Omeikai Kimori Dojo was established on the 20th of January 2002 by Kimori Dojo’s chief instructor, Toshiharu Sawada Shihan (7th Dan). To celebrate the occasion Kimori Dojo was honored to have Moriteru Ueshiba (Doushu), the grandson of the founder of Aikido and the current chairman of the Aikido foundation, attend and give a rare demonstration of his Aikido. In 2011 to celebrate Kimori Dojo’s 10th
anniversary a seminar was taught by both Moriteru Ueshiba (Doushu) and Mitsuteru Ueshiba (Waka Sensei), with over 450 people attending. Since it was established Kimori dojo’s membership has grown steadily and as of 2012 the exceeds over 140 members including around 70 children. Every year instructors from the Aikido Hombu Dojo (Aikikai Aikido World Headquarters) located in Tokyo are invited to instruct at seminars held by Kimori Dojo. To date Kimori Dojo has been fortunate enough to have Hideo Yonemochi Shihan, Shoji Seki Shihan, Hayato Osawa Shihan and Takanori Kuribayashi Shihan instruct fantastic classes at these seminars. Kimori Dojo members are also encouraged to regularly take part in various seminars held throughout Japan and also the All Japan Aikido Demonstration held in Tokyo every May. Because of this Kimori dojo has many connections and friendships with other Dojo. The first is located in Omaezaki City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Hideyuki Agata, the chief instructor, often trains and attends special events at Kimori dojo. The second branch Dojo is located in Silicon Valley, California, America. The chief instructor, Hiroshi Matsuoka Sensei, and his students regularly visit Kimori Dojo to take part in the annual Gasshuku and to attend gradings. Every year in September Kimoro Dojo holds its annual Gasshuku. It is normally held over three days (Friday to Sunday). Members from other countries and various other Dojo around Japan also take part. The Gasshuku is a great event an all participants always enjoy fantastic training followed by great food and excellent company. Visitors from all around the world come and train at Kimori Dojo. We have had visitors from America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Peru, England, China and Russia, to name but a few. Kimori Dojo would like to strengthen existing connections and continue to make new connections with people from various regions and countries throughout the world. Kimori Dojo maintains close relations with Aikido Shinryukan, headed by Nobuo Takase Shihan, in New Zealand. Sawada Shihan visits New Zealand at least once a year to teach weapons classes (bokken and jo) and empty-handed classes at seminars held there. Sawada Shihan also travels to and instructs in China regularly.
