Aikido West Reading

A small but dedicated dojo in Reading, Pennsylvania, Aikido West Reading, has been evolving and growing for over 20 years. We have a lovely space, well-rounded instruction and friendly aikidoka who are eager to train with and learn from anyone who comes through the door.

AWR was founded in its original location in 1991 by Byron Mellinger Sensei and was originally affiliated with Aikido Kinokawa. In 1992, after a break with Aikido Kinokawa, AWR became affiliated with the American Aikido Association (AAA), which was founded and directed by Toyoda Sensei. In 1993, AWR became affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), founded and directed by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan. AWR continues to be affiliate with the ASU, and is connected to Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan, through this affiliation. In 1999, Byron Sensei decided to retire from teaching and practicing aikido and left AWR in the hands of its students. In the summer of 1999, the students formed the Board of Directors and began leading the dojo as a student-run organization. The Board is currently comprised of four senior members of the dojo who regularly teach classes, organize seminars, arrange for social events, and oversee the maintenance and care of the dojo. Current Board members are Michael Harrell, Eric Webber, Chris Lynaugh and Miguel Rodriguez. After the departure of Byron Sensei in 1999, the senior students of AWR turned to other area ASU Sensei (David Goldberg Sensei and Dan Messisco Sensei) for guidance and instruction. Currently, AWR regularly hosts several teachers throughout the year for seminars and instruction, including Jim Sorrentino Sensei and Chuck Weber Shihan of Baltimore Aikido as well as others. AWR continues today as a Not-For-Profit student-run organization. All of the members share in paying monthly dues, maintaining and caring for the dojo, and providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere to all who earnestly wish to come and train in Aikido.

Michael Harrell (4th Dan), Eric Webber (3rd Dan)

1. We offer regular empty hand and weapons classes open to all levels of experience. .

1. Tuesday & Wednesday: 6:30 pm – 8 pm (empty hand) Saturday: 10 am – Noon (weapons and empty hand) Classes are open to all training levels and to anyone age 18 or older. *We strive to keep a consistent schedule, but we occasionally need to make changes. Check our \”Announcements\” section and follow our Facebook page for any schedule changes such as cancellations, workshops, and seminars.

Parking is in front and on the street