March 2020 Gasshuku | Mountain West Aikido

Saturday March 28, 2020 James Gardner (5th dan) will be the guest instructor. Gardner sensei is a senior instructor at Aikido of Missoula dojo and student of Raso Hultgren Shihan 7th dan. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to train with one of Montana’s most seasoned instructors.

James Gardner began Aikido training with Hideki Shiohira Sensei in Mountain View, California in 1988. He joined Aikido of Missoula in 1992, when he moved to Missoula to take a position as emergency physician at St. Patrick Hospital. In 2019 Gardner Sensei lead a wonderful workshop focused on entering and swordsmanship at the MWA

He travels frequently to study with Aikido masters (Shihan). Among his diverse knowledge, Gardner sensei has acquired an in depth understanding in the relationship between open hand training and weapons work.

MWA gasshuku are open to aikidoka of all levels regardless of rank or school affiliations. We ask that student’s help to defray the cost of conducting these sessions by making a contribution using the Donate link and at the same time registering for the limited space event. The link has a suggested amount of $30, but registrants may contribute any amount they wish. Be sure to use the “drop down” menu to indicate GARDNER WORKSHOP for this event. You will receive a separate confirmation email once your registration is processed.

This event is scheduled to be held at the MWA Livingston dojo (102 Rogers Ln., Livingston MT 59047). The dojo is located in part of the Clark’s Crossing Complex that includes the Travel Lodge Motel. We have arranged a discounted room rate of $59.95 per night. Those wishing accommodations for Friday and/or Saturday can contact the Front Desk at (406) 333-0086. Just mention “Aikido Today” or that you are attending the Aikido Training.

Special training workshops or “Gasshuku” are events that bring students together to focus on a specific topic or experience a guest instructor‘s approach to aikido. Since our first gasshuku in 2016, MWA has held these types of sessions to foster more intensive training opportunities for our students. Workshops are held in a single day at the MWA locations throughout the year. Participation is limited to a maximum number students per session. Students and the instructor experience more personal interaction using this format.