The Torrance Aikido Club is Torrance’s oldest non-profit charter club, located in the heart of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. We offer instruction in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (Aikido with Mind and Body Unified, or Ki Aikido). The club has been in existence for over 50 years and is affiliated with Ki Society Headquarters in Japan.
Ki Aikido is a gentle, dynamic martial art founded by the late Koichi Tohei. It is suitable for all ages. Practitioners cultivate balance, calm, ki, confidence and a positive attitude in all areas of life.
The club has a sizeable dojo and a supportive group of students. Our instructor is Clarence Chinn Sensei, 7th dan. He is a respected teacher and longtime student of Koichi Tohei.
We offer classes for youth and adults. Discounts are available for families as well as college and high school students. We also sell all necessary equipment. See our schedule, location and fees.
To find out more about Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, click here.
If you have a question or comment, contact us here. Or click on the links above for more information.
I am interested in Aikido as a martial art and for exercise, but am concerned that I may be too old. I just had my 67th birthday. I am in reasonable physical shape for my age (exercise 4-5 times a week for an hour) with no limitations in body movement. My balance is OK (still ride a motorcycle) and I practiced both judo and karate in my younger days.
Is it reasonable to start Aikido at my age? Would I be able to observe a class session to see whether it is something I could learn and practice effectively?
Thank you — Roy Sakamoto
Dear Roy,
Thank you for your question. Yes, our style of Aikido is very well suited to older people, even more so if you are continuing to exercise. Several of our members past and present are in their sixties. Though we do teach rolls during practice, you are not obligated to do them if it is not comfortable for you. Otherwise, our practise relies on relaxation, coordination and Ki development, and the movements do not rely on physical strength.
Please feel free to drop in (our schedule, address and map are on the website), either to watch or to participate, and we’ll be happy to help you get acquainted. We also have all the necessary equipment (gi, belt, etc) should you need it.
Also feel free to contact us if you have further questions, at info@torranceaikidoclub.org.
Thank you for contacting us! Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi,
I am interested in your classes for my daughter who will turn 6 this week. Do you allow kids to start aikido this early or should we wait until she is 7 years old.
Thank you,
Ron
Dear Ron Stroud,
Thanks for your question about classes at Torrance Aikido Club. Our kids generally start practising Aikido at 7 years old. However, if you would like to stop by one of our classes and speak to our instructor, you are more than welcome to. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.
Best wishes,