Join us for our Grand Opening Seminar!

Flyer promoting Aikido New London County grand opening seminar on October 14th, 2023. Features photos of instructors Jerry Zimmerman and Marie Shaffer demonstrating martial arts techniques in a dojo. Details include location, schedule, class fees, discounts, and a QR code for more information.

Celebrate the opening of our dojo! We are honored to have two talented teachers for our first seminar!

To register and pay, click the link here.

Are you curious about the founding friend discount? Click here to join.

On October 14th, 2023, we will host our Grand Opening Fundraising Seminar. This event marks a significant milestone for us and presents a beautiful opportunity to come together as a community.

It's a chance for us to connect with our community members, both old and new, and strengthen the bonds that tie us together. Moreover, we aim to bless this dojo space for the future, ensuring that it continues to be a place of growth, learning, and harmony.

Your presence and support would mean a lot to me as we embark on this new chapter in our dojo's journey.

Two people, a woman and a man, in martial arts uniforms, sitting and smiling with their arms around each other in a training room. The woman has dark hair, and the man has gray hair. There are others in the background, including a person sitting on the floor and another practicing martial arts.

About our guests

Jerry Zimmerman Shihan is the Chief Instructor of Aikido North Jersey and has almost 40 years of Aikido experience. He started at the New York Aikikai after reading an article by George Leonard. I’ve known Jerry Sensei since 2009 and have been impressed with how he embodies Aikido in his everyday life. Training for him is on the mat and beyond. In 2014, I started to work for him as his dojo manager. There, he helped me fill in gaps in my training and helped me build an internal bridge with my own practice. I would not be the person I am today without his guidance. In 2022, he was awarded the title of Shihan by Yamada Sensei. While he is a phenomenal teacher, he has a personal drive always to be a student. He understands what it means to polish the stone.

Two women smiling, close-up selfie, indoor setting with soft lighting, one with long dark hair and the other with dark hair tied back, wearing casual clothing.

Marie Shaffer and I have known each other for over 15 years. She introduced me to our first dojo, Aikido Schools of New Jersey. This is where I met Richard Stickles Shihan and started my apprenticeship and love for Aikido. We trained for years and traveled to other dojos with a sense of adventure! During these adventures, she reconnected with her now-late husband, Jimmy Shaffer. Together, under the direction of Chester Griffin Shihan, they reopened Long Beach Island Aikikai, where she is a Fukushidoin. She’s been training for almost two decades and is not only a powerhouse but an inspiration. I’m honored to have her be part of this special event.

Commonly Asked Questions

  • Seminars are for students of all levels. Not only will you receive excellent training, but you will be connected to an amazing community full of wonderful people. Some of our best friends were made at seminars.

  • We are located in Waterford, Connecticut about 30 minutes from the Rhode Island border. We are equidistant from New York and Boston, about a 2-2.5 hour ride.

  • New London County offers a lot of different options for places to stay. Aldrich Sensei recommends the Niantic Inn, a 10-minute drive from the dojo. It has access to a lovely downtown and plenty of places to eat.

    If you’d prefer to check out downtown New London, you can stay at The Holiday Inn.

    Being a beach area, it also offers many AirBnb locations. If you select New London try to be close to Ocean Beach. Anywhere in Waterford and Niantic would work too. Any questions please contact us at info@aikidonlc.com

  • We accept cash, checks, or credit cards. We do ask that you pay ahead using the link above.

  • To help with upstart costs of the dojo, Aldrich Sensei created a found friend patch club. Anyone who donates at our second-tier level receives a discount for life to all of our seminars. If you’ve donated in the past but would like to upgrade please reach out.