Welcome to Roanoke Budo Kai
Founded by Chris Gaston in 1994, Roanoke Budo Kai has just celebrated it’s 23rd anniversary of offering safe, challenging, and supportive Aikido training in Roanoke, VA.
There is important symbolism in our dojo’s patch shown above: the landscape and star references our dojo’s home in the Roanoke Valley, the bamboo represents the flexibility and movement of aikido, and the crane shares Aikido’s Japanese origins.
New students and visitors of any experience level are always welcome and encouraged to attend any of our classes. You may contact the dojo for additional information or simply show up!
To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is Aikido.
Train With Us
Whether you are a new student or a visiting aikidoka, we’d love to have you train with us.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art teaching self- defense using efficient body movements, not strength, to redirect and diffuse the force of an attack.
You’ll enjoy our Aikido classes – they are excellent for any age, gender, or level of fitness. We train hard, encourage each other, and have fun!
Schedule & Registration
Roanoke Budo Kai offers 2 weekly classes through the Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Department. This association allows us to reduce fees and follow O’Sensei’s belief that aikido is for everyone while supporting our local community.
All classes are open to students of all experience levels from beginner to black belt. You do not have to wait until the start of a session to join.