The Aiki Shrine
History of Aiki Shrine
The Aiki Shrine is located in the rural countryside of Central Florida. It was designed and built by Saotome Sensei and his devoted students in the late ’90s as a place where advanced practitioners could study and practice O-Sensei’s vision of Aikido.
The structure of the Shrine itself was built to recreate and preserve the sense of spirit and connectedness to nature that Saotome Sensei recalled from his years living with O-Sensei and serving as uchi-deshi at the Iwama Shrine in Japan in the 1960s.
A New Future for the Aiki Shrine
In 2016, Saotome Sensei transferred ownership of the Aiki Shrine to the ASU Organization to preserve it as a lasting legacy, a mecca for ASU teachers and students, and to unify future generations through a living line to the spirit of O-Sensei.
Train at the Aiki Shrine!
“Shrine Sessions” are intensive Aikido training retreats held at the open-air dojo in the pristine, natural environs of the Aiki Shrine. Sessions help students deepen their practice while discovering mentors and making lasting friendships.
Weekend Training Sessions with
Mitsugi Saotome Shihan
**Upcoming 2026 Sessions**
*Special one-day Saturday Sessions*
Summer 2026
Open to ASU members, announced to local dojos
October 9-11, 2026
Session Featuring Mitsugi Saotome Sensei & Tres Hofmeister Sensei
Open to ASU members, registration open
(for 2kyu and higher)
December 11-13 2026
Session Featuring Mitsugi Saotome Sensei & Bill Gleason Sensei
Open to ASU members, registration open
(for 2kyu and higher)
Inquire at: AikiShrine@nullasu.org.
The Aiki Shrine staff hosts training events throughout the year, open to ASU Yudansha, and ikkyu and nikyu students by recommendation. Attending a Session at the Aiki Shrine is considered an honor — Sessions allow students an opportunity to practice at an Aikido haven like no other on the grounds of the Aiki Corral in sunny Florida.
Each session is small (approximately 20 people) and intimate, which allows for one-on-one interaction with Saotome Sensei, visiting teachers, and students’ cohorts. Attending a Session provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Aikidoka from all over the globe. Many Aikidoka have created lifelong relationships with peers from all over the ASU community. What discoveries lie waiting at the Aiki Shrine for you?
These sessions are designed for ASU members. Aikidoka from outside organizations must contact AikiShrine@nullasu.org for any kind of consideration, and must be willing to join the organization to participate.
(Please note: the Aiki Shrine is housed on Private Property. Visitors must obtain expressed permission to visit on the property, meaning no unannounced visits are permitted. Please contact admin@nullASU.org well in advance to discuss visiting options.)
Your Donations Are Tax Deductible
ASU NOW – The ASU Fundraising Campaign
Continuing and growing the legacy of the Aiki Shrine is a significant undertaking. The ASU is announcing ASU NOW, an evergreen fundraising campaign to support the maintenance of the Aiki Shrine, and to create a sustainable foundation to support special facets of the ongoing mission of the ASU.
The ASU has been established as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and has established the Craig Eddy Foundation as the repository for all charitable contributions. All donations to ASU and the Foundation can be tax deductible. Your contributions declare your commitment as a member and supporter of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. Please consider making a contribution to the future of ASU and Aikido, and the shared vision of O Sensei and Saotome Sensei for bringing harmony to the world.
CheckMake a charitable donation to the ASU Foundation by personal or cashier’s check made out to “ASU” and sent it to:
| OnlineDonate at your convenience online. No amount too big or too small. | DuesAdd an amount to your annual ASU membership dues; talk to your Dojo Cho to make sure your contribution is noted. | Estate ContributionsPlease consider including the ASU Foundation when planning your will or estate. For more information, contact:
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