what is Aikido?

Aikido is a unique martial art that blends mind, body and Spirit. Practiced sincerely, Aikido can help a person realize their own potential as a human being. Aikido is a martial art ethically linked to defense against unprovoked attack. Reflexive in nature, the techniques of Aikido are such that they may be applied against attacks from larger, stronger aggressors.

Musho jikiden Eishin ryu iaido

Iaido requires extreme precision of its techniques and demands tremendous concentration asking a great deal of self-discipline and sincere personal commitment on the part of the student in order to master. Through the study of Iaido the practitioner develops a sense of how our actions shape the world we live in. Understanding the consequences of our every action is a skill that will benefit all of humankind.

Apodaca Shihan

Damon Apodaca Shihan is the Chief Instructor and founder of Santa Fe Budokan. A practitioner of over 49 years, he is ranked as 7th Degree Black Belt (Nanadan) by the Aikido World Federation, Hombu Dojo. He is certified Shihan by United State Aikido Federation and holds various levels of instructor certification from Morihiro Saito, Shihan (Iwama Dojo, Japan) for Aikiken and Aikijo, (weapons styles that O-Sensei taught to accompany Taijutsu (body-art) training). Apodaca Shihan spent his formative years of study with Masahilo Nakazono Shihan in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He later moved to San Diego where he spent 6 years of study under T.K. Chiba Shihan, the Chief Instructor of San Diego Aikikai, and director of Birankai International. He has been a head instructor (dojo-cho) in several dojos over the last 27 years including Newport Aikikai in Newport Rhode Island and Zenshinkan Dojo in Worchester Mass. All of Apodaca Shihan's teachers were direct students of the founder. Apodaca Shihan started his practice of Iaido under the direction of Chiba Shihan, later continuing to practice under Hanshi Masayuki Shimabukuro and So-Shihan Carl Long. Apodaca Shihan holds the rank of Nidan in the KNBK and DNBK (Dai Nippon Budokukai). In January 2021 Aikido World Headquarters awarded Apodaca Shihan the title of Shihan. His commitment to the art allows for serious practice in a safe, empowering, and traditional environment.
Recommended Reading "This aikido training guide presents effective ground fighting techniques, remaining true to founder Morihei Ueshiba's teachings and providing useful instruction for martial arts students. Aikido Ground Fighting is a unique look at the roots of aikido techniques and how they might be applied to defense on the ground. Written by a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba in collaboration with Shihan Apodaca, this book remains true to the founder's teachings while presenting innovative and effective techniques. Containing never-before-published pictures of Ueshiba and step-by-step photographs clearly demonstrating techniques, Aikido Ground Fighting is designed for aikido students looking to become more well-rounded martial artists."

The Dojo

Santa Fe Budokan is a member dojo of the United States Aikido Federation. The dojo is owned, operated and classes are taught by Apodaca Shihan. This is a private dojo, all new potential students are required to interview with Apodaca Shihan before entry will be allowed. All Sincere practitioners from other organizations are invited to attend classes as guests. Please call to tell us in advance if you are in town and coming!
Address
190A Nine Mile Road Santa Fe NM 87501
hours
Monday: NO CLASS Tuesday: NO CLASSWednesday: Aikido 5pm - 6pmThursday: Iaido 5pm - 6pmFriday NO CLASS Saturday: Zazen 8:00 - 8:15 Iaido 8:30 AM-9:20 Aikido 9:30 - 11 AM Sunday NO CLASS
Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to class in order to be prepared.