Heaven and Earth Aikido

Specialties

AIKIDO.

Heaven and Earth Aikido is affiliated with The United States Aikido Federation and The Aikikai World Headquarters in Japan. Our purpose is to provide instruction in the martial art of Aikido according to the principles of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido is a path of self development that leads to physical, mental and spiritual improvement.

TENCHIDOU.

On Wednesday’s 1 – 2 pm Tenchidou is taught. It is a Japanese exercise program similar to Yoga which increases the body and spirits vitality through a gentle movement and stretching régime combined with dynamic breathing exercises. Tenchidou can be called a therapeutic exercise as its movements are based on massage. The exercise was created through the combination of Japanese energy treatment (Reiki), vocal therapy techniques and Japanese massage principles. Tenchidou exercise is made to move all the joints of the body, making them flexible as it increases the body’s constitution and opens the mind.

History

Established in 2013.

The school was founded in 2013 by Sensei Brian Ericksen. Ericksen Sensei has over 20 years of experience in Aikido. He was apprentice to Sensei’s Yoshimitsu Yamada and Seiichi Sugano at New York Aikikai. He taught in NY and several dojo’s and from 2003 – 2004 he founded and lead Baghdad Aikikai in Iraq. From 2010 – 2012 he taught Aikido to Marines and soldiers in Helmand and Spin Boldak Afghanistan.

«Aikido kept me centered and alive through difficult circumstance in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through both places I placed my life at danger for my country, Iraqi’s and Afghan’s. Heaven and Earth Dojo was opened to continue service to others by making a space where people can physically, mentally and spiritually improve themselves through the ethical practice of Aikido. We teach an art that allows a person to learn self defense, while avoiding conflict and promoting spiritual growth through giving to others, and peaceful, mindful practice. We welcome all.»

Meet the Business Owner

Brian L.

Business Owner

Classes are taught by the Chief Instructor Brian Ericksen, 4^th Dan, Shidoin (Instructor). Ericksen Sensei has over 20 years of experience in Aikido. He was an Uchideshi (Inner student) to Shihan Yoshimitsu Yamada 8^th Dan, Chairman of the USAF and direct student of Morihei Ueshiba. He taught at the New York Aikikai and had a dojo previously in Annapolis Maryland. From 2003 – 2004 he instructed Iraqi’s, US military civilians and Coalition forces at Baghdad Aikikai. Recently, he taught Aikido to Marines and soldiers in Helmand, Kandahar and Spin Boldak Afghanistan. Having experienced Aikido in war and peace, he places an emphasis on both the spiritual and martial aspects of the art.