Albany Aikido

Aikido in the New York Capital District: Albany, Latham, Schenectady, Troy

Last updated

Sensei throws Johnathan

Sensei throws Jonny

Sensei throws Naomi

John throws Sensei

Linda throws Arnie

Jonny's 1st Kyu Randori

Liam takes Paul down

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the website of Albany Aikido, a traditional Aikido dojo. Aikido is a martial way promoting harmony of the mind, body, and spirit. It is characterized by graceful, flowing, circular movements that lead

an opponent’s energy into a controlled throw or pin to defuse a hostile situation. Since it is based on redirection, not strength, it is suitable for women and men of almost any age and body type.

If you've never seen Aikido, come and watch or even try a free introductory class. The video below shows one of our members taking his shodan (1st Dan) test, demonstrating many basic techniques. If you do not hear sound with the video, click on the picture itself and go to the full YouTube version.

[top]

About the dojo

Students of Aikido have been practicing in the upstate New York Capital District (Albany, Latham, Schenectady, Troy) since 1979. Albany Aikido is led by Irvin Faust Sensei (6th Dan, Shidoin). Faust Sensei became the first full-time dan-ranked Chief Instructor of the dojo in 1985. 2005 marks Faust Sensei's 20th year teaching Aikido in the Capital District.

Albany Aikido is a fully accredited member of the United States Aikido Federation (Eastern Region) under the supervision of Aikikai Foundation: Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. We are dedicated to offering a defensive art to all practitioners in a safe, respectful environment. Students are encouraged to become involved in dojo operations.

[top]

Instructors

Chief Instructor

Irvin Faust Sensei has trained in martial arts for over 30 years. He holds a 6th degree black belt in Aikido and is also a Shidoin (certified instructor. See the Aikido East link to "Certified USAF Shihan and Instructors"). His instructor was Luqman Hakeem Sensei, who was a student of Yamada Shihan (New York Aikikai). Sensei also holds rank in Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Kung Fu. You can read more about Faust Sensei here.

Sensei has traveled to Japan to participate in training and demonstrations. He also teaches Aikido for clubs at RPI, the East Greenbush YMCA, Albany High. See Faust Sensei's teaching schedule at all locations.

"Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked while the bamboo and willow survive by bending with the wind."
Bruce Lee (1940-1973)

Other Instructors

John Fitzpatrick (4th Dan) (Fuku Shidoin)
John Wright (4th Dan)
Kevin Grace (2nd Dan)
Walter Alston (2nd Dan)
Eric Renaud (1st Dan)
Colin Baird (1st Dan)
Keith Pray (1st Dan)
Bill Koonz (3rd Kyu) (Childrens' class)

Occasional Instructor

Brian Mizerak (5th Dan) (Fuku Shidoin) (Woodstock Aikido)

See the full teaching schedule for the dojo.

[top]

Location and Contact Details

Street and Postal Address:
Latham Circle Mall
800 New Loudon Rd
Latham, NY 12110
See the map (care of Google).

Telephone: 518.785.6883

Email the dojo.

If you would like to email or call Faust Sensei directly, please write to the above address to request his personal contact details.

Automatic direction finder

Fill in your address below to get directions from your location to the dojo.

When you arrive, the illuminated sign will say"Capital District Aikikai", our old name. We'll get a new sign one day...

[top]

albanyaikido.com website credits
Albany Aikido, 789 New Loudon Rd. (Rt. 9), Latham, NY, 12110. Ph: 518.785.6883 Email the dojo