Our History

October, 1998

Cedar River Aikikai was founded by Larry Mendenhall (Shodan) as a satellite dojo of the University of Iowa Aikikai. Classes began in the old downtown YMCA on 1st Street then moved to the Sokol Building in the Spring of 1999.

January, 2001

The dojo changed affiliation from the Midwest Aikido Federation to the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and became an extension of Aikido of Madison, headed by John Stone Sensei and Robin Cooper Sensei (Rokudan).

June, 2006

Larry relocated to Des Moines, Iowa. Dave Siefer (2nd kyu) and Andrew Siefer (2nd kyu) took responsibility for running the club, with oversight and advanced training still provided by Stone Sensei and Robin Sensei.

February, 2009

Dave and Andrew Siefer both promoted to 1st kyu by Stone Sensei and Robin Sensei.

May, 2012

Dave and Andrew Siefer both promoted to Shodan by Stone Sensei and Robin Sensei.

January, 2013

Cedar River Aikikai moved to our new permanent location downtown at the Town Centre Building.