About Our Dojo

The dojo is more than a just place to learn self defense or get in shape. It is a community of people studying a traditional art form in a sacred space. As dojo members, we work together to stay engaged, expand awareness, and to polish our practice. It's a place where we refine and forge character, shed ego, and perfect our technique.

Multnomah Aikikai is a place where people train intensely. But it is also a place to where people enjoy the process of learning, make mistakes, fall down (literally), have a good time and create community. When we practice our art, we learn to physically connect body to body. These connections extend into our daily lives in many ways and with our practice partners from across town, or around the world. We welcome you to this space.

Our Mission

Multnomah Aikikai provides a method of personal development for people of all ages through traditional, practical, and sincere training in the martial arts of Aikido and Iaido. Through dynamic martial engagement the body is awakened, the mind is sharpened and the spirit is nourished. We teach respect, patience, and perseverance in an open and encouraging environment. At our dojo, we work to carry forward the mission of Birankai North America and actively strive to create an inclusive community of practice and welcome people of any race, color, age, culture, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

We actively coordinate activities with fellow dojos in the Pacific Northwest Region. Below is list of our regional sibling dojos. When traveling, we know we'll always be welcome to visit and train with our fellow aikidoka at these dojos. We also attend each others' seminars frequently, which enables us to diversify our practice outside of our regular group of dojo partners. In addition, Multnomah Aikikai is proud to host Birankai Northwest Regional seminars, featuring Birankai Shihan.

Birankai dojos of the Pacific Northwest region: Siskiyou Aikikai (Ashland, OR), Eugene Aikikai (Eugene, OR),  Ancient Arts Center (Alsea, OR), Tacoma Aikikai (Tacoma WA), Aikido Takayama (Mission, BC), Goldstream Aikikai (Victoria, BC).

Portland Metro Area (and beyond)

Friendship Seminars - The Portland Aikido community connects periodically for special classes and seminars with visiting master teachers. Funds raised from the Portland Friendship Seminars are donated to local organizations, whose work is making a difference in the larger Portland community. Organizations that we’ve donated to in the past include: Transitions Project, Oregon Food Bank, The Q Center, and APANO.

Forest Grove Aikido - Dave Dewberry Sensei leads our sister dojo, Forest Grove Aikido. Multnomah Aikikai students are welcome to attend the Thursday night aikido class at Forest Grove Aikido. The dojo is located at 1913 21st Avenue, Forest Grove, OR, 97116. Dewberry started practicing aikido in 1979, has trained at Multnomah Aikikai since 1996, and started teaching Forest Grove aikido classes in 2002. The Thursday evening class at Forest Grove Aikido can be found on our weekly class schedule.

Portland State University - Portland State University Campus Recreation program hosts Van Amburgh Sensei’s Tuesday Aikido and Iaido class on campus. PSU students, faculty, and staff can access the class. Visitor passes are available on the PSU Group X Campus recreation page. Learn more about PSU classes here.

Customized Movement Training for Organizations - Van Amburgh Sensei offers tailored programs for organizations. If you are interested in custom program for your group, please book a phone appointment with Suzane Van Amburgh.

Lewis & Clark College - The Aikido club at Lewis & Clark College was originally started by Erika Merz in 2006. Contact Multnomah Aikikai for more information.