About Our Dojo

Timothy Pritchard — Head Instructor, Aikido Community Dojo

Timothy Pritchard with Morihiro Saito Shihan at the Iwama Dojo, Japan

Sensei Timothy with Morihiro Saito Shihan — Iwama Dojo, Japan

Morihiro Saito Shihan at the Iwama Dojo beneath a portrait of O-Sensei

Morihiro Saito Shihan at the Iwama Dojo — the source of our lineage

U.S. Navy Search & Rescue — the foundation of discipline and courage

SAR swimmer training — extraordinary fitness and mental composure

Search and rescue operations — selfless service under pressure

Naval service — values that shape every class taught today

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) — home to a SAR swimmer and future sensei

Aboard the USS Kitty Hawk — where character was forged

Timothy Pritchard

Head Instructor • Aikido Community Dojo

With over 45 years of authentic Aikido experience, Timothy’s training is rooted in a direct lineage from O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, through his longest-serving student, the late Morihiro Saito Shihan.

For nearly a decade, Timothy dedicated himself as an Uchi Deshi (live-in student) under Bernice Tom Shihan of Sunset Cliffs Aikido in San Diego — an immersive commitment that shaped every aspect of his practice and teaching.

He also trained personally at the Iwama Dojo in Japan — O-Sensei’s own home dojo — under Morihiro Saito Shihan before the Shihan’s passing. Swipe through the photos to see his training there — an unbroken lineage alive in every technique taught here.

Before teaching, Timothy proudly served as a Navy Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmer aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). That foundation of discipline and selfless service shapes every class. Students of all ages are welcome — from age 5 to 75.

Aikido USA Member Dojo — Upholding the highest standards of authentic instruction.

In Memoriam

Bernice Tom Shihan

Chief Instructor • Sunset Cliffs Aikido • San Diego, California

Aikido Community Dojo mourns the passing of Bernice Tom Shihan — a pioneering figure in Iwama Aikido and beloved Chief Instructor of Sunset Cliffs Aikido in San Diego, California. Sensei Timothy had the profound honor of living and training under her guidance as an Uchi Deshi for nearly a decade. She herself had lived in Iwama, Japan and trained directly under Morihiro Saito Shihan as an Uchi Deshi, bringing that rare and irreplaceable instruction back to her dojo and passing it on to all who trained with her. Her wisdom, her discipline, and her spirit are the very foundation of everything practiced on these mats.

May she rest in peace.

Why Choose Aikido?

A martial art that grows with you at every age and stage of life.

Young Adults (18–40)

Build strength, flexibility, and mental resilience while learning practical self-defense. Perfect for stress relief and maintaining peak physical condition.

For Women

Aikido uses an opponent’s energy rather than muscle strength, making it equally effective and empowering. Build real confidence and self-defense skills in a supportive environment.

For Children

Specialized youth programs develop discipline, respect, and self-confidence. The values learned on the mat translate directly to better focus in school and stronger character in life.

For Seniors

Aikido is exceptional for older adults, improving balance, coordination, and graceful movement. Mindful techniques promote healthy aging and maintain mobility well into your later years.

Everyone Welcome

From complete beginners to experienced martial artists, our dojo is a supportive community where everyone grows at their own pace, guided by decades of expertise.

Authentic Lineage

Train in Aikido that traces directly from O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba through the late Morihiro Saito Shihan of the Iwama Dojo - one of the most direct and authentic lineages in the world of Aikido.

Registration

Complete all four steps to enroll. Your information is kept private and secure.

Student Info

Code of Conduct

Training Contract

Confirm & Pay

Step 1: Student Registration

Please provide the participant’s information exactly as it should appear on official records.

First Name *

Last Name *

Date of Birth *

Age *

Address *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Health Information

Previous Martial Arts Experience

Parent / Guardian Name (required if participant is under 18)

I have read and fully understand this registration form and voluntarily agree to its terms. I confirm the information above is accurate. *

Step 2: Code of Conduct

Read the Dojo Code of Conduct in full, then sign below to acknowledge your agreement.

Scroll to read the full document before agreeing.

By order of the Dojo, all who step upon these mats shall uphold discipline, respect, and uniformity. These rules are binding upon all students without exception.

Appearance & Uniform

Uniforms: Every student shall arrive in a clean gi.
Undershirts: Required for women; optional for men. If worn by either, undershirts must be plain white to preserve uniformity.
Hair: Hair extending past the shoulders shall be tied back neatly. Hairstyles must reflect discipline; extreme styles are discouraged.
Hygiene: All students must arrive with a clean body and clean feet. Personal hygiene is essential to respect training partners.
Nails: Fingernails and toenails must be kept trimmed short enough to prevent injury. This is for safety and applies to all.
Jewelry: No rings, earrings, watches, or adornments may be worn during training.

