Aiki Budo of Denver
About
Aiki Budo of Denver offers training in MMA and karate disciplines, led by a team of experienced instructors with diverse martial arts backgrounds. Chief Instructor Bruce Heckathorn, a 6th degree black belt in Aikido and creator of Sekkin Sen Kenjutsu, heads the instruction alongside assistant instructors including Vimesh Patel, Eric Laverdiere, and Luis Rodriguez-Rullan, all holding black belt ranks in Aikido and other martial arts. The coaching style emphasizes practical movement, body structure, and breath work, creating a comprehensive training environment that addresses both physical technique and mental development.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the quality of instruction, particularly highlighting Sensei Bruce Heckathorn's focus on breath, body structure, and practical movement. Reviewers describe feeling better about themselves both as martial artists and as people after training sessions, noting improvements in both physical and mental health. The dojo atmosphere is repeatedly mentioned as welcoming and supportive, with both instructors and fellow students creating a positive training environment. Specific compliments include the beautiful training space, the unique training approach, and the patience and knowledge demonstrated by the instructional staff.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Kevin Beckman
a month ago
I have been going to this dojo for years. Sensei Heckathorn is amazing and every class has had me feel better about myself. Both as a person and a martial artist. Truly some unique training on offer here.
Hankth Stebbins
a month ago
The physical and mental health that I'm receiving from this dojo,the air and atmosphere.can only be matched by the knowledge and patience of my sensei and the other instructor's.
Jenn Carlson
9 months ago
I drop in and train at Aiki Budo at least a couple times a month. Beautiful space to train in Aikido. Bruce Heckathorn Sensei focuses on breath, body structure, and practical movement. Both sensei and students are welcoming and fun to train with!
Merrill Moon
6 years ago
Great place.try it out.
Paul W Douglas
2 years ago
Great place to study AIKIDO.
paymentsMembership
$120/mo
Contact
1787 S Broadway 2nd Floor, Denver, CO 80210, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:15 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 6:15 – 8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 7:45 – 9:30 AM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Vimesh Patel
Assistant Instructor (Fuku Shidoin)
Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Aikido, Shodan in Kenpo Karate
Started martial arts at 15. Studied Isshinryu, Goju-ryu, Kenpo Karate, Judo, Ninjitsu, Iaido. Holds multiple belt ranks across disciplines.
Eric Laverdiere
Assistant Instructor (Fuku Shidoin)
Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Aikido
Started Aikido in 2011. Also has ~7 years experience in Iaido, plus experience in Karate and Kendo.
Luis Rodriguez-Rullan
Assistant Instructor
Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Aikido
Started Aikido in 1999 under Charles Harney Sensei.
Bruce Heckathorn
Chief Instructor (Shidoin)
Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in Aikido, creator of Sekkin Sen Kenjutsu
Began Iwama-Ryu Aikido in mid-1990s. Student of Hiroshi Ikeda and Mitsugi Saotome. 40+ years martial arts experience including Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Ninjutsu, Systema, BJJ. USAF veteran.