Once upon a time, the New York Aikikai was a small aikido club at Columbia University in 1962. Now, it’s no exaggeration to say that we’re a global hub for Aikido practitioners, who come to train with us from around the region and from every continent at every level of proficiency.

Located on West 18th street, a quick walk from subways and bus lines, we’re easy to get to from just about anywhere. Once you arrive, you’ll understand very soon why so many people, from beginners to shihans come here time and again.

Since 1964, when the school prevailed upon Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido, to send them a teacher, the New York Aikikai has grown and cultivated an energy that is unique to this dojo and its community. Under the exceptional leadership of Yoshimitsu Yamada, starting with a series of demonstrations he led at the 1964 World’s Fair in Queens, NY, Yamada Sensei’s skill and exciting teaching style quickly carried him to the highest level and earned him a stellar reputation among the martial arts world.

For over 55 years, the accumulated energy of Yamada Sensei and those who trained with him has transformed this dojo into the unique place it is today; making aikido accessible to everyone who finds their way up the stairs in our iconic building here in Chelsea.

Yamada Sensei passed away in January of 2023, appointing Steve Pimsler Shihan as Chief Instructor of the New York Aikikai.

Due to the hard work and dedication of Yamada Sensei and Steve Sensei, you too, can become a part of our community. At any point you will experience beginners and black belts, multiple languages, guests from all over the world, and students who walk a few blocks or take the subway, bus, and ferry for regular training. If you are looking to check out if aikido is for you, or you are coming to New York as a destination for your training, you are welcome here.

We are a member dojo of the United States Aikido Federation.