Aikido for Your Life

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art developed by Morihei Ueshiba. By blending his peaceful philosophical beliefs with his broad experience of Japanese Budo, he discovered an art of peaceful reconciliation. Physical strength is not required to use these techniques of self-defense, and along the way, there is no predicting what you may discover about yourself.

Non-competitive and not-for-profit, Aikido at Nashville Aikikai welcomes all students. We’re based in Nashville, Tennessee, and affiliated with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.

Our Dojo Classes

Dojo Chos and Senior Instrutors: Tom and Mary Mcintire Sensei

Mary McIntire Sensei began her study of aikido in 1972. Tom McIntire Sensei started a few years later in 1978. Both were students of Saotome Shihan. Then later with Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei.

Both Tom and Mary Sensei were promoted to the rank of 6th dan (Rokudan) through Mitsuge Saotome Shihan and the Aikido World Federation (Hombu Dojo) in 2019, and both are Ueshiba Juku instructors. This honor is awarded by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan to selected senior students and instructors in recognition of their loyalty and dedication to building ASU and promoting O Sensei’s vision. It declares that they are not only true deshi (direct disciples) of Saotome Sensei and inheritors of his teachings, but are also part of O Sensei’s own school and pure lineage as only a true Uchi Deshi of O Sensei can recognize.

Financial contributions are always greatly appreciated. All dues and donations go right back to the upkeep of the dojo facilities to allow Nashville Aikikai to continue providing excellent martial arts instruction to Middle Tennessee.