About Denver Buddhist Temple Aikido DBT Aikido was founded as an affiliate organization of the Denver Buddhist Temple in the 1995 by Sensei Ronald Abo, Godan (fifth degree black belt in Tomiki Aikido), Sandan (third degree black belt in Hombu Aikido) and his wife Lisa Abo, Shodan (first degree black belt) Sensei Ron Abo has practiced Aikido since 1978. DBT Aikido is affiliated with the Japan Aikido Association/USA. We practice a sports style of Aikido known as Tomiki Aikido. Tomiki Aikido differs from traditional (Hombu or Aikikai style) Aikido, in that we have freestyle randori or competitive matches. Tomiki style Aikido was developed by Professor Kenji Tomiki at Waseda University in the 1960’s. Professor Tomiki was a Hachidan (eight degree black belt) in both Aikido and Judo. Professor Tomiki was a senior student of O’Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Both Sensei Ron and Lisa Abo study under Sensei Seiji Tanaka, hachidan, a student of Sensei Kenji Tomiki. At DBT Aikido, beginners are welcome to join at any time. We have classes twice a week on Mondays and Fridays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm and open mat on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Our classes are held in Downtown Denver in the Buddhist Temple Gym on the corner of 20th and Lawrence. Our fees are $50 per month, $35 per month for members of the Temple. We have a family class on Fridays from 6:00 to 7:30. Children from 4 to 12 years of age can participate along with their parents in these classes; fees are $25 per month per chlild/parent and $20 per month for members of the Temple. Aikido is a martial art and as such, a discipline. Classes are not offered as beginner, intermediate or advanced because there is no distinction as to proficiency or skill. The main distinction is the time spent practicing this art that incorporates and develops your mind, body and spirit. You cannot expect to learn Aikido in a few lessons or even in a year or even in 10 years of practice. Your Aikido evolves each time you get on the mat. O’Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba said “Always approach Aikido with the mind of a beginner” We do have testing and belt rankings. Tests are offered twice a year, in June and December. The main purpose of testing is to provide feedback to the student as to their progress. You may join our class at any time or come to observe. Entrance into the Buddhist Temple gym is through the parking garage at the corner of 20th and Larimer. Enter the garage on Larimer (parking is free for Aikido). Go to the second level and enter through the orange door. There is a walkway that will lead to another door directly to the gym. You may wear judo or karate gi or long sleeve sweat shirt and pants. There are locker rooms for changing. Thank you for your interest in DBT Aikido, We hope to see you soon. Sensei Ronald and Lisa Abo Office: 303-531-4990, Night:303-202-3537 e-mail DBTAikido@gmail.com