About
Our Dojo
Multnomah Aikikai is a member dojo of Birankai North America, affiliated with Hombu dojo in Tokyo Japan. Our Birankai International organization was founded by T.K. Chiba Shihan, an original student of Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei. At our dojo, we strive to carry forward the values, vision and mission of Birankai North America. We actively coordinate activities with fellow dojos within our Northwest Region.
Multnomah Aikikai's training program is led by Birankai Certified Instructors. Our school's instructors represent over 125 years combined aikido experience. A strong core of senior members assist with classes, new member orientation and dojo development. Through many years of training together, our senior members enjoy strong camaraderie and imbue the dojo with a welcoming spirit toward new members.
We strive to be an inclusive community of practice and welcome people of any race, color, age, culture, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. We acknowledge this takes continual practice due to implicit and unconscious biases, systemic racism, perpetuated white privilege, discrimination, and personal blind spots in every day interactions. We commit to continuous learning, to grow into the community we wish to be.
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.
Our Community; Global to Local
The Wider World
Multnomah Aikikai is a member dojo of Birankai North America. Birankai was founded by T.K. Chiba Shihan to promote the free and open flow of the student-teacher relationship across the planet. Birankai is our connection to Hombu Dojo, the headquarters of both the Japanese and International Aikido Federations. Birankai also sets and upholds the testing standards for black belt and teaching certificates within our organization.
T. K. Chiba Shihan
Part of the allure of Aikido is its sense of community. When we practice our art, we learn to physically connect body to body. These connections extend into our daily lives in so many ways and our practice partners from across town and across the world are an important facet of the jewel of Aikido.
“Everywhere I have lived, my Aikido partners became important friends. I always seemed to find kindred spirits at the dojo," - Dave Dewberry.
Cascadia
Most large northwest cities and many small ones have Aikido dojos. 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 the Birankai Northwest Regional seminar (featuring Birankai Shihan); hosting rotates among the other Birankai Northwest dojos.
Cascadia Birankai dojos: Aikido Takayama [Mission, BC], Ancient Arts Center [Alsea, OR], Clallam Aikikai [Sequim, WA], Corvallis Aikikai [Corvallis, OR], Eugene Aikikai [Eugene, OR], Goldstream Aikikai[Victoria, BC] Mountain Coast Aikikai [Vancouver, BC], Still Waters Aikikai [Sidney, BC], Siskiyou Aikikai [Ashland, OR], Tacoma Aikikai [Tacoma WA].
Portland Metro Area
The Portland aikido community connects several times a year for special classes and seminars with visiting master teachers. Some of the local aikido dojos have come together for Benefit and Friendship Seminars.
Multnomah Aikikai outside the box
Our instructors are active in the broader community. Over the years we have offered special programs outside the dojo.
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 also available: Learn more.
Van Amburgh Sensei offers tailored programs for organizations. If you are interested in scheduling a custom program for your group, please book a phone appointment with Suzane Van Amburgh.
Dave Dewberry Sensei, Fukushidoin, 4th dan leads our sister dojo, Forest Grove Aikido. The dojo is located at 1913 21st Ave., Forest Grove, Oregon 97116. Dewberry started practicing aikido in 1979, has trained at Multnomah Aikikai since 1996, and started teaching Forest Grove aikido classes in 2002. The informal class flourished to become an established dojo community. Multnomah Aikikai members are welcome to train with Dewberry Sensei at the Forest Grove dojo. Learn more about Dewberry Sensei.
The Aikido club at Lewis & Clark College was originally started by Erika Merz, Shodan, in 2006. Contact Multnomah Aikikai for more information.
“Eleven years ago I walked into Multnomah Aikikai after having trained for a bit in Hawaii. I still fondly remember how warmly I was received. Since then, the dojo has become like a second home for me. The training is sincere, and everyone is able to work at the level appropriate to their own development. There are numerous senior instructors and students, so training is only limited be what an individual is willing to bring to the dojo. Aikido is a challenging art to learn, and progress can come slowly, but personally I feel as though I learn something new every class. I am so pleased to be a member of Multnomah Aikikai, and it is hard for me to imagine regularly training anywhere else.” - Daniel C.
”This place is like a family atmosphere with people and instructors who care for you beyond just what you learn in class. They feed into your growth as a more fully realized human being. I might add this is all done in the spirit of love and encouragement. Necessary ingredients for true growth. Very, very happy here.” - Sanders A.
I’ve been training at Multnomah Aikikai for about 4 years now. Before Aikido I trained in Tae Kwon Do then Karate. I’ve been fortunate to train with some great teachers, and none better than at Multnomah Aikikai. The level of instruction is world-class and the students are wonderful. The dojo is as much a community as a place to learn a martial art and I deeply appreciate having both. If you are interested in the martial art of Aikido, and are looking for a supportive, engaged, and high caliber place to learn, this is it!” - Greg C.”