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2025 Gratitude
It is always at this time of year, when I take stock of everything; the ups and downs, the gains and losses, the lessons, the triumphs. On a personal note, 2025 was a trying year. The one constant besides my awesome family and friends was my aikido practice and the precious dojo that I serve.
A story of impact from Rene Allder
Meet Rene Allder — a member of the NY Aikikai since the 2023. Rene sought us out; he was looking for something he could cling to, something different from the purely physical aspects of sports, for not just a martial way but a holistic way. His experience at the NY Aikikai has changed his life. It has taught him patience, being slow, and how to relax. Aikido is in him.
A story of impact from Paul Zimet
Meet Paul Zimet Shihan — a member of the NY Aikikai since 1971. Paul's practice has remained challenging and fun the entire time, but he never has reached the point where he says: "I got it." There is always something to learn.
A story of impact from Linda Robbins
Meet Linda Robbins – a 50-year member of the NY Aikikai since the 1970s, and an energetic, kind, valuable member of our community. For Linda, her aikido training has become a spiritual practice. “The mat is a sacred space.” She asks of herself to be mindful, generous, expand her awareness, accept what is given to her, and to be fully present and aware.
A story of impact from Sachiyo Hotta
Meet Sachiyo Hotta - a member at both the NY Aikikai and Aikido of Westchester. Sachiyo was born and raised in Japan and lived there until college. She left Japan because she “felt disappointed in some aspects of Japanese culture.” Aikido has helped her return to Japanese culture and confirm her identity as a Japanese person. We asked Sachiyo about the impact that the NY Aikikai and her aikido practice has had in her life.
Our reach, our foundation
Happy Thanksgiving! And thank you to all who have contributed to our year-end fundraising campaign. As of today we have raised 52.6% of our $50,000 goal. All gifts of all sizes help us reach our goal and to have the impact we have achieved this year. Find some fun stats below, and know we are preparing for a very exciting 2026. We have major news to share soon, but first we will enjoy our Christmas Seminar together in a few short weeks.
End of year letter from Steve Sensei
What an invigorating year it has been for our dojo. Over the next few weeks you’ll hear from our members about the impact that the dojo has had on their lives as well as about the ways that our finances, including your dues and donations, help run this place and provide a space to deepen our practice. But today I am sharing a recap from my perspective of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and ask that you lend your support to our end of year campaign with a tax-deductible financial gift.
A message from the Finance Committee
We announced on Tuesday that two members of the Board of Directors of the NY Aikikai are matching gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Since we announced we have completed just over 50% of this matching opportunity. This offer ends on Sunday!
3rd floor demo
Construction continues with demo of the third floor and the setup of a temporary shower and bathroom for the men’s room that we will use when working on the second floor. Thank you to all who make this possible.
New Year’s Greeting
2023. A year that rivaled a ride on the Coney Island Cyclone. Heart wrenching lows, exhilarating highs and everything in between.
Construction Plans
A great many people have been working tirelessly on the NYA Capital Campaign for much of this year and we are making good progress in meeting our initial financial goal of $490,000. Thanks to you and our wonderful community we are only $13,000 away from meeting our primary goal, and after that we will begin raising funds for the HVAC, security system, viewing window, and new mats.