About Us
Aikido of Amherst provides a positive environment that is safe, respectful, and focused on the learning and development of all members. We offer instruction to adults and adolescents in our General Class and to children (ages 7-12) in our Child and Family Class. We are affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation and Aikido World Headquarters-Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan.
Chief Instructor
Heath Atchley,
Yondan (4th degree black belt),
Shidoin (Certified Instructor)
Heath has over 30 years of martial arts experience. In addition to Aikido, he has studied Karate and Shaolin Kung Fu. He also holds a Ph.D. in Religion and Philosophy and has taught at Syracuse University, Alfred University, Western New England University, and Mount Holyoke College. Now a practicing psychotherapist, Heath draws on his academic background, professional practice, and martial arts training to create classes that nurture thoughtfulness and physical vitality.
"People practice Aikido for different reasons. Some want physical fitness. Others want self-defense. Some are driven by philosophical or spiritual concerns. Many have a combination of these motivations. I strive to cultivate a community where each person can fully explore and deeply experience what Aikido gives to them."
Heath began his Aikido training with Yousuf Mehter-Shihan in Syracuse, New York. He also studied with Yukiko Katagiri-Shihan and Larry Bieri-Shihan at Cornell University Aikido Club. After moving to the Pioneer Valley, Heath continued his training with Todd Martin-Sensei. Heath's training has been especially indebted to the seminars of Yoshimitsu Yamada-Shihan and Seiichi Sugano-Shihan. Additionally, Heath has traveled to Tokyo, Japan, and trained at Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo. There he has been especially influenced by the classes of Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, Takanori Kuribayashi-Shihan and Yoshinobu Irie-Shihan.
Assistant Instructors
Krista Gile, Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
In 1995 in Albany, New York, Krista fell in love with Aikido under the influence of Irvin Faust-Shihan. Since then, she has had the good fortune to study under many teachers, including: Bonita Veysey, Brian Mizerak, Donovan Waite, Benjamin Pincus, Frits Habermann, Malory Graham, Christopher Gray, and Todd Martin. Her marital arts journey started with Karate, and has also included Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qigong, along with breaks for knee surgery, shoulder surgery, childbirth, and a global health emergency. She especially enjoys studying Aikido as a metaphor for conflict outside the dojo, integrated bodily movement, martial awareness without reliance on speed, strength, or ego, bodily awareness for safety, and the thoughtful practice of ukemi.
Brian Smith, Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
Brian encountered Aikido as a young man in 1989 under the instruction of Paul Sylvain-Shihan. At that time he sensed the beauty and depth of the art but was unable to develop a regular practice. More than two decades later, when Aikido of Amherst opened, he found his love of the art reignited and began consistent training. Brian remains grateful to Sylvain-Sensei for the orginal inspiration he instilled.
The vigorous practice and joyful community at Aikido of Amherst have been for Brian constant sources of growth. He has drawn additional inspiration from the seminars of Harvey Konigsberg-Shihan, Hal Lehrman-Shihan, Laura Jacobs Pavlick-Shihan, and Jonathan Reid-Shihan, among many others. In his classes, Brian strives to present clear, fundamental movements and help students feel the vital, energetic relationship between partners.
Schedule
Monday
5:15-6:00 pm: Open Practice/Conditioning
6:00-7:15 pm: General Class
7:30-8:45 pm: Iaido Class
Tuesday
4:30-5:20 pm: Child & Family Class
5:30-6:00 pm: Open Practice/Conditioning
6:00-7:15 pm: General Class
Wednesday
5:15-6:00 pm: Open Practice/Conditioning
6:00-7:15 pm: General Class
7:30-8450 pm: Iaido Class
Thursday
4:30-5:20 pm: Child & Family Class
5:30-6:00 pm: Open Practice/Conditioning
6:00-7:15 pm: General Class
Saturday
9:00-9:45 am: Advanced Class
10:00-11:15 am: General Class
Our Facility
Our dojo has a practice area of approximately 900 square feet covered with EVA foam mats. There are two spacious dressing rooms along with two restrooms. In our comfortable lobby, visitors and spectators can enjoy a hot cup of tea. Parents with young children can utilize our nursery area. We enjoy plenty of natural light from four large windows.
Dues and Expenses
We follow the tradition of offering membership for dues, rather than fees for instruction. When new students join the dojo, they are becoming members of the Aikido of Amherst community. Members support the community with financial contributions, by assisting with dojo maintenance, and with consistent practice done in a positive spirit. It is only through community that we can practice Aikido.
Your first class is free.
Beginners' Special:
*Two weeks of classes, plus a uniform, for $40.
Monthly dues:
Adults: $95
Students: $85
(Discounts available for couples and families.)
Annual dues to the United States Aikido Federation: $55
Rank Test Fee: $55
Weapons (bokken & jo): $25 each
Uniform (gi): $50
Mat fee (for visitors from other dojos): $10
Private Lessons: $50/lesson
Aikido should be available to anyone who wants it their life.
We adjust our dues rates to any student experiencing financial hardship.
Getting Started
Contact us to schedule your free trial class. Please come to your first class at least 10 minutes early to sign some paperwork and get acclimated to the dojo. No uniform is needed for your first class; just wear comfortable workout clothes.
Visitors from other dojos are always welcome.
(Please observe the courtesy of paying the mat fee.)
If you have questions,
or would like a try a class for free,
please contact us:
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Or call: 413-345-6009
