Mountain West Aikido facilitates special training events “gasshuku” throughout the year. These sessions feature the finest aikido instructors in the U.S. and internationally. Our past events have received rave reviews especially noting the intimate smaller group setting and opportunity to receive plenty of one-on-one interaction with the guest instructors. Expense related to conducting these special training activities are covered directly by the participants, thus daily or single session rates are not offered.
Kagami biraki Celebration January 24 – 25, 2025
Kagami biraki is a recognition of our dojo (the space to learn the way). This Japanese tradition (mirror opening ceremony) has been adopted by traditional martial arts dojo to welcome in the new year and enjoy a time with our aiki family. It encompasses a variety of memorable activities, including specialized training, a recognition of our student’s accomplishments and sharing a light holiday feast (Kagami mochi). This annual event has been held between our 2 MWA locations and friendship hosts, such as Two Rivers Aikido Kalispell MT, for more than a decade.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Livingston dojo, all students and their families/friends are invited to attend a Saturday mid-morning session lead by MWA’s head instructor, Tony Blomert.
Here’s the event schedule:
Friday, January 24, 2025 Adult/Teen Training 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 25, 2025 Open to All Students/Family/Friends* 10:30 a.m. to Noon *(attendees of all ages please plan to be invited onto the mat training area for movement participation)
Cost: None and open to all MWA Members, their families and friends.
Spring Workshop with Craig Thomas Naylor 5th dan – May 9 & 10, 2025
Naylor sensei (shidoin instructor) is the head of Aikido in Kalispell. He brings a unique background to his instruction. He is longtime aikido practitioner. Before immersing in the Takemusu/Iwama style, Craig studied in the Shingu/Hikitsuchi lineage, the ASU tradition, and received his Shodan many years ago in Ki Society. His fusion of all these styles gives him a unique perspective on the Art.
Morihiro Saito 9th dan (1928-2002) was chosen to lead the Iwama dojo by O’Sensei (the founder of aikido) after his passing. Saito Shihan accompanied O’Sensei to Iwama in 1942. There O’Sensei created the Iwama dojo, Aikishuren and where he refined the art of aikido to its present form. This lineage of aikido continues through the senior instructors of Takemusu Aikido Association (TAA) of which Naylor sensei is among the most senior instructors.
The Founder considered Takemusu Aikido to be the highest form of Aikido. Takemusu contains two Japanese characters: Take (Bu) = Martial, and Musu = To be born. These two characters combine to refer to martial movement spontaneously created, without active thought, resulting in a pure Aikido technique. He felt that one’s training went through four major periods of development: Basic Technique, Flexible Technique, Flowing Technique, and finally Takemusu Aiki. He considered this final form of Aikido to be attainable by anyone through practice.
Craig Naylor sensei earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Humboldt State University and Master and Doctoral degrees in Composition from the University of Southern California. Craig has taught in four states, all ages Kindergarten through university graduate. His students have risen to notable acclaim in concert music, film, arts administration, and education. He retired as Associate Professor of Music at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Along the way, Naylor sensei has trained and provided aikido instruction. Today he continues to write novels, poetry, and magazine articles, composes music and guest conducts, tends an orchard of mostly heirloom apples, and teaches Aikido.
Please join MWA for what will be enlightening training experience.
Friday May 9, 2025 Evening Keiko 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday May 10, 2025 Morning Keiko 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Afternoon Keiko 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday Dinner 6:30 p.m. TBA
Annual Summer Seminar with John Messores, 7th dan on June 20 – 21 – 22, 2025
We are proud to host Sensei John Messores 7th dan for our signature Summer Weekend Seminar. Come for the terrific aikido training and aiki community gathering, but stay for the adventure that only South Central Montana offers. We are the gateway to the Grandaddy of the U.S. National Parks (YNP) and surrounded by nature’s wonders. Bring the family to partake in the exploration, hiking and all kinds of outdoor activities available in our neighborhood.
This summer marks the 6th time Messores Sensei will share his gifted instruction at our event. As one of Mitsugi Saotome’s original students and the most senior instructors of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) Messores Sensei provides personalized and hands on training. Our events are intimate gatherings. The dojo facility is well appointed and comfortable. Our door is open to everyone, regardless of training experience or organizational affiliation.
Cost: $195
For more information and to register https://mountainwestaikido.com/john-messores-3-day-seminar/
Fall Seminar with James Sterling 4th dan September 26 – 28, 2025
We are privileged to have James Sterling 4th dan returning to MWA and continue his instruction with a focus on multiple attacker “randori” training. Sterling sensei always provides dynamic and insightful training. His last sessions at the Billings dojo included “low light & partner” scenarios in addition to the standard multi person techniques practiced in traditional aikido.
Seminar schedule: Friday September 26th 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Saturday September 27th 10:00 – 12:00 noon & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday September 28th 10:oo – 12:00 noon.
Cost: $125