Why Aikido of Salt Lake Looks to São Paulo, Brazil!

Ever wonder why Aikido of Salt Lake is affiliated with the Maruyama Institute in São Paulo, Brazil? The answer lies in a decades-long connection!

Phillippe Sensei, who founded Aikido of Salt Lake, started training 35 years ago while living in São Paulo. His teacher was Roberto Nohiko Maruyama sensei. After training for about seven years and earning his black belt, the speaker moved to the United States for professional reasons, resulting in a temporary disconnection from his teacher.

Years later, they joyfully reconnected! The pivotal moment came when Maruyama sensei was awarded his seventh-degree black belt from Hombu Dojo. The speaker immediately invited him to Salt Lake to conduct their first international seminar.

Since then, Maruyama sensei has visited several times, providing seminars, support, growth, and inspiration, and helping set up the dojo affiliation. Training at Aikido of Salt Lake means you are connected to this great leader and an international history that spans thousands of miles, linking the dojo to Brazil. (The video notes that Maruyama’s ultimate background is Japanese, a topic for future discussion!)

This unique history means the dojo’s lineage is not just local, but part of a global, personal journey, much like a seasoned traveler sharing a beloved map with a new explorer.