About Us
Transform Your Life
We aim for you to grasp both the ‘why and how’ in your training. Understanding the ‘why’ behind a technique develops a more instinctive reflex and becomes a natural part of you, instead of just memorizing it.
We are dedicated to guiding and supporting you every step of the way, resulting in profound changes that will enrich every facet of your life.
Strengthen Body & Mind
Train With Understanding
Grow Beyond the Mat
Our Dojo
guarantees professional instruction of the highest caliber. North Shore Aikido is a clean, beautiful and spacious 4,000 sq. ft. dojo. We prioritize the health and safety of our members by maintaining a pristine environment through diligent cleaning and sanitizing. Hand sanitizing stations are also conveniently located. Beyond the physical space, North Shore Aikido embraces a set of core values that transcends mere training. We’re not just a dojo; we’re a family of members who together support and encourage each other on our individual paths of training.
Safe & Welcoming Environment
Respect & Community
Professional Instruction
Family
Together, we celebrate achievements, overcome challenges, and inspire each other to reach new heights. We have fun training together and form lasting connections and friendships that extend beyond the training.
Welcoming & Inclusive
Support & Encouragement
Grow Together
Torashinkan Dojo, LLC dba North Shore Aikido was started in 2012 by Joshua Weiser Sensei, 5th Dan Aikikai
“Why study martial arts? A true martial artist does not practice to only defeat others. They practice to defeat the enemies inside themselves, the enemies we all have. We forge our life into something beautiful, something helpful to the world. Peace is not just a word or idea. Strength, bravery and compassion are things we have embodied. They are what we all must become.”
Fumio Toyoda Shihan
the founder of the Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International
Stephen Tatsuo Toyoda Sensei, 6th Dan Aikikai, is the current President and Chief Instructor of the Aikido Association of America (AAA) and Executive Director of the Aikido Association International (AAI).
Chief Instructor
Josh Weiser
7th degree black belt
Chief Instructor | Owner | Shihan
45+ years experience
Glenn’s Journey spans over four decades:
- Aikido Instructor:
- Glenn began Aikido training in 1979 at the Midwest Aikido Center in Chicago under the instruction of Akira Tohei, 8th Dan, and later, Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th Dan, both direct disciples of the Aikido founder.
- Established North Shore Aikido in 1996 after relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona.
- In 2017, Yamada Sensei honored Glenn with the title of Shihan, a revered designation of an instructor with profound teaching expertise and proficiency.
- In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of 7th degree black belt, acknowledging over 40 years of dedication and skill.
- Physical Therapist:
- Graduated from Chicago Medical School in 1992.
- Specializes in athletic performance and sports injury rehabilitation.
- Personal Protection Expert:
- Glenn specializes in safeguarding high-profile clients from the music and entertainment industry.
- His clientele includes renowned names such as Linkin Park, Stone Temple Pilots, Rob Thomas, Kevin Costner, and George Lopez, among others.
Assistant Instructors
Giorgio Mariani
5th degree black belt
34+ years experience
Giorgio is an electrical engineer working on microelectronic chip design. He started his martial arts training in Europe…
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Stuart Pieloch
3rd degree black belt
28+ years experience
Stuart moved his family to Arizona in 2013, and he has been studying at North Shore Aikido under Josh Weiser…
Tal Yardeni
3rd degree black belt
28+ years experience
Tal began his Aikido training in 1996 at Central Illinois Aikikai, affiliated with Akira Tohei Shihan, …
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Mike Jones
2nd degree black belt
18+ years experience
Mike has been learning martial arts since he was a teenager in the 70’s, studying Limalama…
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Ira M. Schwartz
1st degree black belt
21+ years experience
Ira began studying Aikido in 2003 and currently holds the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt). Prior to …
Reviews
★★★★★
A very welcoming community. I joined a year ago and have been coming since. If you are new to Aikido, you can find here a group of Aikidoka that are open to
teaching you. If you are advanced, you will find many black belts to train with. The chief instructor, Brooks Sensei, is a great, devoted teacher who truly cares
about his students. Also, the dojo is large and it has AC!
★★★★★
My cousin has been coming here for over a year and I've observed several classes. Everyone is super friendly, welcoming, and are very happy to take the time to
help beginners and cater to all skill and fitness levels. The atmosphere is one of respect, compassion, hard work, and friendly humor.
They've really helped my cousin build her confidence, and her skills and strength have improved exponentially in a short period of time. They have you work on
different techniques against several partners in each lesson, so there's never a shortage of variation and action. There is also no shortage of passionate and
knowledgeable people with whom to connect, learn, and practice.
Seeing my cousin's experience there, her deep love for it and her happiness with herself, I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in taking up Aikido
or any traditional martial arts.
★★★★★
I've had the distinct opportunity to know Instructor Josh Weiser both personally and professionally for over 15 years.
When called-upon, Glenn has provided 'Personal Protection' and 'Personal Affairs Management' for my VIP Clients, some of whom are recognized as international icons in their field...
