Kobukan Aikido Dojo

Aikido classes are conducted in a friendly atmosphere, with courtesy and respect towards teacher and students that reflect the Japanese culture and samurai tradition.

Classes begin with a series of warm-up and basic movements that are the foundation of techniques to be taught. The teacher demonstrates techniques that the students then practice many times, with partners or in small groups

The Kobukan Dojo is located at 540 E. 36th Street, which is at the corner of 5th Avenue South and East 36th Street, in the Purity Bakery Building in Minneapolis, just a few blocks east of the 35th/36th Street exit of I-35W. For our mailing address see contact.

See below for details on class times and cost.

Our instructors are Kristine Nelson (3rd dan black belt); Larry Blackwell (1st dan); Skip Dykoski (1st dan); Jennifer Koper (1st dan); Ken Fruitrail (1st dan); Charles Schmidt (1st dan); and Ben Fraase (1st Kyu). All instructors have been certified with the head instructor of AYANA, Sensei Takashi Kushida.

Class Schedule

Classes are held according to the following schedule.

Day	Time	Type of Class
Monday	12:00 to 1:00 p.m.	Kyu Techniques
Monday	7:00 to 8:00 p.m.	Intro Course (starts Sept 15)
Tuesday	6:30 to 7:25 p.m.	Beginners
Tuesday	7:35 to 8:30 p.m.	Regular
Wednesday	12:00 to 1:00 p.m.	Kyu Techniques
Thursday	5:30 to 6:15 p.m.	Youth
	6:30 to 7:25 p.m.	Regular
	7:35 to 8:30 p.m.	Beginners
Saturday	10:05 to 10:50 a.m.	Youth
	11:00 to 12:00 p.m.	Intro Course (starts Aug 23; Oct 18)
	12:15 to 1:15 p.m.	Regular

Classes run continuously throughout the year, so you may join at any time. Uniforms are not required for beginners, but are available at most martial arts supply stores (we typically use Judo dogis, which are heavier, with better padding), as well as through the Kobukan. If you do not have a dogi, wear loose-fitting clothing that covers knees and elbows, such as sweatpants and long-sleeved shirts.

Youth: Children below 7 years of age are generally not encouraged to take the Youth classes.

Introductory Courses: We now have Introductory Courses on Mondays from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, as well as on Saturdays from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. These are 8-week courses at a cost of $45 for the entire course. Also, there will be open training after the Monday class until 9:00 pm. Contact us if you are interested in attending to get full details. Each course will cover similar material.

The next 8-Week Introductory Courses:
Saturday, Aug 23 - Oct 11 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Monday, Sept 15 - Nov 3 7:00-8:00 pm
Saturday, Oct 18 - Dec 6 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Class Dues

Adult class fees (for Regular level members) are $70 per month. The monthly fee entitles you to attend as many classes as you wish.

The fee for Adult Beginners is $50 per month. This is for attending only beginner or introductory classes. Beginners may join as a regular member by permission of the head instructor, Kris Nelson, and then may attend any class on the schedule.

The fee for the Adult Introductory Course is $45 for an 8-week session, and $25 for a 4-week session. These classes are also available through our Community Education Program.

The fee for classes on any single day is $15.

The fee for students from the Carleton Club or other AYANA members is $25 per month or $8 for a single day.

The fee for Youth classes is $35 per month.

The monthly fees are capped at $140 per family.