurious harm to CNY’s most at-risk community.
Goals of Falling Safely with Aikido Program
We aim to provide safe, gradual instruction on how to fall safely. The exercises and techniques can be individualized, but emphasize controlling the fall while it is happening. Safe falling techniques minimize injury, reducing trauma, hospital visits, and other physical and mental associated costs. Benefits to this program will yield increased confidence and increased participation in meaningful occupations. Increased balance, core strength, and postural control will also decrease the frequency of falls.
Visit the Dojo
Aikido of Central New York
6499 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
Our beautiful new dojo is located in the shopping center behind the Sunoco gas station in the middle of the village. Turn left at the clock tower.