The Vicksburg Aikikai (Aikido Center) is a not-for-profit group of Aikido
enthusiasts and volunteers who maintain the organization.  We formed in
January 2002.  The Vicksburg Aikikai welcomes mature individuals who
wish to practice earnestly.   

You are invited to watch class at any time, as well as take a one-to-one
lesson for free.  For the introductory lesson, please wear loose-fitting
clothing without a belt.  A gym suit or jeans and T-shirt are suitable, and
please remove jewelry prior to practice.  

For enrolled members, dues are $25/month, and we wear a standard white
or blue martial arts uniform.  

The Vicksburg Aikikai is a member of the U.S. Aikido Federation
(http://www.usaikifed.com).  The Aikido taught is the same style and spirit
as at Aikido Hombu Dojo (Aikido Headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan.

Our Teacher

Our teacher, Nicholas Kraus, studied Aikido and Aiki jo at Aikido Hombu
Dojo (Aikido Headquarters Dojo) in Tokyo for 7 years, attending regular
classes several times a day with many different Master teachers.  He also
took private lessons for more than 5 years with Seijuro Masuda Sensei, a
Master teacher who was an apprentice of O-Sensei.  While practicing at
Hombu Dojo, he taught Aikido to Japanese citizens and to foreigners at a
number of public gymnasiums, under the supervision of Masuda Sensei.  
Kraus Sensei received yon dan rank (fourth-degree black belt) at Hombu
Dojo.  Prior to going to Japan in 1973, he started practicing Aikido in
Buenos Aires Argentina in 1971.  In 1972, he established the first Aikido
Dojo in the state of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Aikido Club,
associated with the Midwest Aikido Center and the late master teacher
Akira Tohei.