About Us
About Aikido
Aikido is a non-violent, Japanese martial art that translates as “the way of harmonizing life force energy.” Training helps develop confidence, discipline, flexibility, fitness, mindset, cooperation, appropriate responsiveness, and healthy assertiveness.
In Aikido we utilize strikes and grabs and aim to re-direct our partner’s energy to protect both ourselves and them. Ukemi, the art of receiving and falling safely, is emphasized. We practice both open-hand and weapons work with a dull wooden sword, staff, and knife (bokken, jo, and tanto.)
In today’s frenetic world, Aikido is a path of depth, honor, and aliveness.
About Our Dojo
Crystal River Aikikai was established in 2024 to serve the community in and around Carbondale, Colorado. At that time, our Sensei, Ann O'Brien, had been teaching along the Crystal River for 2 years, along with 5 years at previous dojos.
We are affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), and follow their curriculum and testing standards. The themes of purification, healing and dynamic energy flow are resonant with our mission.
About Our Instructor
Ann O’Brien Sensei holds the rank of nidan (2nd degree black belt) with the USAF (United States Aikido Federation). Her teachers have included Peter Bernath Shihan, Penny Bernath Shihan, Mike Jones Sensei, Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan, Tres Hofmeister Shihan, and more.
Ann Sensei has attended many seminars with master teachers, and enjoys training with Aikidoka from all over the US and beyond. Passionate about Aikido for youth, she is a member of the International Aikido Federation's Youth Working Group.
Ann Sensei taught kids’ Aikido for several years each at Boulder Aikikai and Roaring Fork Aikikai before starting her own program in 2022. She brings great enthusiasm and dedication to the practice.
Off the mat, she is a spiritual guide, energy healer and best-selling author. Her latest book, The Dance of Love: Mastering Your Relationships through Aikido Wisdom, brings Aikido principles to a general audience looking for better relationships of all types. Learn more and pick up copies here.