Albuquerque Iwama Aikido is a group of new and experienced aikido practitioners or aikidōkas in the Albuquerque area led by Sensei Paul Barrett, Nicholas Johnson and Patrick Hudson.
This program was originally founded by affiliated instructor Paul Barrett Sensei who started an Aikido program at the University of New Mexico first as an aikido club and then as a class offered through the Johnson Center's Works program. In 2018, Albuquerque Iwama Aikido moved off campus and into its own space. Offering additional instruction in Karate, Tai Chi, and other active arts, the organization took on the umbrella name of Duke City Dojo. Information about previous affiliated instructors for Duke City Dojo can be found here.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic the dojo decided to close its physical location and practice in parks an d public spaces as the weather and regulations permitted. We moved into our new physical location at 435 Adams St SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108 in August of 2021. We offer self defense instruction to the Albuquerque community in the future. Although focusing on Iwama Aikido at this time, we welcome aikidōka from any Aikido tradition as well as those without experience but wish to learn about Aikido and begin practicing. Our aikido program is part of the of the Takemusu Aikido Association.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Current members also have access to the Active Arts at Duke City Dojo Discord.
At Albuquerque Iwama Aikido we take the protection of our students, children and adults, very seriously. We conduct criminal background checks on all our instructors and assistant instructors. Furthermore, they are all required to complete SafeSport™ training. This is the same training used by US Olympic and Paralympic Organizations among others.
For more information on SafeSport™ training visit
https://uscenterforsafesport.org/training-and-education/safesport-courses-for-all/