A I K I D O
of North Georgia
About Us
Dojo Background
Aikido of North Georgia (ANG), is a Non-Profit/Volunteer Organization offering non-combative martial arts training to the North Georgia community since 2005. Through its association, Aikido & the Defensive Arts (ADA), the group also offers self defense training to both civilian and military individuals and groups.
Through its outreach efforts, ANG was contacted by various groups and individuals in the community seeking self defense training specifically, without the continuous study required for the martial arts. The dojo's association went through re-structuring in 2007 to accommodate the community’s need. Formerly Singer Ki-Aikido, the association restructured to incorporate Self-Defense program under its umbrella as Aikido & the Defensive Arts (ADA).
In 2001, Shihan Singer granted certification to form an Aikido dojo in North Georgia to Mr. Dapogny who studied under the direction of Sensei Hal Singer for over 10 years. The ANG dojo was created by former members of Ki-Aikido of North Georgia after it closed in 2005. Sensei Singer is the former Senior Instructor of the Virginia Ki-Society dojo, which is certified under the Ki No Kenkyukai Foundation, located in Japan. The Ki No Kenkyukai Foundation was established on September 16, 1971 in Japan, founded by Sensei Koichi Tohei, Senior Student of Morihei Ueshiba, existing today with approximately 200,000 members worldwide.
Tom Dapogny - Chief Instructor (2007 Dojo Collage)
Jonathan Sellars - Senior Instructor Gary Smith II Jeanne Nash
Dirk Mitchell Steve Riley Off-Site: Michelle Largent
Sensei Tom Dapogny, Chief Instructor of Aikido of North Georgia, began his Aikido training under Shihan Hal Singer in 1991 and acquired his initial Ki-Aikido teaching background at the Virginia Ki Society dojo. He was Senior instructor of the Ki-Aikido North Georgia Dojo from 2001 until its restructuring in 2005. His martial arts studies include Ki-Aikido, Iaido, Kendo, and Tai Chi. He continues teaching Tai Chi in the lineage of Cheng Man Ching in private classes and has developed a Tai Chi for Seniors program following the principles of that lineage. His self defense instruction training includes Singer Self Defense and RAD Systems instructor certification.
Sensei Hal Singer Sensei Singer with Koichi Tohei at Hombu Dojo, NY
Sensei Hal Singer Background
Shihan Singer, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo before he began his training in Aikido, studied Aikido under Imaizumi Sensei (direct student of Morihei Ueshiba), then Chief Instructor of the U.S. for Ki Society International. Master Singer's background, training, and discipline proved invaluable to the development of the Virgina Ki Society where he was the Senior Instructor for over 20 years. His skill and reputation led to his being regularly called upon to conduct self-defense training seminars for the State Department and other Government agencies. After his tenure as Senior Instructor of VKS, Sensei Singer continued the development of the art by formally bringing his style of Aikido and self defense to the martial arts community in Northern Virginia.
ADA - Aikido & the Defensive Arts Association
See Self Defense Classes on the Classes page for a description of our offerings.
