The Santa Cruz Aikido Summer Retreat generates a training atmosphere of sincerity and mutual respect. We aim to integrate body, mind and spirit in the practice of Aikido, inspired by the teachings of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei. Our theme for the 2023 Summer Retreat is Masa Katsu - 正勝 (“True Victory”).

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Retreat, and its return to the beautiful Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium after an absence of 4 years. It is a milestone in our journey through the pandemic, after holding online and in-person Retreats at our dojo, and we are excited to welcome you once again to immerse yourself in the practice of Aikido alongside our wonderful community. “Be grateful even for hardship, setbacks, and bad people. Dealing with such obstacles is an essential part of training in the Art of Peace.” — Moriihei Ueshiba O-Sensei.

This year’s Retreat will be “mask optional.” Covid-19 vaccinations are still required. Please note: As of May 6, all ASC classes and events are mask-optional.

It will be a joy to train together once again with senior Retreat teachers who have dedicated their lives to the Aikido path: Mary Heiny Sensei and Linda Holiday Sensei, and 8 special guest instructors. Together with all the Aikidoists who gather at the Santa Cruz Retreat from multiple dojos, it will once again be a joyous synergy and training intensive.

Daily immersion in Aikido catalyzes deep learning and strengthens a sense of community with others sharing the experience. Training begins at 7:00 am (10:30 on Thursday) and continues throughout each day, and Thursday and Friday evenings. There is also comfortable seating for observing classes. Features of this year’s Retreat include:

• Special classes for newer students and for black belts.

• A special class for 4th dan and above.

• The invigorating Misogi Purification Practice at the beach on Sunday morning.

The intention of the Santa Cruz Retreat is to be a full four-day Aikido intensive, which enables the transformative “magic” of the Retreat to build from start to finish. As such, there are just two options for participation: all four days (Thursday through Sunday noon), or, for those who need it, a weekend option (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday). Please note: there are no single-class or single-day attendance options! We invite you to invest this uninterrupted time in your Aikido practice.

The Retreat cost is $270 for the full Retreat, and $210 for the Weekend option, if you register by May 31.
After May 31, the cost will be $295 for the full Retreat and $235 for the Weekend option.
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There is a limited amount of financial aid available for those in need. Scholarships are available for those attending the full Retreat. Please click here to fill out the scholarship application form online. Scholarship applications must be received no later than June 1.

The Retreat scholarship fund is funded entirely by generous Retreat attendees. Please consider making a donation to help Aikidoists in need be able to attend the Retreat (on the Registration page). Aikido of Santa Cruz is a 501(c)-3 non-profit organizations, and donations are tax-deductible.

Click here to see a detailed schedule of classes for the Retreat.