Aikido of Tamalpais has been a center for the study of the Japanese martial art of aikido since its establishment in 1976. As a martial art, aikido aims to redirect an attacker's energy rather than inflict harm. Aikidoists move toward and blend with attacks, transforming them into spiral throws. Often called a defensive or non-aggressive art, its masters are among the finest martial artists in the world.
Aikido of Tamalpais was founded in 1976 by Wendy Palmer, George Leonard, and Richard Strozzi-Heckler, who received their black belts from Robert Nadeau Sensei and Frank Doran Sensei. Our dojo is located in Corte Madera, California and we regularly have students from Mill Valley, Fairfax, San Rafael, Belvedere, Larkspur and the nearby Marin area (and occasionally from SF) taking part in a variety of aikido classes.
Aikido of Tamalpais was founded in 1976 by Wendy Palmer, George Leonard, and Richard Strozzi-Heckler, who received their black belts from Robert Nadeau Sensei and Frank Doran Sensei. Our dojo is located in Corte Madera, California and we regularly have students from Mill Valley, Fairfax, San Rafael, Belvedere, Larkspur and the nearby Marin area (and occasionally from SF) taking part in a variety of aikido classes.
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Wendy is an expert at challenging people to examine techniques from a different perspective. Her classes explore Aikido principles at a high level of training as she motivates students beyond their habitual training patterns. Wendy's uncanny ability to recognize individual strengths provides a platform for finding new ways to accomplish techniques without relying on force.
Wendy Palmer, Rokudan, began training in 1971. She was drawn to the beauty and power of aikido and recognized the practice as a path to increase empowerment and love. She is the creator of Leadership Embodiment a profound approach to personal and professional development using embodied practices. She has been teaching classes and workshops Embodiment for over thirty years.
In order to safely train, all students are asked to follow basic rules to help ensure a safe and friendly dojo. 3. Be on time for class. If you arrive late, sit quietly in seiza on the edge of the mat until the instructor grants permission to join practice. 4. If it is necessary for you to leave the mat or dojo for any reason during class, communicate that to the instructor.
If you are considering starting to train in aikido, you are welcome to come to any one of our classes. We encourage you to first observe a class, then speak with the instructor about your interest. Eligibility for rank testing is determined by guidelines set by Aikido Shimbokukai (our national organization) and by the Aikikai Foundation Aikido World Headquarters, International Aikido Federation.
Reviews (7)
Jon Kaltwasser
Sep 10, 2018
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Joanna M.
Mar 18, 2018
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I joined to learn the beautiful art of Aikido, deepen personal discipline and get some exercise without a treadmill.
What I have gained is a new community of people, a space each week to slow down and reflect about how this art mirrors areas of my daily life.
Having zero martial arts background I was worried about stepping into something "over my head" but I felt immediately welcomed.
Fellow classmates were patient and eager to help me learn.
I was fine after class and then the third day crazy sore!
If you are curious about this disciple come and give it one class.
If you are a current
What I have gained is a new community of people, a space each week to slow down and reflect about how this art mirrors areas of my daily life.
Having zero martial arts background I was worried about stepping into something "over my head" but I felt immediately welcomed.
Fellow classmates were patient and eager to help me learn.
I was fine after class and then the third day crazy sore!
If you are curious about this disciple come and give it one class.
If you are a current
Gracie M.
Apr 21, 2016
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Sensei Dolano is absolutely great teaching kids aikido. My son has been taking aikido classes for several years and really enjoys it. She incorporates principles of aikido into fun sessions that stretch kids' physical abilities and helps their focus grow. Aikido has been a fantastic experience for my son with Sensei Dolano. I highly recommend it.
Amy S.
Oct 01, 2015
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Grace C.
Sep 10, 2015
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Sensei Delano is a wonderful children's Aikido teacher. She is a very kind and down to earth person as well. Her consistency and focus on teaching skills mixed with lots of fun keeps my son interested in Aikido and always wanting to go back to class. She also instills self-confidence in the children as they progress through testing and belts, with a focus on positive achievement.
The Samurai summer camp is also my son's favorite.
If you are interested in your child learning the art of Aikido, I highly recommend Aikido of Tamalpais!
The Samurai summer camp is also my son's favorite.
If you are interested in your child learning the art of Aikido, I highly recommend Aikido of Tamalpais!
John W.
Jun 08, 2015
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Delano it truly talented with children. My child spent months at a different class and since moving him has flourished incredibly. Delano is a good person, an extremely hard worker (an mom herself), and focuses on the positive and successes of her students (not all children as she instructs adults as well). She is very in tune with her students and their needs and it is always a pleasure to watch her classes. My son, who had been losing interest in Aikido, since moving has passed 4 belt tests and is really loving Delano's class. The teacher means a world of difference. Thanks so much
Eleanor M.
May 20, 2008
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