Dojo History
The Nashville Aikikai dojo was founded by Tom and Mary McIntire, both of whom hold the rank of fourth dan granted by Saotome Sensei, the founder of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. From the start, the dojo has been a club, with all dues going to pay for the rent and other expenses of Nashville Aikikai.
After moving to Nashville in 1982 the McIntires taught weekly classes at various locations in town, introducing as many people as possible to the fascinating art of Aikido. Although this was rewarding in many ways, it did not provide an opportunity for students to progress through the ranks. So in January 1990, Tom and Mary opened The Nashville Aikikai Dojo at MTSU. A few months later they received a call imploring them to also instruct at the Martial Arts Alliance in Nashville.
Eventually the Martial Arts Alliance closed, but the Aikido students were eager to keep training. So the dojo moved to a local church basement until April of '94 when Tom and Mary decided it was time for the dojo to have its own home and moved into the current location. The dojo members spent the next few months sanding and buffing floors, painting walls and rafters, building dressing rooms, etc.
Over the last several years we've been pleased to host many seminars with some of the best instructors in America including Mitsuge Saotome, Hiroshi Ikeda, Patty Saotome, Kevin Choate, Steve McPeck, Tres Hofmiester, and Wendy Whited. We welcome visitors and are grateful to the many Aikidoka who stop by when they're in town.
Come and
visit us anytime. Just select Classes
to determine the best time for your visit. Please
come a little before class so we can introduce ourselves
and make you feel welcome. If you need directions,
select Location for our
address and a map. Feel free to call us anytime if
you have questions (615) 248-2005.
Chief Instructors: Tom and Mary McIntire Sensei
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