Charlie Siegel leads an Authorized Study Group under Roy Shingen Goldberg Shihan, sharing the art of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu. Charlie has been a student of the martial arts for 26 years, and found his heart-and-soul passion in Daito Ryu under Roy Goldberg Shihan. He has trained privately with Goldberg Shihan for years, as well as with many of his senior students, and is now offering weekly classes to the northern CT and southern MA region with his own space Hikari Dojo inside Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, CT. Daito Ryu can be a very spiritual practice as well as being a martial art. Seminars are also available for members and for newcomers throughout the year, hosted by Charlie Siegel in Simsbury, CT and taught by Roy Goldberg Shihan or his senior student, Manny Jimenez Sensei.
You can contact us to begin training or ask questions at any time. We are always welcoming new students or anyone interested to try out or watch a class.
Classes are inclusive of all abilities.
Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu is a 1,200-year-old samurai martial art and National Treasure of Japan. Its core principles focus on subtle manipulations of balance that can complement and enrich any martial arts training. Daito Ryu is not just a set of techniques, but a mindset that can transform budo practice. Once secret and passed generation to generation through the Takeda clan, the system of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu was revived in the late 19th century by Sokaku Takeda, 32nd in line of the Takeda family. Takeda taught throughout Japan using a seminar system to spread the art. In the early 20th century he taught thousands of Japan’s highest ranked martial artists from Judo, Kenjutsu, Jujutsu and Karate. It has directly influenced the development of many popular martial arts, such as Shorinji Kempo, Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, Hapkido and most famously Aikido, whose founder Morihei Ueshiba trained extensively in Daito Ryu.
Our classes are held weekly on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:00pm. Please contact us to reserve your spot!
We train very traditionally and with the utmost respect, honored to be a part of carrying on this beautiful tradition of Daito Ryu.
Weekly classes are $15 each. Trial period classes (1 month) can be attended in any comfortable workout-style clothing. Students who wish to train with us on a regular basis can become members of the organization under Roy Goldberg Shihan and would then attend classes in a traditional white gi and belt, which can be purchased through Charlie and includes a patch for the Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Kiyamakai organization.
Classes are open to anyone 14 years of age and older. We are inclusive of all skill and ability levels. We welcome both current students of the martial arts from any style or practice as well as new-comers to the martial arts, trying it out for the first time and interested in walking a path of better health, well-being, balance, fitness and safety. Charlie is dedicated to the practice of making each class fun and informative, training traditional waza (techniques) of the art and walking a path of inner growth. Please visit www.DaitoRyuAikijujutsu.net for further information on the art, the training and Roy Goldberg Shihan.
Seminars are hosted annually in Simsbury, CT, featuring instruction from Roy Shingen Goldberg Shihan or his senior student, Manny Jimenez Sensei. Our next is on July 13, 2025 with Roy Goldberg Shihan in a larger space we are renting at 507 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury, CT.
Join us for an afternoon of hard training in this rare and beautiful martial art in these events, open to the public! Whatever style you practice, the principles of Daito Ryu will enhance your technique and understanding of your art.
The focus is on developing superior structure and balance while destroying that of your opponent. Although some experience with taking ukemi (rolling and breakfalls) is recommended, it is not required. Jimenez Sensei will demonstrate techniques for students of all ranks and experience.
Contact seminar host Charlie Siegel to register for in-person or Zoom. 860-593-2146, [email protected] or message here on Facebook
These events are open to all martial artists and schools and are inclusive of all skill and ability levels. Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu is a 1,200-year-old samurai martial art. It has directly influenced the development of many popular martial arts, such as Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Hakko Ryu Jujutsu and Hapkido. Daito Ryu’s core principles and focus on subtle manipulations of balance will complement and enrich any martial arts training. Once a secret art, passed generation to generation through the Takeda clan, the system of Daito Ryu Aiki Ju-jutsu was revived in the late 19th century by Sokaku Takeda, 32nd in line of the Takeda family.
Weekly classes are held here in Hikari Dojo at Wisdom of the Ages with Charlie Siegel, an Authorized Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Study Group under Roy Goldberg Shihan. Attendance of these weekly classes is not required for attending the seminar, but can be advantageous for those interested in training!
As Goldberg Sensei says, "To understand aiki, you have to put your hands on somebody who has it. It’s like chocolate ice cream. I can’t explain it to you until you’ve tasted it. "You can’t get an explanation of aiki in words. You get an explanation in feel. Your body understands the feeling. It can only be explained in your body, both by the practitioner and the one who feels it. Your internal self develops so that you can explain it through your body. This isn’t mystical nonsense. Your body doesn’t have discussions with your brain. That’s why when I teach, I teach to your body, to your nervous system, not your brain. By teaching your body I’m teaching you how to develop aiki. If I teach to your brain I’m just teaching you technique. The greatness is in your body, so you can’t just get off the mat and intellectualize it and hope to develop aiki. "Shugyo is the only path."
Registrations will be taken up to the day of the event, but contacting us to pre-register will assure a space for you to attend.
12pm to 5pm $100 Contact Charlie Siegel to register for in-person or Zoom attendance: 860-593-2146, [email protected] or message on Facebook
You can contact Charlie Siegel with any questions or to register for the weekly classes or any of our events. He can be reached by call or text at 860-593-2146 or through any of the social media channels (Facebook or Instagram) or email that can be found with icons at the top of this page.
