Charlie Siegel leads an Authorized Study Group under Roy Shingen Goldberg Sensei, sharing the art of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu. Charlie has been a student of the martial arts for over 20 years, and found his heart-and-soul passion in Daito Ryu under Roy Goldberg Sensei. He has trained with Goldberg Sensei and many of his senior students for years, 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. Workshops are also available for members and for newcomers throughout the year in Hikari Dojo with Goldberg Sensei or with his senior student, Manny Jimenez Sensei.
We are currently on pause from group classes due to the infection rates of COVID in Connecticut. We will post here when we return to our classes! All participants must wear a mask in accordance with CT state safety regulations, as well as hand sanitize upon entering and leaving the mat. Please be sure to wear a mask that fits well so that it will stay on during ukemi (falls and rolls). Mats will be sanitized and extra masks and gloves will be available if you would like them! Members of our organization are also welcome to join into events via video chat if you are unable to attend in person! - Just contact us to let us know you're interested! :)
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 weekly classes are currently held on Thursday evenings, 7:30 to 9:00pm with more classes planning to be added to the schedule in the future as time and space permits.
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 or you can prepay for a month at a time for $55 ($5 savings). 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 Sensei 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 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 Sensei.
Our next Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu Workshop taught by Manny Jimenez Sensei will be held on a Sunday in 2021, date TBD.
This workshop will feature direct instruction from Manny Jimenez Sensei, Roy Shingen Goldberg Sensei's senior student. Join us for an afternoon of hard training in this rare and beautiful martial art! 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.
**** All participants must wear a mask throughout the event, as well as hand sanitize upon entering and leaving the mat. Please be sure to wear a mask that fits well so that it will stay on during ukemi (falls and rolls). Mats will be sanitized and extra masks and gloves will be available if you would like them. We are excited to return to training after a long hiatus - we hope you can join us for this great event! - Members of our organization who are unable to attend in person due to state travel restrictions or for any other reason are welcome to join into the workshop via video chat. Contact us if you are interested! ****
Manny Jimenez Sensei is the Senior student of Roy Goldberg Sensei and a student of Kiyama Hayawo Shihan since 1995. Jimenez Sensei has been awarded the Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai Rank of 4th Dan and the Hiden Mokuroku, 1st scroll from the Kodokai Hombu Dojo in Kitami, Japan. He received his 5th Dan from Goldberg Sensei as well as the second scroll. Manny Jimenez has been in training in the martial arts since 1973.
These events are open to all martial artists and schools and are inclusive of all skill and ability levels.
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."
Jimenez Sensei will be demonstrating Aiki and teaching some of the powerful techniques and principles of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu. - A wonderful opportunity for training!
Attendance fee is $75
You can contact Charlie Siegel with any questions or to register for attending 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.
