Dressed in the traditional clothing of a Japanese samurai, Sensei Bannister leads regular Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday classes in Aikido: A Gentle Art of Self-Defense, and Iaido: Japanese Swordsmanship at the Spartan Recreation Center in Shoreline (18560 First Ave NE). In one room there is sweaty laughter puncuated by sounds of falling and tumbling. In another, the soft hissing of swords. His martial arts school, Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo, brings together 100 men, women, and children from diverse backgrounds, all eager to discover a new way of looking at the world and the nature of conflict.

"The Founder of Aikido taught that true martial arts should offer a spirit of loving protection for all," Bannister says. "Personal power need not come at another’s expense. When we become strong we must act ethically to save others from the self-destructive consequences of aggression." The Japanese martial arts practiced at Tsubomi dojo are beautiful and powerful, and touched with a gentle and kind spirit one might not expect from modern warriors. "My teachers showed me how to help others to develop their full potential without giving in to the baseness of aggression. Through self-discipline and self-awareness we are building better citizens for a new world."

A student explained why he studies here. "It’s exciting and fun, and these arts have helped me stay calm at work and home, and Sensei is amazing!" Visitors are always welcome. You can get information about classes for children and adults by calling the Spartan Center at 206-801-2600.

Beginners are welcome to any regular class
Discover self-mastery!  Tsubomi Aikido offers an ethical self-defense system that clearly repudiates violence as a legitimate means to resolve conflict.  Your sense of personal power need not come at another's expense!  

Visit any regular Tsubomi Dojo practice (check times on the Schedule & Location page; get a Free Trial Class Coupon on our Dojo Downloads page).  You'll be invited to join in: we offer a free trial class so you can make sure that our club is a good fit for you.  Don't be surprised at seeing lots of people with uniforms: normally everyone trains together.  Dedicated beginner classes are a rare exception in the cooperative community of Aikido.  You don't need a uniform to start, but long sweat pants and a t-shirt are recommended (check out our cool club t-shirt!).   First thing we'll walk through our warm-up exercises, then show you how to comfortably and safely perform a back fall, the most basic tumbling skill of Aikido.  Then you'll have a chance to participate in regular self-defense training. 

If you decide that you want to learn more, you'll need to register with Shoreline Parks and Recreation (Tel.206-801-2600 - more information on our Schedule & Location page).  In keeping with our social mission class fees are kept very low in order to make the arts as accessible as possible.  Adult classes are only $120 for two months, two classes weekly.  Children's classes are $50 for two months.  

In addition to Shoreline Parks & Rec course fees, you'll also need to join the dojo by contributing modest annual Tsubomi Dojo membership dues ($40 adults; $20 child - more information on the Membership & Outreach page).   Membership gets you help in obtaining a uniform and all other necessary equipment at modest cost.  You'll be eligible to attend regular practices, participate in special events, and obtain rank accreditation.  You'll also be invited to schedule a free introductory private lesson at the headquarters dojo in Edmonds.  That's a great chance to get oriented, meet Bannister Sensei, and identify your personal goals.