Conduct & Discipline

Tradition: Bowing is mandatory as a sign of respect and martial etiquette. No religious beliefs will be imposed upon any student.
Attendance: Once class begins, students are expected to remain until dismissal. Bathroom breaks are to be taken before or after class; only emergencies permit leaving.
Punctuality: Students shall arrive at least 10 minutes prior to class to prepare. Tardiness disrupts training and may result in corrective exercises such as push-ups.
Discipline: Order shall be maintained at all times. Disobedience will be corrected immediately and firmly.

Dojo Principles

Uniformity & Grooming: The dojo requires all students to maintain a professional, disciplined appearance. This reflects pride in the art and respect for others.
Care for the Dojo: The dojo motto is simple - “Leave it cleaner than you found it.” Students are responsible for order within the training hall.
Personal Belongings: The dojo assumes no responsibility for lost or forgotten items.

Acknowledgment of Risk & Responsibility

By training within these walls, each student acknowledges that martial practice involves physical contact, falls, throws, and the risk of injury. Each student accepts full personal responsibility for their health, safety, and conduct while training. The dojo, its instructors, and its members are not liable for injuries or loss sustained during practice.

Edict of Commitment

To wear the gi of this dojo is to pledge oneself to discipline, respect, and unity. By stepping onto these mats, you bind yourself to these regulations and accept them without exception.

I have read and fully understand the Aikido Community Dojo Code of Conduct and voluntarily agree to its terms. *

Print Name (Electronic Signature) *

Date *

Parent / Guardian Name (if under 18)

Step 3: Training Contract

This agreement is made between Aikido Community Dojo and the undersigned student (or parent/guardian if under 18).

Scroll to read the full contract before agreeing.

Program & Pricing

Tuition is $200 per month for UNLIMITED training, five (5) days per week.
Tuition covers regularly scheduled group classes only.
Tuition does not include: promotion tests, private lessons, equipment, uniforms, or registration fees.

Class Schedule

Monday

5:30 – 6:00 PM (Ages 5–7)
6:00 – 6:45 PM (Ages 8+)
7:00 – 8:30 PM (Adult Bible Study)

Tuesday

6:15 – 7:00 PM (Ages 8+)
7:00 – 8:00 PM (Aikido 13+)

Wednesday

5:30 – 6:00 PM (Ages 5–7)
6:00 – 6:45 PM (Ages 8+)

Thursday

5:30 – 6:00 PM (Ages 5–7)
6:15 – 7:00 PM (Ages 8+)
7:00 – 8:00 PM (Aikido 13+)

Saturday

10:15 – 11:00 AM (All Ages)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Aikido 13+)

Schedule follows school closures — classes may be cancelled for holidays and inclement weather.

Payments

Monthly tuition of $200 will be electronically drafted from the enrolled payment method on .
Membership begins on the date of registration. Billing commences on of each month.
Tuition is non-refundable once drafted, regardless of attendance or participation.

Cancellation & Membership Termination

Cancellation of the recurring PayPal billing subscription serves as formal notice of membership withdrawal and will result in immediate termination of membership privileges, effective the date the subscription is cancelled.
No prorated refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the current billing period.
The Dojo reserves the right to terminate membership for violations of the Code of Conduct or failure to maintain a current subscription.

Closures

The Dojo is closed on all nationally recognized holidays.
The Dojo may also close for unexpected or unforeseen events (e.g., weather, emergencies).
Missed classes due to closures are not refundable.

Student Responsibilities

Students must follow all dojo rules, the Code of Conduct, and instructor directions.
Students must maintain proper hygiene and wear a clean uniform.
Students must disclose any medical or health conditions to the instructor.

Liability Waiver

Martial arts training involves physical activity, contact, and risk of injury.
The student (or parent/guardian) agrees to hold harmless Aikido Community Dojo, its instructors, and staff from any liability arising from training or participation.
Participation is voluntary and at the student’s own risk.

I have read and fully understand the Aikido Community Dojo Training Contract and voluntarily agree to its terms, including the monthly tuition obligation and liability waiver. *

Print Name (Electronic Signature) *

Membership Start Date

Parent / Guardian Name (if under 18)

Step 4: Confirm & Pay

Review your registration summary, then proceed to set up secure monthly billing through PayPal.

Registration Summary

Student Name -

Date of Birth -

Email -

Start Date -

Code of Conduct Agreed

Training Contract Agreed

Payment Details

Monthly Tuition $200.00 / month

Billing Day -

Cancellation Cancel via PayPal — effective same day

Secure Payment Processing

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Train in the Way
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