Founded in 1964 with the help of Virginia Mayhew, Long Island Aikikai is one of the oldest Aikido dojos in the United States. Our founder, Edward Hagihara Sensei, taught here for nearly sixty years — until his passing in October 2023, by which time he was the longest-running Aikido instructor in the country.
The dojo settled into its current home in Bay Shore, New York in 2006 — a building dedicated to Asian martial arts studies, with separate spaces for both Aikido and Iaido (the art of Japanese swordsmanship) training. 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.
We are directly affiliated with Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, the world headquarters of Aikido, headed by Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the founder.