DOJO SPOTLIGHT:
THE NEW YORK AIKIKAI
Say hello to Steve Pimsler
Chief Instructor, New York Aikikai
7th dan, Shihan
Some interesting facts about Steve:
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Steve began aikido in 1974 at the New York Aikikai
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Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei was his first and only teacher
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Steve learned about aikido from a stage fight choreographer while studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
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He became Chief Instructor of the New York Aikikai in 2023, after Yamada Sensei's passing
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Steve is a member of the USAF Technical Committee
Tell us something about yourself/profession/background:
I was a professional actor and an advertising creative director & agency owner.
What do you consider some of your greatest achievements as dojo cho?
Financial stability of dojo has been an ongoing process and I’ve had tremendous help from our dojo Board of Directors and financially-savvy members to that end. I was fortunate to finally close out the mortgage on the dojo’s building. It’s ours now. We have also worked hard and been successful at improving membership retention and creating a more welcoming atmosphere for new and prospective members. But all these achievements were and remain group efforts.
What have been some of your biggest challenges as dojo cho?
Increasing membership is always a challenge, as well as addressing the needs of a more diverse membership. It's also important to involve more members in the stewardship of the dojo and prepare dojo leadership and financial stability for the future.
A Bit About New York Aikikai
How many days per week does New York Aikikai you have classes?
How many classes are available per week?
Do you have a children's program? If so, what are the ages and what else would you like to share?
Is the dojo a not-for-profit?
Is there any other information about the dojo you would like to share?
The New York Aikikai has classes 7 days per week
There are 29 classes available per week
Yes. We offer 4 children's classes per week; 3 mixed level and 1 teenage. Children's ages are 6-11; youth 12-17.
Yes, the New York Aikikai is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.
We would like to add more basics classes to our schedule. We have conducted special classes with secondary schools and would like to expand those offerings. We would also like to become more involved in our local community both as the longest-standing business in our neighborhood but as a resource for the residents of the block.
Date posted: July 2024
