Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky

For individuals and families across North Carolina seeking a unique path to physical well-being, mental clarity, and personal growth, Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky in Hillsborough stands as an exceptional destination. This martial arts dojo, affectionately known as Open Sky Aikikai, offers authentic training in two profound disciplines: Aikido, a Japanese martial art famed for its peaceful philosophy, and Chen Style Tai Chi, a deeply internal Chinese study. More than just a place to learn movements, Open Sky fosters a community dedicated to cultivating inner awareness, sensitivity to others, and a holistic approach to self-improvement.

The essence of training at Open Sky is captured by its focus on non-violent martial arts. While both Aikido and Tai Chi offer significant physical and mental benefits, the emphasis here is on harmonizing with an opponent's energy, rather than meeting force with force. This approach provides a transformative experience, promoting balance, flexibility, and coordination while simultaneously reducing stress and improving mental well-being. As one satisfied student shared, "Open Sky Aikikai has been a great place to train. They're affiliated (USAF) United States Aikido Federation. The student, sempai, and sensei have been amazing and friendly. The instructors are very knowledgeable and recommend anyone wanting to practice aikido this is the place. The dojo is a beautiful place." This highlights the welcoming atmosphere and the quality of instruction.

The leadership at Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky is truly a highlight. The chief instructor, Steve Kaufmann, Shihan (master teacher), holds a 7th-degree black belt in Aikido and has over 40 years of practice and teaching experience in both Aikido and Tai Chi. He is a licensed master Aikido teacher in the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), an affiliation that links Open Sky to the world headquarters of Aikido in Tokyo, Japan. Steve Sensei’s expertise extends to Chen-style Tai Chi, having trained extensively with Grand Master Wang Hai Jun. His background, combined with years of public school teaching, gives him unique insight into creating a positive learning environment where students can grasp how to peacefully handle aggression. This dedication to insightful teaching fosters a relaxed yet focused setting for both adults and children.

It is important for prospective students to understand the nature of the training. As one insightful reviewer noted, "This is a great school for aikido training. With that being said, it is a great art form similarly to tai chi... It is not a self defense system." While the reviewer goes on to state that for "true 'self defense'" they would recommend Krav Maga, they also affirm that "If you're looking for true Aikido as a 'martial art' use open sky aikido. The instructors are great and very knowledgeable." This distinction is crucial: Open Sky is dedicated to the martial arts as a path of self-development and internal mastery, focusing on cooperative training, blending with energy, and refining wisdom and self-control. It's a journey of physical and spiritual transformation, building resilience, adaptability, and an embodied confidence in one's integrity.

Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky is conveniently located at 131 Boone Sq St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA. This address places the dojo in a highly accessible part of Hillsborough, making it an ideal destination for residents throughout the town and the wider Triangle area of North Carolina, including nearby Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Mebane, and Efland. The studio is situated near major roadways such as I-85 (Exit 164) and I-40 (Exit 261, just five minutes away), ensuring a straightforward commute for students from various communities. Adequate parking is typically available in the vicinity, adding to the convenience for those attending classes. Its location within the historic town of Hillsborough provides a tranquil yet accessible setting for focused martial arts training, making it a viable and attractive option for individuals seeking quality instruction in Aikido and Tai Chi.

• Adult Aikido Classes: Comprehensive daily instruction in Aikido, focusing on non-resistance, centrifugal force, centered balance, timing, and self-confidence. Classes are available six days a week for active adults and teens.
• Children's Aikido Program: Specialized classes for younger students, including programs for 5 and 6-year-olds, school-aged children, and homeschoolers.
• Tai Chi Classes (Chen Style): Instruction in the slower-paced, deeply internal study of Tai Chi, enhancing energy, efficiency in sports, joint flexibility, balance, and mental well-being. Classes are typically held multiple days a week.
• Aikido Weapons Classes: Frequently offered and integrated into classes, providing training in traditional Japanese weapons.
• Cooperative Training Environment: Classes emphasize working with partners to learn techniques, with each person participating as both attacker and defender, ensuring a safe and supportive learning experience.
• Ukemi (Falling Safely) Training: Essential instruction on how to fall and roll out of harm's way, a core component of Aikido practice.
• Testing and Rank Advancement: As an accredited member of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), Open Sky follows standard test requirements for rank promotion, with certifications accepted globally.
• Seminars with Guest Masters: Opportunities to train with renowned masters, such as Grand Master Wang Hai Jun for Chen Style Tai Chi.
• Flexible Schedule: Students can often make their own schedule with classes available nearly every day of the week under a single monthly fee.

• Highly Experienced Chief Instructor: Led by Steve Kaufmann, Shihan, a 7th-degree black belt in Aikido and a long-time student of Tai Chi with over 40 years of practice and teaching, including at Duke University.
• Authentic Affiliation: Fully accredited member of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), which is affiliated with Hombu Aikido Dojo, the world headquarters of Aikido in Tokyo, Japan, ensuring adherence to high standards.
• Dual Martial Arts Focus: Offers comprehensive training in both Japanese Aikido and Chinese Chen Style Tai Chi, providing a unique blend of internal and external martial arts disciplines.
• Holistic Development: Emphasizes cultivating inner awareness, sensitivity to others, self-defense ability (through blending with force), relaxed power, and health, rather than relying solely on muscular strength.
• Non-Competitive Environment: Aikido training at Open Sky is cooperative and non-competitive, fostering a supportive community where students learn and grow together.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The dojo is described as a "beautiful place" with "amazing and friendly" students, sempai (senior students), and sensei (instructors), welcoming individuals of all ages.
• Emphasis on Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Aikido principles teach how to effectively handle aggression by blending with and redirecting an attacker's force in a non-lethal, non-disruptive manner.
• Physical and Mental Benefits: Both Aikido and Tai Chi classes are excellent for improving joint flexibility, balance, coordination, mental well-being, and stress reduction.
• Renowned Guest Instructors: Fortunate to host internationally recognized masters like Grand Master Wang Hai Jun for Chen Style Tai Chi seminars.

Address: 131 Boone Sq St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA

Phone: (919) 732-9962

Mobile Phone: +1 919-732-9962

For residents across North Carolina, especially those in Hillsborough and the surrounding communities of the Triangle, Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky offers a truly distinctive and valuable opportunity for personal development and physical well-being. Its convenient location at 131 Boone Sq St in Hillsborough, with easy access from major interstates, makes it a practical and accessible choice for individuals and families alike. However, the profound suitability of Open Sky for locals extends far beyond mere geographical convenience.

This dojo provides authentic instruction in two respected martial arts, Aikido and Chen Style Tai Chi, under the guidance of Steve Kaufmann, Shihan, an instructor with decades of experience and a high level of accreditation within the United States Aikido Federation. This ensures that locals are receiving top-tier training that is globally recognized. More importantly, Open Sky fosters a unique learning environment that prioritizes holistic growth: it's not just about physical techniques, but also about cultivating inner awareness, mental clarity, and a peaceful approach to conflict. The welcoming, friendly, and cooperative atmosphere, as consistently praised by students, ensures that individuals of all ages and abilities feel supported and empowered on their journey. For those in North Carolina seeking a martial arts practice that emphasizes self-improvement, mindfulness, and a strong sense of community, rather than purely competitive combat, Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky is an exceptional and highly recommended local resource.

Aikido & Tai Chi At Open Sky

131 Boone Sq St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, USA