Institute of Combat

HistoryAfter returning from Japan, Read Sensei opened Northcoast Aikido in 1977 with formal written sanction from Master Michio Hikitsuchi. Since then he has become known for his ability to teach the full variety of Aikido technique in a concise, clear, and powerful way. Both at Northcoast Aikido and in seminars throughout the country Read Sensei has spent the last 40 years teaching both practical technique, and a complete philosophical basis for power through non-resistance.SpecialtiesNorthcoast Aikido was founded in 1977 by J. Thomas Read Sensei with formal sanction from Master Michio Hikitsuchi, Read Sensei's primary teacher during the years he trained in Japan. Since its opening, Northcoast Aikido has gained a reputation as one of the oldest, one of the best, and one of the most unorthodox, Aikido dojos in the country. Read Sensei has always been committed to providing an environment dedicated to the study of the art of Aikido as it was taught to him. In doing so he has been widely recognized for his ability to teach Aikido technique in a concise, clear, and powerful way.