Calligraphy by Mitsugi Saotome; Artwork courtesy of Troy Farrow
Winter Intensive: Jan 6 -10, 2027
Greetings, Aikidoka!
You are warmly invited to join us for the ASU Winter Intensive 2027, held at the beautiful Sirata Beach Resort from January 6–10, 2027.
Begin the new year in the spirit of training and connection alongside Mitsugi Saotome Shihan, Kimberly Richardson Sensei (7th Dan), and Gary Small Shihan (6th Dan), joined by fellow aikido practitioners and friends from across the community. The theme given by Saotome Sensei for Winter Intensive 2027 is kokoro no gamae – posture of the heart & mind.
The ASU Winter Intensive offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class instruction, deepen your practice, and connect with aikidoka from a wide range of dojos and affiliations—all set against the stunning backdrop of St. Pete Beach and its renowned sugar-white sands. 🌊 🏖️
Come train, share, and start the year with purpose and inspiration.
We look forward to seeing you on the mat!
WI2027 Important Deadlines
Important Deadline Dates
Grant Applications: Monday, November 30, 2026. If you are planning to apply for financial assistance, please be sure to submit your application by the deadline. Both the student application and the instructor support form are on the ASU Grant Program page.
- Early Camp Registration: Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Take advantage of early registration and secure your place at WI 2027.
Register for Winter Intensive 2027
Don’t Wait to Reserve Your Room!
We also strongly encourage you to make your hotel reservation as soon as possible. We are hearing that rooms are filling quickly, so please do not wait until the last minute to secure your accommodations.
The Sirata Beach Resort has established a special room block for our group under the name “Aikido Schools of Ueshiba 2027 Room Block”.
Reserve your room at the Sirata Beach Resort
And There’s More: Dinner on the Beach!
One of the highlights of WI 2027 will be our Dinner Banquet, an outdoor dinner party right on the beach.
Join us under the Coconut Tent Pavilion for an Island Buffet, great food, good company, music, and a beautiful evening together at the beach.
Be sure to purchase your banquet tickets when you register for camp.Banquet tickets must be purchased by December 19, 2026.
We Hope You’ll Join Us!
Winter Intensive is more than a week of exceptional Aikido training. It is an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet fellow practitioners, deepen your practice, and share in the unique community that makes this event so special.
Register early. Reserve your room. And get ready for Winter Intensive 2027!
We look forward to seeing you on the beach.
Grants are intended to assist ASU members in good standing who might otherwise find it difficult to attend Winter Intensive. Information and application forms (so you can be prepared for next year) are found at: https://asu.org/asu-grant-program/