Hemlock Bluffs Aikido

Aikido in Cary, North Carolina

WELCOME TO HEMLOCK BLUFFS AIKIDO

Aikido is a defensive martial art practiced around the world; it emphasizes blending with an attacker to redirect the energy of the attack. It emerged as a distinctive martial art in twentieth century Japan, but it’s based on much older, traditional teachings. Developed by Morihei Ueshiba, now called O Sensei or “Great Teacher,” aikido translates as “the way of harmony.”

Hemlock Bluffs Aikido is an official dojo of the Aikido World Alliance, which is directed by Andrew Sato Shihan and based in Chicago, Illinois.

We see our training as a way to both build our skills and help others. We are committed to cooperation, respect, and service to our communities in everything we do, both on and off the mats.

Temporary Class Schedule Starting June 28, 2026

Tuesdays: 7:00pm-8:00pm

Thursdays: 7:00pm-8:00pm

Sundays: 11:00am-noon

Outdoor Training: We will be temporarily training at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve Outdoor Education Pavilion. Rain or shine!

Club Dues

We require monthly dues of $50 per person ($35 if you are a full time student or experiencing unemployment). These are paid at first of the month and cover basic overhead expenses. You may pay with check, CashApp ($hemlockbluffsaikido), or Venmo (@hemlockbluffsaikido).

Once per year in January, all members pay $30 in Aikido World Alliance membership fees. Kyu testing fees are $25 per test.

Currently, we have no kids’ classes. Young people ages 13-15 may train in our regular classes as members if a parent or guardian is also training with them. If you’re over 16, you do not need to train with a parent.

Getting Started

New members take their first classes on the first Tuesday of the month. On your first day, your instructor will be there early to answer questions and help you to fill out the application form and get oriented to the dojo. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and be sure to remove jewelry and make-up before class.

The cost to begin is $100. This includes a white belt, $45 in club dues, $30 in Aikido World Alliance membership dues, and the $25 AWA testing fee for your first rank test. The beginning costs are non-refundable. After the first month, you will pay $50 monthly club dues, yearly $30 AWA dues, and testing fees for each rank you achieve.