Aiki Institute Of Spokane

Chief Instructor

Chief instructor Roshinkan Aikido Dojo- James Landry began his practice of Aikido in 1986. He studied with instructors in Seattle and Spokane before being accepted as uchi deshi to Toyoda Shihan and moving to Chicago to pursue his goal of being a professional Aikido instructor. Mr. Landry remained in the Chicago area after the death of Toyoda Shihan where he continued his studies under Sato Sensei and Menning Sensei. While teaching over 20 classes a week at Onshinkan dojo and Purdue University’s Calumet campus Mr. Landry continued to develop his teaching style and understanding of Aikido with students of all ages and abilities.  Mr. Landry holds the title Shidoin and the rank of yondan Aikikai.

Off the mat Mr. Landry developed programs that bring Aikido principles to the larger community. His work included; the “Dynamic Peace” program of conflict management, experiential group work with youth diagnosed with mental health problems, leadership training with the Creative Youth Leadership Camps of Buffalo NY, and safety and awareness training for social workers and others in high risk occupations.

Upon returning to Spokane, Mr. Landry continued to train in and teach Aikido at Roshinkan Aikido dojo while working in the social service industry serving the very poor and homeless of Spokane. Currently Mr. Landry devotes his full time and energy to teaching Aikido in the community and as the director of the Aiki Institute of Spokane, developing and implementing programs that support the principles of Aikido throughout the region.

Jyoshue (Certified Assistant to the Instructor)

Mary Tracey, currently ranked shodan, started her training under Roger Mosconi sensei in 2005.  Mary’s training began in an effort to protect herself without harming her attackers which in her day job were mostly people affected by mental illness or chemical dependency issues. This quest continues, on most evenings you will find Mary on the mat training and sharing her energy and compassion with her fellow students.  In addition to assisting in class Mary leads the “Shikko Masters”, our 6-8 year old Aikido students.  Bringing the spirit of Aikido to young children is an interesting challenge that Mary meets with creativity and enthusiasm.