Due to personal concerns, Sensei Ivan and his family had to leave the United States with no expected date of return. Wanting to keep the existing students (and Aikido in general) going in Anderson - Senseis Ivan and Mike worked out a plan to allow Aikido to continue in the Upstate area. Since Sensei Mike was certified on Aikikai, not Yoshinkan, the Dojo was converted in ownership, and style to Upstate Aikido - based on the United States Aikikai Federation.
Who is Sensei Mike?
Chief Instructor Mike Lambert is a Shodan/black belt in Aikido as issued by the Aikikai Foundation with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Sensei Mike started his Aikido career in South Florida in 2006, under the direction of Sensei Emmanuel Herzog, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor of Aikido Miramar which is affiliated with Florida Aikikai.
Sensei Mike breifly studied other martial arts including Tae Kwon Do, Southern Shoalin Kung fu and others. None of them seemed to align completely with Sensei Mike's goals and focus. Once Aikido was introduced, Sensei Mike was completely committed to the art.
Sensei Mike is a husband and father of two and currently works as a freelance programmer/technologist. Previously, he was a professional musician, having played with groups such as The Spinners, Tavares, Tony Bennett, and many others. For a brief time, Sensei Mike was a private pilot.
Early family practice with Sensei Mike : Video Demonstration (facebook)
Sensei Herzog with some of his students (including Sensei Mike): Video Demonstration (youtube)
Aikido Schedule.
Classes are generally one (1) hour.
Why learn Aikido?
Ready for an introductory class?
Date
( Weekly Aikido Schedule )- 4:30 pm
-
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- ChristineKids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.
- 5:30 pm
-
Adults- Open Tatami
- 6:00 pm
-
Adult Class- Sensei Mike
Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.
Tuesday
- 6:00 pm
-
Aikido Basics- Sensei Mike
Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down. This class focuses on Aikido Basics and is great for beginners or those wishing to polish up their Aikido basics.
- 7:00 pm
-
Weapons Class- Sensei Mike
The weapons class at Upstate Aikido focuses on the general handling of the Bokken and the Jo. The focus is more on Suburi, Kata, Kumi-jo and other practice techniques.
Wednesday
- 4:30 pm
-
Kids Class- Sensei Mike
- ChristineKids classes at Upstate Aikido have been created to allow the kids to have fun and burn off some energy while doing exercises that focus on flexibility, coordination, body awareness and teamwork. There is time spent specifically focusing on Aikido and preparing for the Aikido belt testing.
- 5:00 pm
-
Adults- Open Tatami
- 6:00 pm
-
Adult Class- Sensei Mike
Adult Classes are for students 13 years of age or older. Adult classes include a wellness based warmup, Tai Sabaki (stances and body movements), Ukeme and other knowledge and practices necassary to Aikido. Aikido techniques are then shown and practiced, and class often includes a warm down.
Thursday
- Unscheduled
-
Reserved for Special Events and Testing