About

Aiko Institute was founded in 2004 as a non-profit educational institute by Ronald G Rubin and Susan Perry. Already the founders and head Instructors of Musubi Dojo, one of the country's largest and most innovative dojo for over 35 years, they did not rest. These two academics desired to do more as they were struck by Aikido's power to transform. They were hopeful that a college offering classes taught in an experiential manner could deepen a student's transformation. Many seed classes with fellow academics as well as healers, Rinpoche, and Zen monks took place at Musubi Dojo, and the results were astounding: an at risk kids program was formulated to see how Aikido could help transform troublesome young people and these efforts were lauded by the teachers and principal of their school. Plans were going well. But with the death of Rubin, and the onset of the Covid pandemic, things took a swift turn: Musubi Dojo closed in 2014 after three decades offering special programs for at-risk kids, classes for elders, and 20+ hours a week of Aikido classes for the public. Aikido classes were moved to the City Center of Claremont: the Alexander Hughes Center.

 

Having been enamoured with the local mountains since her arrival in Claremont, California in 1976, Perry finally moved into the small cabin in Mt Baldy with her dog Ame to sort things out. Close enough to be accessible in a 15 minute drive, Perry stayed on the mountain and came down the hill to teach Aikido classes in Claremont. But when the pandemic arrived and her classes shut down, Perry remained alone on the mountain for a few years more to continue her contemplation in the solitude of the mountain. Now, Perry has returned to her home in Claremont, sold her mountain retreat, and is ready to focus on some projects of promise:

 

Now ... efforts to rebuild the Aikido classes are front and center: you may sign up for classes at Aiko Dojo, classes through the City of Claremont's on line site are offered here.

 

Now... there have been more recent issues of the Community Well - Aiko Institute's newsletter - and they are getting composed and published with more frequency. You too, can sign up here to receive this free on-line writing of happenings, insights, and offerings. Just send your email address using the contact button to request you be added to our MailChimp list. You may have to wait for the next issue. Hopefully we'll have an archive of Aiko newsletters on-line soon.

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Soon ... along with Aiki.com - Rubin and Perry's Aiki business hub - Perry is releasing for sale the archival holdings of Aikido Today Magazine, a 100 issue international, non-partisan magazine they published for 20 years until its close in 2005. These are actual copies that have been preserved. The Shopify program is currently being put together and once it is ready, there will be other items for sale as well.

 

Coming    ... Susan's new book: The Hidden Power of Aikido is due out in 2024. At the appropriate time it will be available for a pre-press purchase.