Our History
One of Sensei Tillery's early students, Sensei Charles came back to San Jacinto College after receiving his black belt and revived the class in September 1999 with an initial class enrollment of 18 students. Since that time, the Aikido program at San Jacinto College has never failed to have enough students for the class to "make". In August of 2003, Aikido classes were offered to the Academic students as a "Credit" class for the first time. The response was fantastic. We had more students than we had space, so we relocated to the South Campus Gym.
Prior to August 2004, we operated as a satellite dojo under Seishinkan Dojo of Dickinson, Texas. In August of 2004, we contacted the Aikido Association of America to apply for our own dojo name and certification. Our application was approved, and we became an independent dojo, "San Jacinto Aikikai" affiliated with the Aikido Association of America. We have currently have three instructors, (L to R) Sensie Julie, Sensei Rick and Sensei Charles. Our "Official" Dojo Name is Ikushinkan Dojo, which means, "Place of the Nurturing Mind". We strive to live up to our name by encouraging students to grow, develop, and become successful at whatever they attempt. We now have two classes each night; beginner and advanced, which includes weapons training.
San Jacinto college has offered quality Aikido training at very economical prices for well over a decade. Vistors are always welcome. We are in the Southeast part of Houston, San Jacinto College, at the South Campus Gym.
In the late 1980's Sensei Kathy Tillery started teaching Aikido at San Jacinto College through the Continuing Education Department at San Jacinto College. After teaching for several years, Sensei Kathy relocated to the Austin area. Another instructor taught the class for a couple of years, but without the dynamic personality of Sensei Kathy, the program eventually came to an end.
Ikushinkan Dojo / San Jacinto Aikikai
