Chief Instructor: Deena Drake

The original San Diego Aikikai was founded in 1981 by T.K. Chiba ShihanMaster teacher. T.K. Chiba studied intensively under the founder of AikidoThe word "Aikido" is made up of three japanese characters: ai - harmony, ki - spirit, mind, or universal energy, do - the way. Thus Aikido is "the way of harmony with universal energy.", O-SenseiGreat teacher; the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba from 1958 to 1965 as an uchideshi. Under Chiba Shihan, San Diego Aikikai served as the headquarters for Birankai North America, an organization directly affiliated and recognized by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu DojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall) in Tokyo, Japan. For twenty-seven years Chiba Shihan worked diligently to promote aikido world-wide by creating a rigorous teacher-training program for those students who demonstrated the desire to become aikido teachers themselves.

San Diego Aikikai II was created by T.K. Chiba's chosen successor, D. Drake SenseiTeacher; anyone who gives guidance along the way; literally "born before" upon Chiba Shihan’s retirement from active teaching in 2008. San Diego Aikikai II boasts a rich and diverse community of martial artists from beginners to 6th degree black belts.