Rocky Valley Aikido
A traditional Japanese martial arts school following in the spirit of Hiroshi Kato Sensei Shihan (8th dan), a direct student of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O' Sensei (Great Teacher). We have a comprehensive approach to teaching open-handed, sword, and staff techniques. We explore ways to reconcile conflict by encouraging balance and harmony. One of Kato Sensei's favorite sayings is "Masagatsu Agatsu" often translated as "True Victory, is Victory Over Oneself". So we practice together to get to know ourselves.
Head Instructor Dojo Cho
Brian Heery (6th dan) has been training sincerely in Aikido since 1995. He spent two years training intensely in Japan with his Aikido teacher, Hiroshi Kato Shihan (8th degree black belt) from 1998-2000, and organized Kato Sensei's bi-yearly visits for the following 12 years.
After Kato Sensei's passing in 2012, Brian has continued the tradition by arranging seminars to be taught at the dojo by one of Kato Sensei's most senior students at Suginami Aikikai in Japan.
Brian also serves as president of Suginami USA where his focus is carrying forward Kato Sensei's teachings.
Classes
Classes offered in person at Skypark, Scotts Valley, CA. and online via ZoomPlease contact Brian for more information: [email protected]
Seminars / Special Events
D. Sensei (7th dan) will lead two back-to-back seminars in November at the Mt. Cross Retreat Center, 7795 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005 (Santa Cruz). Participants are welcome to arrive on Friday anytime after 6 pm; the first practice will begin early on Saturday morning. Participants enrolled in both seminars can stay overnight at Mt. Cross on Monday night.Body, Mind, and Breath Seminar With D. Sensei
November 13,14,15,16, 2025
Friday 6 pm - Monday 5 pm
Suggested donation: $400
Registration Link for Body, Mind, and Breath SeminarAikido Seminar With D. Sensei (7th Dan)
November 17th, 2025
Tuesday 10-11:30 pm and 2-3:30 pm
Suggested donation: $80
Registration Link for Aikido SeminarThe Body, Mind, and Breath Seminar will cover some Indian breathing techniques and some practices from the Tibetan Bon Tradition. D. Sensei is a student of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and he will share some of what he is permitted to share from the Tibetan Bon practices. New students are welcome, and returning students are invited to deepen their understanding and practice. There will be four practice sessions each day on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with the first starting at 6 am and the last ending around 8 pm (Monday may end earlier).The Aikido Seminar on Tuesday will include two sessions: a morning session from 10 am to 11:30 am and an afternoon session from 2 pm to 3:30 pm. There will be some bokken (wooden sword) practice, so if you have your own, please bring it; if not, extra wooden swords will be available to borrow.Those staying overnight for the Breath Seminar can stay in the Lower Jensen Lodge.
There are five rooms that can sleep a maximum of fifteen people, so you may have to share a room. If this is a problem, please let me know, and we may be able to accommodate you.We may spill over into another lodge if we have more than 15 participants.Lower Jensen has a common area with a coffee table, chairs, a refrigerator, and a microwave available to whoever stays there.There are four individual bathrooms with showers available.You can bring a sleepbag or request linens upon arrival.Looking forward to an excellent opportunity to gather and practice together.Retreatants will be responsible for their own meals; there are many local restaurants, a wonderful Italian bakery, and nearby grocery stores.If money is tight, we hope you will contribute what you can and join us for the retreat, and if you can afford to contribute more than the recommended donation, that is always greatly appreciated.Looking forward to an excellent opportunity to gather and practice together.