New 2009 NGA (Nihon Goshin Aikido) Fundamentals Course

Sensei John Carter of the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense of Columbia, South Carolina has designed an innovative, specialty course for students of all levels who are interested in learning and drilling fundamental self-defense techniques. This is an eight-week revolving course consisting of basic self-defense tactics. We will run this course in our group classes along side our standard curriculum of classical techniques, self-defense applications, weapons defenses and attack lines. This course will be rolled out on Monday, January 5th, 2009.

2008 Year End Message From Sensei Carter

We have had a wonderful year here at the Columbia, South Carolina dojo. We have seen tremendous growth in our youth, adult and specialty programs. Our student body is the best. Our students work hard, have great attitudes and love to learn. I have personally been edified by the commitment the students have to the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido as well as living true Budo or "way of the warrior".

We hosted two successful training camps this year as well as a fun and action packed summer camp for the youth. We also had three sho-dan candidates pass their tests this year. We were able to promote one this year, and will have a double black-belt ceremony in early 2009 for the other candidates. We will have at least three sho-dans testing for Ni-Dan (2nd degree black-belt) in 2009, which is very exciting for our school. We have a host of students who have completed general rank tests and will kick off the New Year with many more students who are currently preparing to test. We will add more specialty classes in 2009 as more students are interested in our grappling, sparring and weapons offerings. There will be other upcoming procedural and instructional updates, so stay tuned and watch for special announcements.

Our new location in Irmo is well established and classes are filling up. I will be considering expanding the class hours at that location. Additionally, our associate school in Spartanburg, SC is also doing well. The Spartanburg dojo owner, Sensei John Wyndham and I have worked through alot this year in regards to our dojo operations and we will complete this year on a tremendously positive note. 2009 will be a great year for learning and training at both our dojos. I want to say thanks to my friend Sensei John Wyndham. He and I have known each other and have trained together for 23 years. We came up the ranks together, helped each other achieve our Sho-Dan, Ni-Dan and San-Dan certifications. We support each other in running our dojos, teaching our students, and improving our own martial skills. Mr. Wyndham is a great friend and I wish him and his family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

To all the Columbia, South Carolina students and those who have moved away from Columbia recently, I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Looking forward to a great New Year!

Sensei John Carter

Fall Training Camp - Columbia, SC Dojo

We held another successful training camp on Saturday, October 25th, 2008. The training was held from 12:30 to 5:30 and followed by a dinner at the dojo at 6:00. Sensei John Wyndham covered reversals and recoveries from Nihon Goshin Aikido, Sensei John Carter and Jack Walker taught students how to integrate techniques from Nihon Goshin Aikido and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The camp finished up with Sensei Gary Shull teaching movement and striking principles from Kempo. We had students in attendance from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee totaling 40 participants. Everyone had a great time and we all learned much about all the Martial Arts represented. I appreciate those who travelled to our academy in support of our training camp and especially appreciate all the Columbia dojo students who helped with organizing the event. Our student body showed a warm and welcoming spirit to all our visitors. We look forward to hosting another camp soon.

Sensei John Carter

Advanced Aikido Technique

This is a great video of advanced level execution of Aikido techniques. Before becoming famous for his movies, Steven Seagal was a highly respected and legitimate Aikido practitioner. As seen in this video, Aikido is an extremely effective martial art when learned, taught and applied in a realistic, practical manner. New students are not expected to perform at this level for some time.

At our academy we begin teaching the new student our Nihon Goshin Aikido Fundamentals Course. It is a basic self-defense course where we teach defenses against attacks such as arm grabs, chokes, pushes, punches and bear-hugs. We also teach the new students basic strikes such as a palm-heel, hammer-fist, elbows, and front kicks. We then slowly integrate the student into the more advanced application and execution of Aikido techniques. Enjoy the video!

Black-Belt Ceremony

We had a wonderful Black-Belt ceremony on Thursday, September 4th. There were 24 people in attendance to participate in this unique occasion. Sensei Carter spoke for about 15 minutes on the significance of this rank, what it means to be a black-belt, the importance of honor, and how to give back to the art that has given so much. Shortly after that, Dave Johnson was presented with his certificates and belt. It was a great opportunity for all in attendance to see first hand why we work so hard and require so much of ourselves at our academy. Traditionally, after the belt presentation, the new black-belt showcases their skills and abilities in a free-style self-defense attack line. Lastly, as a display of honor and humility, all the senior black belts in attendance step aside and invite our new black belt to formally fall out the class in the traditional Japanese fashion. It was a wonderful night.

Congratulations to Our Newest Black-Belt

Congratulations are in order for Dave Johnson, our newest Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black-Belt). He recently passed his final of several grueling tests to achieve this important rank. We had a fantastic turn-out of 20 students to participate in the test. I was very pleased with the nature of attacks, the control, and attention to safety. Dave performed with honor, class and with a solid martial spirit. His test consisted of 140 attacks. The specific attacks evaluated during the test were punches, kicks, grips, knife, club, gun and multiple attackers defenses. We will be presenting his belt and certificate shortly in a special ceremony conducted by Sensei John Carter. Dave is the 11th Black-Belt who has been promoted by Sensei Carter out of the Columbia, SC dojo.

Congratulations Dave and Good Work Columbia, SC!

Fall/Back-to-School Enrollment

We had a great summer and are gearing up for the Fall/Back-to-School crowd. Sessions have been full during the summer months and we do have some class limitations for new enrolling students. Potential students are encouraged to enroll early to secure their slot. Our enrollment package is $135.00 which includes the first month of classes, uniform and registration. We have youth and adult classes available in Lexington, SC and a youth program available in Irmo, SC. Our course structure breakdown is as follows:

Youth Martial Arts: Ages 5 to 7
Youth Aikido: Ages 8 to 12
Adult Aikido: Ages 12 and up
Self-Defense Fundamentals: Ages 12 and up


Please call or email Sensei Carter for class schedule and availability. Visit www.aikidoacademy.com for more information.