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| Inside Albany Aiki Muteshokai Dojo |
I would humbly like to invite you into the world of traditional Japanese martial arts with a combination of traditional and progressive teaching methods. For me it has been the most challenging and fulfilling artistic journey of my life.
We are a newly forming group (September 2021) in Albany Oregon. The dojo is at a private residence on Knox Butte (email for details thedragonsorb@gmail.com) We train primarily in progressive non-sports Tomiki lineage Aikido, Judo, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, TaiChi pushhands and knife training. Systema based drills are also a a part of our training now. Basically, we train in soft, technical martial arts. We train safely, pragmatically, ethically and in good humor. While we respect Japanese influences we do not overly embrace the ritual culture. We respect diversity and work with physical limitations of each student to design a study that is appropriate for their abilities.
There is another Aikido group in town as well. Lovely folks. check them out also. Aikido of Albany Aikido of Albany people are always welcome at the Muteshokai.
The class is taught by Eric Pearson. Largely Eric cares little for ranks and the ranking game. When searching for a teacher remember ranks are largely political ties. Go see a group and teacher for yourself to decide. Eric sees himself as just a student who trains with his friends.
Different organizations and teachers have ranked him as following -
Aikido - Although aikido is just one art form, different organizations have presented Eric with varying grading or ranks. He holds a rokudan, 6th degree, in Tomiki lineage Aikido from The Kaze Uta Budo Kai. He has received a 5th dan in Aikido from his long time teacher Russell Waddell, and a 2nd degree in Aikido from the American Tomiki Aikido Association. Take your pick.
Despite the impressive looking pedigree his Shiho Nage technique still sucks. He is working on it.
Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu He also has an associate instructor rank in from the Shofukan (formally affiliated with Renshinkan) under Ota Ikou Sensei when he trained for three years in Numata, Japan. He periodically studies with Howard Popkin sensei and Joe Brogna sensei, of the Ginjukai, to continue his study of Daito Ryu - though he holds no rank in their organization. Eric also has trained with Roy Goldberg of Kodokai Daito Ryu. He has been fortunate to train with Ole Kingston, and Toshiharu. He is friends with Houston Daito Ryu club.
Judo He is continuing his education in Judo and has received a sandan (3rd degree) grade under Zdenek Matl for his time teaching and spreading the art of Judo. Nick Lowry has also granted him a sandan. This is a club ranking, and NOT a international sport judo-USJA or USJF ranking. Eric developed a judo team focused on students who are blind from 2015-2020 at the Texas School for the Blind. Some of the students went to the judo nationals and tried out for paralympics. Sadly though, he quit the School for the Blind to move to Oregon. He trained in Japan from 2000-2003.
His teaching practice is named the Muteshokai. Although until recently based in Austin, Texas he frequently travels and gives workshops in the Dallas area, Little Rock, Seattle and Oklahoma. He know lives in Albany, Oregon. Students and teachers from many local dojos gather with Eric in Albany to share techniques and friendship.
Here are some clips of him training. If it looks like you would enjoy practicing like this join us. If not there are lots of schools in Oregon that can meet your needs.
email - thedragonsorb@gmail.com
Eric continues his journey under the patience, watchful eyes and good humors of many Aikido, Judo and Jujutsu teachers. While he does not get to train with them as often as he would like, but he thanks Russell Waddell, Brendan Hussey, Zdenek Matl, Nick Lowry, Roy Goldberg, George Ledyard, Corky Quakenbush, Cory Juhl, Leslie Libby, Jack Bieler, Jason Mix and Howard Popkin for their teachings, help and friendship. Arseniy Grebnov and Gene Smithson influenced by introducing him to Systema concepts which he continues to explore everyday of his life. He is eternally grateful to Ikuo Ota sensei and Master Man H. Han for their teachings and influence.
Also he could not do it without his best friends and closest teachers. A million thanks to Scooter Holiday, Michael Chihal, Matthew Howell and Thomas Daniel for being the backbone.
Also he could not do it without his best friends and closest teachers. A million thanks to Scooter Holiday, Michael Chihal, Matthew Howell and Thomas Daniel for being the backbone.