Mountain West Aikido facilitates special training events known as “gasshuku” throughout the year. We are dedicated to offer the Rocky Mountain West region training featuring the finest aikido instructors available. Past events for over 10 years have received rave reviews especially noting the intimate group setting and opportunity to receive plenty of one-on-one interaction with the guest instructors. Expense related to conducting these special activities are covered directly by the participant’s donations. You will find an associated cost identified for each event (single session rates are not offered).
There are limited scholarships available for high school and college students. Please contact us for details on availability and requirements.
Our training events are held throughout the year with the most notable being our Summer and Fall weekend seminars. We also offer full day workshops on a near monthly basis, which are led by talented teachers with an emphasis on providing a teaching platform to regional instructors. To see detailed schedule of the Aiki Secret’s Series click on this LINK.
Annual Summer Seminar
June 26 – 28, 2026
We are proud to host Sensei John Messores 7th dan for our annual Summer Seminar.
Messores Sensei will share his gifted instruction at our 10th anniversary 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.
People come for the terrific training and community gathering, but stay for the adventure that only South Central Montana can offer. MWA Livingston is located as a gateway to the Grandaddy of the U.S. National Parks (Yellowstone National Park). Livingston MT is a small historic town on the banks of the Yellowstone River and surrounded by some of nature’s greatest wonders. Bring family & friends to partake in the exploration, hiking and all kinds of outdoor activities available in our neighborhood.
Cost: $185. For detailed information and registration please click on this (LINK).
Fall Seminar October 2 – 4, 2026
with Lia Suzuki 7th dan
We are pleased to host Lia Suzuki 7th dan for her second visit to Montana this fall. Sensei Suzuki is based in Los Angeles, CA and is the chief instructor of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA. She began her training through her first teacher, William Gleason Sensei 7th dan in 1982 before moving to Japan to train with Takeda Yoshnobu Shihan 8th dan.
In her first visit to MWA she imparted an introduction into the fascinating technique that clearly reflects decades of training with Takeda Shihan and his senior students. Her personal mission of inclusion of youth and those in their early 20’s, 30’s and beyond is truly inspirational. MWA is looking forward to her next training lessons.
Cost: $185. For detailed information please click on this (LINK) or Register Register and Pay
If you are traveling from out of the area there are numerous options for accommodations. Please note that Livingston is a tourist travel destination with our high season running from May – September. Plan to make your reservations as early as possible. You will find our Livingston Planning guide helpful. Those looking for a convenient hotel room arrangement should contact the Yellowstone River Inn (406) 222-4400 and note you are attending a Mountain West Aikido event to receive a discounted rate.
People flying should arrive/depart from BOZ (Bozeman / Yellowstone International Airport. Let us know your flight information and our dojo members can help with transportation. Livingston is approximately a 30 minute car ride from the airport.