Ai ­ love
Ki ­ spirit
Do ­ way

Aikido translated is "The Way of Harmonious Spirit."

Aikido Institute of San Francisco was founded by G.E. Nomura Shihan, in June 1999. We are affiliated with the Birankai International, headed by T.K. Chiba Shihan; and Aikikai, Tokyo, Japan.

The purpose of Aikido Institute of San Francisco is to teach and develop the art of Aikido in the most modern and profound way, and through the training---cultivate character. The Chief Instructor is Gloria E. Nomura, Shihan, 6th dan.

Youth Classes (12 to 17 years old)
The practice of Aikido benefits children in many ways. Being a non-violent, non-competitive martial art, Aikido has a positive effect in the formation of the child's character. Discipline is an important part of their training. Physical and mental development, coordination of body, mind, and spirit enhance self-esteem and self-confidence.

Boken and Jo
Classes in classical Japanese weapons enhance and complement Aikido training.
The use of the boken (wooden sword) and jo (wooden staff), in solo exercises and paired practice aid in the development of correct stance, posture, timing and reflex.

Iaido
Iaido, the art of sword-drawing technique, is one of the most solitary of Japanese martial arts, and one of the most beautiful. The total concentration and intense awareness required, to perform the austere, elegant movements, aid in mental and spiritual development.

Our Teachers (Senseis)

Gloria E. Nomura, Shihan

Chief Instructor, 6th Dan, Shihan (Aikikai), Certified Iaido Instructor (Battoho), Member of Shihan Kai, Birankai International.

Nomura Sensei was Senior Instructor of the Aikido Institute of West Los Angeles for 20 years. She has taught in Spain, France, Greece, Germany, Czech Republic, England, Russia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Argentina.

Scott McSpadden, Shidoin

Scott began training in Aikido in 1998 in Seattle, Washington with Bruce Bookman Sensei. He joined the Aikido Institute of San Francisco in 2001, and continues to train under the guidance of G. E. Nomura, Shihan. Scott is a 4th Dan (Aikikai) and a certified Birankai International Instructor (Shidoin).

Theresa Thadani, Nidan

Theresa began her Aikido training in 1998 at the Aikido Center in San Francisco. in 2002, she joined the Aikido Institute of San Francisco and has been training under the guidance of G.E. Nomura, Shihan. She holds the rank of 2nd Dan (Aikikai) and is a certified Birankai International Instructor (Fukushidoin). She also trains in Iaido.

Rob Schenk, Nidan

Rob began his Aikido training in 2000 at the Aikido Institute of San Francisco under the guidance of G.E. Nomura, Shihan. He holds the rank of 2nd Dan (Aikikai) and is a certified Birankai International Instructor (Fukushidoin). He also trains in Iaido.

Raymond Lee, Shodan

Ray began his Aikido training in 2002 at the Aikido Institute of San Francisco under the guidance of G.E. Nomura, Shihan. He holds the rank of 1st Dan (Aikikai).

Cesar Aldea, Shodan

Cesar began his Aikido training in 2001 at the Aikido Institute of San Francisco under the guidance of G.E. Nomura, Shihan. He holds the rank of 1st Dan (Aikikai). He also trains in Iaido.