Aikido training at Sarpy Aikido

About Sarpy Aikido

Effective Self-Defense for the Omaha Community

Since 1998, we've taught self-defense skills that work in real confrontations. We honor traditional aikido principles while preparing students for modern threats—including attackers trained in MMA, BJJ, or striking arts.

Our Training Philosophy

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Structure

Effective technique starts with proper body structure. We drill fundamentals until they become instinct—your stance, posture, and movement must be solid before anything else works. Structure creates power without relying on strength.

Adaptation

Real attacks don't follow scripts. We train you to adapt techniques to any situation—different body types, various attack angles, and opponents who fight back. The principles remain constant; the application is fluid.

Pressure Testing

A technique only works if it works against resistance. We progressively increase intensity so you know your skills are real—not theoretical. Honest feedback and controlled sparring separate combat aikido from demonstration arts.

Meet Our Aikido Instructors

Sensei Jeff Christianam demonstrating Aikido technique
Head Instructor

Sensei Jeff Christianam

Head Instructor & Dojo Leader
Aikido of Hawaii International Since 2020

Sensei Jeff Christianam assumed leadership of Sarpy Aikido in 2020, continuing the legacy established by his father, Sensei Ron Christianam, who founded the dojo in 1998 after training under Robert Kubo Shihan in Hawaii. This direct lineage to O-Sensei through Aikido of Hawaii International ensures students receive authentic instruction rooted in genuine tradition.

Read More About Sensei Jeff

His teaching style emphasizes practical application and pressure-tested technique. Sensei Jeff believes that aikido training should prepare you for real confrontations—not just look good in demonstrations. Every technique must work against resistance before it's considered learned.

Teaching Philosophy:

"We don't train to fight—we train to end fights. The goal is control: neutralizing aggression without unnecessary harm. Against a trained fighter or street attacker, the principles are the same."

Areas of Focus:

  • Combat-effective technique against resisting opponents
  • Weapons defense (knife, stick, improvised weapons)
  • Multiple attacker scenarios and positioning
  • Integration with modern martial arts
  • De-escalation and situational awareness

Our Training Community

At Sarpy Aikido, everyone contributes to each other's development. Training with different body types, skill levels, and approaches makes your technique more adaptable. We push each other to improve while maintaining a safe, respectful environment.

Diverse Training Partners

Train with different sizes, strengths, and skill levels to test adaptability

Progressive Challenge

Senior students provide appropriate resistance to develop real skill

Honest Feedback

We tell you what works and what doesn't—no false confidence

Our History

1998

Aikido Comes to La Vista

Sensei Ron Christianam founded Sarpy Aikido after training under Robert Kubo Shihan in Hawaii—establishing the first traditional aikido dojo in La Vista and creating a hub for martial arts training in the Midwest.

2020

A New Generation

Sensei Jeff Christianam assumed leadership, continuing his father's legacy while refining the curriculum for modern self-defense applications.

Today

25+ Years Serving Omaha

Sarpy Aikido continues to serve La Vista and greater Omaha with practical aikido training that prepares students for real confrontations.

What to Expect

Your First Class

No experience required. We start with fundamentals—proper stance, basic movements, and falling safely. You'll train at your own pace while learning alongside more experienced students.

Safe, Progressive Training

We push boundaries within controlled parameters. Intensity increases gradually as your skills develop. Smart training means you can keep training—no unnecessary injuries.

Mutual Respect

We respect our training partners by giving honest resistance—and by tapping when caught. This mutual trust enables the serious training that builds real skill.

Start Training Today

Ready to learn practical self-defense? Visit our dojo and see what makes Sarpy Aikido different. Whether you're new to martial arts or cross-training from another discipline, we'll help you develop skills that work in the real world.

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