The Long Island Aikikai was founded in 1964, making it one of the oldest Aikido dojos in the United States. Our founder, Edward Hagihara Sensei, was the head instructor of the New York Aikikai—the first Aikido dojo in New York. In 1964, when Yoshimitsu Yamada arrived from Japan, Hagihara Sensei stepped aside and founded the Long Island Aikikai. He taught here for nearly sixty years, until his passing in October 2023. At the time of his death, he was the longest-running Aikido instructor in the United States.
Over the decades, many of his students went on to become teachers themselves. Today, virtually every traditional Aikido dojo on Long Island can trace its roots back to Hagihara Sensei. Learn more about Hagihara Sensei.
The dojo settled into its current home in Bay Shore, New York in 2012 – a building dedicated to Asian martial arts studies, with separate spaces for both Aikido and Iaido (the art of Japanese swordsmanship) traning. Our students range from adolescents to adults in their 70s and beyond, from complete beginners to those who have trained for decades. The practice adapts to where you are.
The atmosphere here is cooperative, not competitive. We train together, help each other improve, and treat newcomers as welcome additions rather than outsiders to evaluate. Hierarchy at the dojo serves learning, nothing else. Teachers and senior students are expected to help junior students. Everyone’s growth matters.
The dojo is led by Adam Pilipshen, Hagihara Sensei’s last apprentice. Our teaching staff includes practitioners with decades of experience—some training since the 1970s and 80s—as well as instructors who bring backgrounds from other martial arts. Meet our instructors.
We are directly affiliated with Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, the world headquarters of Aikido, headed by Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the founder. We offer free trial classes on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 11:00 AM. No experience or uniform needed—just comfortable clothes that cover your knees and elbows. Try a free class.