When called-upon, Glenn has provided 'Personal Protection' and 'Personal Affairs Management' for my VIP Clients, some of whom are recognized as international icons in their field...
Additionally, in my work with the 'US Department of Defense (DOD)' I've enlisted Glenn's team at AoS to prepare me personally in the area of martial arts for tactical operations in hostile zones throughout the world.
Personally, Glenn has become a true friend and mentor of which I cannot imagine facing any situation, personal or professional, without him at my side.
Onward, Upward, Always, Together with Josh Weiser and North Shore Aikido!
★★★★★
Come and see a class for yourself what a special place this really is. I give my highest compliments of Sensei Brooks and the incredibly positive
experience provided by this dojo and all the students involved. You would be hard pressed to find a better group of people, dojo, Sensei, or martial
art to study. Becoming a student at North Shore Aikido is one of the best decisions I have ever made and one I am happy to share with my son who
is also a student.
★★★★★
This dojo is excellent. The community, instruction, and atmosphere are all fully committed to welcoming growth, development, and success--physical, mental, and emotional. Arigato.
★★★★★
I have been to many Aikido schools, and this is without a doubt the best school I have attended. Brooks Shihan is a 7th Degree Black Belt with over 40 years of experience in the art.
His classes are both serious and fun, and he has the ability to make the more difficult aspects of Aikido accessible to the new learner. The students and teachers are friendly and
welcoming, and I look forward to training every time I go there.
★★★★★
My children have been in the youth class for almost a year. It has been satisfying to see their skills and confidence grow. Aikido is a great way for them to
move their bodies and learn self-defense with big smiles on their faces.
One of the things I appreciate most about North Shore Aikido is how the older students and adults will assist in the youth classes. This mentorship encourages
young students to continue in their training and promotes a family atmosphere.
Senpais Stu and Tal do a great job with the little kids.
★★★★★
Excellent instruction from Sensei Brooks - Passionate about Aikido and sharing his 42 years of experience. Outstanding instruction for a strong body, strong mind, strong character.
Kids classes are so wonderful. Instructors teach life skills that are priceless to any child! This dojo is a special group of people that is caring and kind, who work together to
be the best each can be.
★★★★★
Traditional Aikido school. Excellent instructor - great community - fantastic dojo.
★★★★★
Excellent dojo. Amazing teachers who are passionate about teaching even for beginners. Traveled the country for work and got to visit many dojos, this is
definitely one of my favorites 😊 very great community!
★★★★★
I really appreciate Aikido Dojo Sen Sai for allowing my cousin and I watch a session and get familiar with Dojo and style of teaching that is happening with North Shore Aikido. One aspect of the teaching strikes me the most is how serious and fun sessions are. Mid and Advanced Students help entry level students. Dojo is very welcoming and a lot of techniques make emphasis on precision and detail. I would recommend anyone who would like to improve their well being and different aspects of their lives.
★★★★★
North Shore Aikido is an excellent dojo. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the Sensei has decades of martial arts experience, which is displayed through his simple yet effective teaching methodology. I highly recommend for anyone interested in developing themselves physically and mentally and/or experiencing the art of Aikido.
★★★★★
Very warm and welcoming Dojo. Excellent new Aikido Dojo. Chief Instructor has decades of Teaching and training experience and it shows in how he conducts class.
Positive Professionalism
Positive Professionalism
★★★★★
Great place with great instructor and students.
★★★★★
North Shore Aikido has a supportive and nurturing environment for all levels of students. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced Aikidoka you will find the instruction here is top-notch.
The sensei is highly advanced, patient and passionate about Aikido. The classes are well-structured, challenging and always interesting.
Fellow students are friendly, encouraging and respectful, so you will look forward to your next class. The dojo has regular seminars and special events with guest instructors which are further opportunities to learn and grow. North Shore Aikido is not just a martial arts school but a place to develop body, mind and spirit. It is a truly outstanding dojo to advance in a beautiful art of Aikido.
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★★★★★
This is a great place to train!
★★★★★
Weiser Sensei is a fabulous teacher! The students are always friendly and inviting. I look forward to every opportunity that I have to train at that dojo!
★★★★★
Involved with aikido for over 20 years ,North Shore Aikido is a great dojo to train,terrific instructor and clean, aikido is for all
★★★★★
Excellent teacher. Explains and demonstrates technique so it can be understood and followed. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn Aikido.
Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
★★★★★
Excellent instructor, provides constructive feedback to help you improve your skills.
Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
★★★★★
Josh is a great Sensei. I have always enjoyed working with him. Very patient and explains things very well.
Positive Communication, Professionalism
Positive Communication, Professionalism
★★★★★
Excellent instructor who takes the time to educate and help his students understand the multiple dimensions of Aikido.
Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value
★★★★★
I'm a student at Torashinkan Dojo and enjoy taking classes there. Weiser Sensei is an excellent instructor and takes the utmost care in implementing safety measures to make sure that everyone enjoys learning Aikido.
Positive Communication, Quality
Positive Communication, Quality
