Aikido is a peaceful, Japanese Martial Art that offers you self-defense, physical fitness and meditation. Bruce Bookman Kaicho, with over 45 years of experience, teaches the time-honored traditions of Aikido with its emphasis on personal growth and empowerment. Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ~ Grappling for sport and non-violent self-defense with Black Belt instruction.
Confidence and clarity of mind follow you out the door of the dojo and into your day to day life! We take the safety of our community very seriously and are following and exceeding King County Health guidelines. Classes are offered online and in person. Proof of vaccination required for in person classes for adults.
Confidence and clarity of mind follow you out the door of the dojo and into your day to day life! We take the safety of our community very seriously and are following and exceeding King County Health guidelines. Classes are offered online and in person. Proof of vaccination required for in person classes for adults.
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Aikido is a Japanese martial art emphasizing personal growth and empowerment. While aikido improves ones physical self-defense ability, the main focus is to bring balance to any situation. The founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba said that the practice of aikido helps a person reach their true, compassionate and sincere nature.
Tenzan aikido was founded in Seattle by Kaicho Bruce Bookman in 1981. At our dojo, you will find a community dedicated to aikido practice for a variety of reasons. Some practice as a form of artistic expression, others are looking for a physical way to embody the deep philosophical underpinning of aikido while others strive towards a non-violent form of self-defense and empowerment.
We love the teaching methods and modalities that are used by Tenzan Aikido. The sense of discipline, trust, camaraderie and fairness that is employed by all the teachers at the dojo is really very impressive and our 6 year old son has benefited significantly from participating in the classes. We hope that his enthusiasm will continue to grow as we all commit further to his development.
Kaicho, Bruce Bookman's career in aikido began in 1970 as a 12 year old at the New York Aikikai, under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. Bookman became the youngest aikido blackbelt in America at the age of 15. Upon receiving his black belt, he became a member of the New York Aikikai teaching staff.
The $69 New Student Invitation is how adult students with no experience start at Tenzan Aikido. The $69 special includes a private lesson where a black belt instructor will introduce you to the basics. The deal includes a group class that you may make an appointment to attend after you finish your private lesson.
Reviews (16)
Junko K.
Jun 09, 2021
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My son used to go there a lot as a part of occupation therapy. ( Coordination brain and body) He liked how he improved Aikido skill. He learned social skills with teachers and older kids. Thank you. I was hoping he keeps learning Aikido longer, somehow he chose not. I am waiting to hear from him to go back to Tenzan dojo someday.
While I was waiting there, I had good time with other parents. It was super fun to be there. I miss them.
While I was waiting there, I had good time with other parents. It was super fun to be there. I miss them.
Amber H.
May 18, 2021
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Okan Ertin
Jan 11, 2021
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I've had the pleasure of attending Bookman Sensei's Zoom classes with his Dojo during the pandemic. From the first class I attended, I was not disappointed. Bookman Sensei and members of his Dojo have been wonderful and Bookman Sensei's teaching is unmatched. He a very intelligent person with vast knowledge of Aikido and Martial arts. He trained with students of the founder of Aikido, and it shows in his technique and teaching. Everyone at Tenzan Aikido has made me feel welcome and that I have been part of their Dojo even before the quarantine. Aikido is not just a martial art, but a moving meditation
Adam Schorsch
Oct 12, 2019
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Trained there for ~3 years off and on, it was always warm, welcoming and fun going to class. They have a very extensive schedule with multiple opportunities to train on some days, even a few morning classes. I had to stop because of an injury but I would go back in a heartbeat if my body would allow it. The instructors are awesome and sensei is gracious and humble, and open mat on Sundays was often my favorite day of training!
Will Friedman
Jun 22, 2019
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Elena English
Dec 12, 2018
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My kids have been training here for the last 3 years, and I've just joined myself with the adult program. First of all, I love the community - made some of our best friends here from the parents / kids community. And later as a complete newbie in martial arts myself I am feeling truly supported in my shaky beginner days. The dojo holds events… frequently - self-defense workshops for women, advanced workshops for martial arts lovers, camps for kids, and parties for families. Second, I love the flexibility of schedule: kids can come in as much as 5 times a week and on any random day that happens
Mark Collins
Dec 10, 2017
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Kanjin Cederman
Aug 30, 2016
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This is one of the warmest places to learn Aikido both traditional and modern. The children's class is one of the leading programs in the United States. If you are looking for a dojo for yourself or children this is the place you want to go to first. They work tirelessly to grant success to every student that walls through the door.
Sachin Zachariah
Aug 13, 2016
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Sarah Tuttle
Jul 01, 2016
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Ts R.
Dec 28, 2015
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Have been training here for a year. Really great and dedicated group of people, for spiritual, physical, and mental improvement and acuity. Sensei is a patient and very skilled instructor and the other teachers all bring something unique to the classes. Plus they bring in elements of other martial arts as well and even offer Brazilian jiujitsu classes as part of the monthly fee as well.
Pj Fox
Nov 04, 2015
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We moved to Greenlake area very close to Tenzan Aikido so our children could easily take classes. We've had nothing but positive things to say about this domo. Absolutely the very best children's Aikido classes around. Instructors are highly experienced and caring. Thanks Tenzan for many years of awesome lessons.
Rob Beloved
Sep 04, 2014
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Simon R.
Jun 12, 2014
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I was looking for a way to get off my rear, do something fun and explore a traditional martial arts program. I was especially interested in committing to something that would keep me active in the winter, when it's harder to ride my bike.
I didn't want to study under just anyone-- there are so many instructors out there and many make all kinds of claims-- and I wanted to do something long-term, which meant flying kicks were out of the question. The more research I did, the more I realized that Sensei Bookman and Aikido were my best options. Sensei Bookman is the ideal teacher: patient
I didn't want to study under just anyone-- there are so many instructors out there and many make all kinds of claims-- and I wanted to do something long-term, which meant flying kicks were out of the question. The more research I did, the more I realized that Sensei Bookman and Aikido were my best options. Sensei Bookman is the ideal teacher: patient
Jason F.
Nov 02, 2011
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I have found Aikido to be a fantastic, beautiful art, and it is taught with great passion by Bookman Sensei. I've been practicing here for over 12 years, and I'm continually impressed with Bookman Sensei's skills as practitioner and instructor. He knows his students well enough to know what areas of practice they need to hone, from the basics of a technique to the mental and spiritual approach they are taking to their practice. He is appropriately challenging while being supportive.
The dojo community is strong and vibrant, with many senior members who are happy to assist you
The dojo community is strong and vibrant, with many senior members who are happy to assist you
Stan R.
Feb 02, 2010
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I've been practicing at Tenzan Aikido for almost 6 years. Bruce Bookman is a world-class instructor who brings 40 years of aikido training to every class and interaction. The dojo is extremely welcoming to people of all walks of life (which is clear by the fact that the dojo will be celebrating 30 years of existence next year). The kids program is phenomenal as witnessed by the attendance and energy of the children attending class every day.
I highly recommend taking advantage of the free week-long dojo pass to try it out and see if it's right for you.
I highly recommend taking advantage of the free week-long dojo pass to try it out and see if it's right for you.
