Philosophy At the Aikido School of Self-Defense, our standard of excellence is held in high regard by all who train. We believe that hard work, coupled with discipline, will get the job done - regardless of the duty. We maintain a strict obligation to the Art by constantly seeking an advanced level of skill and remaining true to the ideals of the founder. Our search for value from training is attainable from a clear understanding of the Art and its intended purpose of developing compassionate, rational, coherent individuals that are mindful of their needs and the needs of others. (Classical budo discloses its meaning only to those who are dedicated and who exert their minds and bodies in rigorous training.) Each one of our students has a willingness to excel in life and see others excel as well. Life can be full of negativism. There are no negative aspects to the training regime, and there will never be any! We believe that if better is possible, good is not enough! The Warrior's Code of Ethics is earnestly maintained in our dojo! Fees Adult fee -- $90.00 per month Children -- $80.00 per month Uniform fee -- $40.00 (Only equipment needed. All other equipment is provided.) Membership fee -- $30.00 (One time only fee. Covers all belts and certificates.) Private lessons -- By appointment Iaido -- By appointment Lineage The father of Nihon Goshin Aikido was Morita Sensei. Richard Bowe Sensei studied under Morita while stationed in Hokkaido during the late fifties and is the only American to have ever received his Black Belt under Morita. Bowe Sensei opened his dojo in Guttenburg, NJ in September of 1963. Steven Weber Sensei began his training under Bowe in 1969 and in May of 1980 opened a dojo in Spartanburg, SC. Shihan Joe Beckham began his training on August 16, 1980 under Weber Sensei and opened the Greenville, SC dojo on March 22, 1985. After all these years Shihan Beckham continues to teach practical, effective, and efficient defensive strategies and techniques like no other martial art school in the Upstate. Through his experiences in Law Enforcement and Security, his clear understanding of attack and defense, his dedication to the Art, and his loyalty to his students Joe Beckham's style of teaching is unsurpassed in its realism and effectiveness. Shihan Beckham motivates his students to obtain a high level of skill in self defense as well as develop a refined technique in resolving conflict without physical contact. His students understand that the quality of your response is the key to effective conflict resolution. And conflict resolution is, after all, the heart of martial art training. Recently our students were asked the question, "Why did you choose this Dojo?". Click on the links below to see the responses. B. Gonzales, student A. Grubb, student C. Hardin, Shodan D. Ungefug, Shodan J. Pitts, student D. Pitts, student H. Gonzales, student J. Jeter, student A. Egan, student M. Black, student S. Joines, student Charlie B., student R. Gonzales, student C. Grubb, student S. Hutsell, student C. Spillers, student B. Jones, student