Oberlin Aikikai

The Oberlin Aikikai is an organization dedicated to the study of Aikido. The majority of their members are Oberlin College students who supplement their academic studies with time spent on the mat. Their membership also includes citizens in several towns and of many ages, however, and anyone is welcome to train.

Student-taught beginner's classes in Aikido are available as an Exco, and can be taken for up to one credit. Weekly classes taught by more advanced instructors from Cleveland Aikikai are also offered through Oberlin Aikikai. Oberlin hosts three weekend seminars a year that feature advanced Aikido instructors from abroad. Seminar instructors since 2004 have been Christopher Gray; Mary Heiny, 6th dan; Hiroshi Ikeda, 7th dan; George Ledyard, 6th dan, and Jim Sorrentino, 5th dan. During January, Oberlin Aikikai hosts a Winter Term beginner's course taught by an advanced instructor.

Oberlin Aikikai is affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) under Mitsugi Saotome Shihan.