Israel

Mt. Scopus Dojo is probably the first Aikido dojo established in Israel. The Dojo's tradition begun in 1979, by Robin, J, Heifetz, from Seidokan Hombu Dojo (Headquarters) in LA. Heifetz Sensei, who then held the rank of Nidan (Second Degree black belt), had made Aliah (immigration to Israel), and lived in the near by neighborhood of the French Hill. Heifetz Sensei began teaching musicology at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. Among some, he was known as the Three Ms person: first, he was a Martial Artist; then, he was also a Musician and composer, holding a PhD in musicology (digital and experimental); lastly—the third M—Heifetz Sensei was a certified Magician, member of the American Magicians Association. After a period of some six years, during which Heifetz Sensei established a vibrant dojo at the Mt. Scopus campus, with many devoted practitioners, Heifetz Sensei left back to the USA. He later returned for two short seminars.

The dojo was later headed by Ron Havilio Sensei, and later by Naftali Shimron Sensei. Since 2002 it is headed by Chaim Noy Sensei.

At our dojo we train in the Seidokan Aikido style, which emphasizes soft, safe and smaller movements, and this results in round and powerful motion and blending (Aiki). Training is done in a friendly environment, while understanding that the knowledge and techniques of the dojo are shared among the whole community, and are not solely owned by the teachers. The aim is to create conditions of mutual acknowledgement and respect, which are at the heart of the art we practice.