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Events and Seminars at Two Rivers Aikikai



Upcoming Events


Friendship Seminar hosted by Multnomah Aikikai, December 14, 10:30-12:30

(no regular class at Two Rivers that morning)

Practice with Aikido students from dojos all over the local area! Usually, each dojo teaches a short class, but this year, Suzane Van Amburgh sensei is honoring the leadership transition at Two Rivers by proposing this year’s format. The seminar is free, with an optional donation to Transition Projects. It is open to students of all levels. Pre-registration is requested. information and registration

Internal events for Two Rivers students

Please note that the following dates are subject to change.

Mini seminars

Mini seminars are open to Two Rivers students of all levels. The exact dates may change based on instructors’ availability, but they will generally be held on 2nd Saturdays of even months from 10:30 am-12:15 pm
  • February 8
  • April 12
  • June 14
  • August 9
  • October 11
  • December 13

Advanced class “bump out”

On the 2nd Saturday of odd months, we will begin class at 10:30 am as usual, with Two Rivers students of all levels. The last portion from 11:45 am-12:30 pm will be for 2nd kyu and above.
  • January 11
  • March 8
  • May 10
  • July 12
  • September 13
  • November 8

Kyu (white belt) and dan (black belt) tests

Dan tests will be scheduled in coordination with Lynn and Spiros senseis, head instructors, and the testing students. Kyu tests are held four times a year on Saturdays during regular class.
  • February 22
  • April 26
  • July 26
  • October 25




What are Seminars?

Seminars are intensive training workshops. We invite instructors who exemplify our vision of “justice, equity and non-violence, both on and off the mat.” We encourage our students to participate in seminars at Two Rivers Aikikai and at other dojos where they can practice a variety of styles and strengthen their foundations. Seminars offer all of us a way to keep up to date with the changes taking place in Aikido and Iaido as they evolve.

Past Seminars

group picture

Our Spring Seminar featuring Yelitza Cuevas (she,her) 4th dan, shidoin.

May 31 to June 2, 2024.
This was the first seminar we hosted in 5 years due to the pandemic. It was a spectacular way to get started again. Cuevas sensei inspired participants with precise technique and clear explanations of details with her joyful presence.

Videos from our Spring Seminar with Cuevas sensei


On Saturday June 22, 2024 we hosted an in-house one day seminar with Bob Fraley.

Bob has been an integral part of our dojo for many years. He began training at Two Rivers Aikikai as a teenager. In the early 2000s, Bob trained at New York Aikikai and at the Midwest Aikido Center in Chicago. After returning to Portland in 2006, Bob trained with us in Aikido and Iaido and he regularly attended seminars around the US and Canada. Bob holds the ranks of nidan (2nd dan) in both Aikido and in Iaido. He instructed in both the children's and adult Aikido classes. He was also a member of the Two Rivers Board of Directors for several years. Bob has been on a leave of absence and this in-house seminar is our way of staying connected with him, expressing our gratitude for his contributions to the Two Rivers community, and enjoying his excellent teaching.

Here is a video of one of Bob's favorite Aikido techniques.


The 2023 Aikido Friendship Seminar for Portland area dojos was hosted by Portland Aikikai on Sunday, April 23, 2023. The seminar was a fundraiser for APANO, a Portland Based non-profit providing resources and programs for the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon.

On March 18, 2006, Two Rivers Aikikai hosted the First Annual Portland Friendship Seminar and donated 398 pounds of food for the Oregon Food Bank! Close to 80 members of Aikido dojos in the Portland area practiced together at Two Rivers Aikikai on that Saturday afternoon as a benefit for the Oregon Food Bank. Seven different instructors taught 30 minute segments over the course of the afternoon. In lieu of seminar fees, participants brought 398 pounds of food and $301 in cash donations for OFB. The wonderful atmosphere and enthusiastic energy on the mat all afternoon attested to the spirit of Aikido in Portland dojos. The members of Two Rivers Aikikai appreciate the contributions everyone brought to our dojo. We look forward to seeing you on the mat again soon!



Service Days

Before the pandemic, we suspended classes 1-3 times per year and invited students to bring their families and friends for a day of volunteering. On our last service day in January 2020, a group of 22 people bagged potatoes and onions at the Oregon Food Bank.

Another dojo favorite was Zenger Farm, where we have volunteered to remove weeds and invasive plants. Zenger Farm is a non-profit, working urban farm that models, promotes and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development and access to good food for all. Click here to visit their website.

Service Day at OFB


E-mail Two Rivers Aikikai: tworivers@2rivers.org

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Two Rivers Aikikai is a 501(c)(3) federal non-profit organization with a vision for equity, justice and non-violence on and off the mat. Our mission is to help individuals on their path of well-being of mind, body and spirit through the practice of the Japanese martial arts of Aikido, Iaido and Karatedo to peacefully engage conflict.