About Aikido Northwest
Dojo
Aikido Northwest was founded in 1991, by Craig Fife Shihan. The dojo moved to its present location in 2025.
Aikido Northwest follows the system and curriculum of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan (the Aikikai World Headquarters). Within the United States, Aikido Northwest is an affiliated dojo of the California Aikido Association (CAA). The CAA is comprised of three divisions, which represent dojos throughout the United States and countries abroad. Aikido Northwest is part of Division II, which is headed by Michael Friedl Shihan, Nanadan (7th degree black belt), and chief instructor of Aikido of Ashland located in Ashland, Oregon.
Location
We have moved! Our new location is…
Our dojo is located in Clackamas River Racquet Club. We are at the end of the hall, down from the reception desk.
Mailing address:
Instructors
Craig Fife Shihan is the founder and chief instructor of Aikido Northwest. Fife Shihan’s Aikido training began in 1973 in Boise, Idaho. Fife Shihan currently holds the rank of Nanadan (7th degree black belt), from the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. This rank was awarded to him through the recommendation of his teacher, Frank Doran Shihan, Hachidan (8th degree black belt), California Aikido Association co-founder and chief instructor of Aikido West.
In addition to Fife Shihan’s personal study of Aikido, he has been actively teaching Aikido to others since 1980. Fife Shihan continually develops his Aikido skills and understanding through a variety of means. In addition to being a student of Doran Shihan, Fife Shihan frequently attends Aikido seminars and workshops throughout the Western United States. In addition to his Aikido training, Fife Shihan has also been a student of Iaido since 1990 and currently holds the rank of Nidan (2nd degree black belt) from the All United States Kendo Federation. Finally, beyond the walls of the Aikido Northwest dojo, Fife Shihan has taught Aikido in a variety of local schools, from elementary to college levels.
Joesph Talley Sensei also teaches classes at Aikido Northwest. Talley Sensei currently holds the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt), from the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. Talley Sensei has been involved in martial arts study since the 1980’s. He joined Aikido Northwest in 1995 and has been a staple in our dojo since then. Talley Sensei is a High School administrator and a lifelong educator. He brings those skills to his teaching at Aikido Northwest.
In addition, Aikido Northwest also has several assistant instructors. They each hold yudansha (black belt) ranking from the Aikikai Hombu Dojo.
Aikido
Aikido (the way of harmony with the life force) is a non-aggressive, non-competitive Japanese martial art. It was developed during the first half of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, commonly referred to as O Sensei (great teacher). Despite its modern origin, Aikido is rich in martial spirit and tradition. Its roots trace back to the body arts of jujutsu, as well as the sword arts of kenjutsu. Therefore, Aikido has successfully preserved the honor and ethics of Japan’s classical martial arts.
Typical Aikido techniques are characterized by throws, locks, and atemi (strikes to anatomical weak points). Furthermore, Aikido students learn to receive the techniques of Aikido through the art of ukemi (the art of safely dealing with a technique by moving, rolling, or falling). Aikido emphasizes blending and hamonizing with your adversary to neutralize an attack or conflict. Aikido techniques are quite suitable for individuals of all ages and physical abilities.
In addition to learning self-defense techniques, Aikido students typically improve their balance, coordination, and fitness level. Most importantly, serious Aikido training creates an environment where one can develop self-discipline and strong will-power. Aikido has as its goal the development of the whole human being, mind, body, and spirit to its full potential.