Serving Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas, Summit Aikikai is a training community of committed martial artists training in Aikido. Developed by Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei), Aikido is unique among martial arts in its central philosophy of self-defense by blending with the energy of an attacker, rather than attacking. The power of Aikido derives from coordinated whole body movement, exploiting principles of physics. This allows people of different sizes, physical strength, and age to be effective using the techniques.
At Summit Aikikai, we practice the vigorous style of Aikido developed by the late T.K. Chiba, Shihan, a direct student of O’Sensei. Aikido and the other training regimes offered at Summit Aikikai forge and polish our character. The Summit Aikikai community is dedicated to improving body, mind, and spirit. Through regular practice, students increase conditioning, core strength, and learn to move their body as a coordinated whole. Our members gain self-confidence, grounded temperament, and calmness in face of adversity and challenge. After the teacher demonstrates a technique, students practice with one another in pairs, each taking turns. As people with diverse characters and lifestyles come together at their own pace, they find harmony in personal development.
Regular practice brings a sense of authenticity that permeates all aspects of daily life. The recognition and commitment to this challenging training is the surest means of consistent personal transformation.
Located in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake City, we are just off the I-80.
Chief Instructor: Alex Peterson Sensei has studied Aikido for 31 years and is a rank of 6th Dan Shidoin. He has been teaching for over 20 years, certified by Birankai, the International Aikido Federation, and Hombu Aikikai. He began his Aikido training here in Salt Lake City, then apprenticed for over three years as a kenshusei (Instructor Trainee) under the late T.K. Chiba, Shihan (a direct student of O’Sensei) at San Diego Aikikai. He has trained and taught at various dojos including Capital Aikikai, DC; Aikido Institute of Miami, FL; and Florida Aikikai. He advises the Agoge OTC dojos of Birankai (view them on our Links page). Formerly the President of Birankai, he is regularly invited to share his expertise and insights at seminars throughout the United States. Peterson Sensei is a retired Marine Colonel and a Wood-badge trained Scoutmaster.
Ready to Get Started?
Getting started is easy, just fill out the form on the Sign-Up page and we’ll get back to you quickly. Or, if you want to get started right now, call us at 305-761-0428, and we’ll take care of the rest!
We look forward to seeing you on the mat,
Alex Peterson, Chief Instructor