Please join us on November 22, 2025 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm Central time for the 2025 Shimbokukai Instructors Intensive. This event will be held virtually via Zoom.
This one-day intensive is designed for current Aikido instructors as well as anyone interested in possibly teaching at some point. Participation is open to all — not only members and supporting members of Aikido Shimbokukai, but also individuals from any affiliation or lineage.
The goal of this annual event is to support the development of our broader Aikido community by focusing not just on what we teach, but how we teach — and how we sustain and grow our dojos for the future.
Rather than focusing on execution of technique, the event explores topics such as:
Effective transmission of Aikido technique and philosophy
Class structure and student engagement
Dojo management and long-term sustainability
Focus Topics for this year’s event will be:
Part 1. Beyond the Technique: Teaching Aikido with Purpose
This section features 4 senior instructors from a variety of affiliations and lineages who will share insights on different aspects of teaching — from class structure and student interaction to pedagogical philosophy and personal experience. Presentations will be 20–25 minutes each, followed by 10–15 minutes for Q&A. We encourage presenters to share openly and creatively, whether through lecture, demonstration, or discussion, and we encourage attendees to ask any and all questions that come to mind.
Our Presenters are:
Tres Hofmeister Shihan, 7 Dan, Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
Meido Moore Shihan, 7 Dan, Aikido Shimbokukai
Ben Peacock Shidoin, 6 Dan, Canadian Aikido Federation
Lisa Tomoleoni Shihan, 6 Dan, Aikido Shimbokukai
Part 2. Planning for the Future: Dojo Leadership and Succession
This will be a moderated group discussion focused on how dojos can prepare for the future as instructors age or retire. All attendees will be invited to participate and share their experiences, concerns, and ideas.
Registration for the seminar is US$50 per person. Please register using the STORE link above in the header, or via ZELLE or PayPal (to AikidoShimbokukai@gmail.com, please note that your payment is for the 2025 Instructors Intensive). For those with financial constraints please let us know as we have some scholarship options available.
We look forward to this event, and hope to see you on the mat, in person or virtually!