Front Range Aikikai
About
Front Range Aikikai offers training in MMA and karate disciplines, led by a team of highly credentialed instructors. Chief Instructor T.S. Okuyama holds 7th Dan Aikido and 6th Dan Iaido ranks with Shihan grand master status, while instructors Dulcey Simpkins and Mike Heighway both hold 4th Dan ranks in Aikido and Iaido with Fuku-Shidoin certifications. This experienced coaching staff emphasizes correct technique, connection, and awareness in their teaching approach, providing structured training without shortcuts for students at all skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the incredible instructors who are highly skilled in both the art and teaching of Aikido. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere where instructors work excellently with all skill levels from beginners to advanced students. Specific instructors like Simpkins Sensei and Heighway Sensei receive direct praise for their sincere and committed study of Aikido over many years. Members appreciate the emphasis on correct technique, connection, and awareness rather than shortcuts, noting the dojo provides both physical training and mental clarity while fostering great friendships within the community.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Steven Finch
3 years ago
The instructors are incredible, and are highly skilled in the art and teaching of Aikido, I highly recommend! I am excited to be part of such a great community, and the great friendships I have already formed :)
Amanda Kooser
3 years ago
I greatly enjoyed my visit to the dojo. The instructors are experienced, welcoming and excellent at working with all skills levels from beginners to advanced students. I look forward to training more with the Front Range senseis and students!
Sean Gilliland
2 months ago
As someone with a long background in martial arts, I really appreciate the quality of instruction and the integrity of the training at Front Range Aikikai. The dojo emphasizes correct technique, connection, and awareness, not shortcuts. A solid place to train and grow in Aikido and weapons.
Steven Gould
3 years ago
I’ve trained with Simkins Sensei and Heighwey Sensei as fellow students for over 17 years and can testify to their sincere and committed study of Aikido. If you’re in the Denver Area and want to start or continue your study of aikido, I highly recommend these teachers.
Emily Wells
3 years ago
Aikido is a great physical activity that also provides spiritual and mental clarity. I have learned a lot from the teachers here.
Contact
226 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
T.S. Okuyama
Chief Instructor (affiliated grand master)
7th Dan Aikido, 6th Dan Iaido, Shihan (grand master)
Founder of Aikido Okuyama Juku. Over 45 years of Aikido study in the direct lineage of Morihei Ueshiba. Studied at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. Also a 6th Dan Iaido Shihan with over 35 years of study.
Dulcey Simpkins
Instructor
4th Dan Aikido, 4th Dan Iaido, Fuku-Shidoin
Started training in 1994 under Okuyama Sensei. Former kenshusei (instructor-in-training). Teaches in Denver and trains at Albuquerque Aikikai. Also a certified Rolfing practitioner.
Mike Heighway
Instructor
4th Dan Aikido, 4th Dan Iaido, Fuku-Shidoin
Began studying Aikido and Iaido at Albuquerque Aikikai under Okuyama Shihan in 2004. Moved to Denver in 2014. Continues advanced training in Albuquerque. Works as an art director.