SHODOKAN is celebrating over 50 years as a non-profit Martial Arts Center at our facility in Beverly, Massachusetts. We always welcome your visit! In 1962, Shodokan started on the three pillars of modern Japanese Martial Arts, Judo, Karate, and Aikido. We have also been able to encompass Kendo and the allied, complimentary art of Arnis.
All arts have dedicated instructors. This allows members to "cross train" while majoring in one art. Although we maintain a friendly, club-like Dojo, no compromise is made in the traditional self-development goal of Martial Arts Training based upon Courtesy, Respect, and Discipline. There is more to training in a traditional Dojo than the mere acquisition of techniques.
All arts have dedicated instructors. This allows members to "cross train" while majoring in one art. Although we maintain a friendly, club-like Dojo, no compromise is made in the traditional self-development goal of Martial Arts Training based upon Courtesy, Respect, and Discipline. There is more to training in a traditional Dojo than the mere acquisition of techniques.
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Shodokan introduced the art of Aikido to the North Shore in 1964. It has hosted the most prominent and influential Instructors in the world. Some direct students of the founder who have taught at Shodokan include Mitsunari Kanai Shihan, Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, Nobuyoshi Tamara Shihan, and Koichi Tohei Shihan.
Kendo means "Way of the Sword." It is a centuries' old Japanese art that has evolved into a competitive sport. Bamboo swords have replaced the Samurai blades. Traditional style head and body armor are still worn by modern Kendo practitioners. Kendo training methods are also traditional and require strong, physical and mental discipline.
Arnis, sometimes called Escrima or Kali, is an eclectic martial art from the Philippines. Arnis can be a valued complement and balance to other disciplines. Many American Arnis practitioners have backgrounds in (or are currently practicing) other martial arts. Arnis at Shodokan is heavily influenced by the Japanese arts offered at our dojo and the many years spent by many of our members practicing Japanese martial arts.
Reviews (3)
Nicholas L.
Jun 03, 2018
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I wanted to do an update to this review. I visited this Dojo again to try and sign up for Aikido. The owner and i talked ans they do not start new classes for Aikido unless they have a minimum amount. I signed up for Judo in the meantime. Honesty I did not like the Judo and after signing up i started another position in my job that would make it harder for me to attend. The owner was very understanding and i was able to get my money back for the month. After my first review the owner tried to contact me and apologized repeatedly. That was very nice of him to do. This Dojo has a great rep
Raul C.
Jun 03, 2011
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I feel very lucky to have found this dojo, which has been in operation since 1964. This school operates as a nonprofit school and does not pay its instructors; this shows the commitment of teachers and students to the art.
New students go through a two month intro class that will allow them to join regular classes with more confidence and a good understanding of the basics of Aikido. The intro class is taught by the school's senior instructor, Sensei Mulligan, who was designated as "Shihan" or Master Teacher from Aikido World Headquarters in 2010. He has trained and inspired many
New students go through a two month intro class that will allow them to join regular classes with more confidence and a good understanding of the basics of Aikido. The intro class is taught by the school's senior instructor, Sensei Mulligan, who was designated as "Shihan" or Master Teacher from Aikido World Headquarters in 2010. He has trained and inspired many
Peter S.
Nov 20, 2010
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Want a long term influence for you or your family? This is the place where I started training in martial arts 25 years ago, and it has been the best influence of my entire life.
As a direct result of my time there, I eventually moved to Japan for years to continue martial arts training, and have dedicated my life to martial arts, now teaching at my own Dojo in Los Angeles.
I can't believe how much I owe to my experience at Shodokan. Thank you for being such a wonderful influence. Thank you for being such a great inspiration. I hope many more people will have the opportunity to be a part
As a direct result of my time there, I eventually moved to Japan for years to continue martial arts training, and have dedicated my life to martial arts, now teaching at my own Dojo in Los Angeles.
I can't believe how much I owe to my experience at Shodokan. Thank you for being such a wonderful influence. Thank you for being such a great inspiration. I hope many more people will have the opportunity to be a part
