Seminars at Nashville Aikikai
Nashville Aikikai often has the great privilege of hosting seminars led by world-class shihan and sensei. Below you will find upcoming seminars being held at Nashville Aikikai. Aikidoka of all affiliations are welcome.
Payment options: Excluding Nanadan seminars and the Fall Safety seminar, you may bring cash or check or reserve your spot via PayPal. Note: Please make sure you put a reference to seminar in the PayPal memo.
Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (8th Dan) May 22 – 24, 2026
Nashville Aikikai has the great fortune of welcoming Tom and Mary Sensei’s long time friend and Sensei, Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (8th Dan), for his annual Spring seminar in Nashville. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to train with Ikeda Sensei.
Nashville Aikikai welcomes Lee Crawford Sensei, 6th Dan, for a three day seminar July 10th – 12th. Crawford Sensei began her Aikido training in 1980 under the direction of Akira Tohei Shihan at the University of Wisconsin Aikido Club. After relocating to Seattle in 1988, she became the Assistant Chief Instructor for George Ledyard Sensei at Aikido Eastside in Bellevue, WA. In 1995, Crawford Sensei opened Aikido Northshore in Kirkland, WA. In 2023, she relocated to the east coast and is currently an instructor at Bond St. Dojo in New York City.
Crawford Sensei has trained extensively under the direct instruction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan. She also includes Kevin Choate Sensei and Patty Saotome Sensei as having strong influences on her Aikido.
In 2014, Crawford Sensei was awarded the Ueshiba Juku designation by Saotome Shihan. This honor identifies those who are in a direct line of succession from O’Sensei through Saotome Shihan.
Local Accommodation Options
NOTE: Please book your accommodations as early as possible to ensure availability.
- The Russell – close to the dojo. It’s a little expensive, but it’s worth noting that they give away a generous percentage of each night’s stay to local nonprofits who are helping those experiencing homelessness here in Nashville.
- SpringHill Suites – Nashville Metro Center, 250 Athens Way — Hotels in Metro Center may have better rates than ones downtown. Still just a 10 minute drive to dojo.
- For Airbnb options, look in East Nashville for accommodations most convenient to the Dojo.
- The dojo is also an option! We have mat space and showers in the dojo for those in need of local housing. There is no fee to stay at the dojo. Please let us know in advance if possible.