About Two Cranes
The Two Cranes Community
The Two Cranes community is a dynamic and inclusive group of more than 150 children, teens, and adults. This is our family—our partners in the study of martial awareness and spiritual balance. Aikido practice cultures and requires trust, and thus builds a strong community spirit. We depend on each other to remain physically and emotionally safe. This develops strong bonds of friendship, shared purpose, and mutual support, and provides a fertile environment to practice compassion and equanimity.
As our practice at Two Cranes has evolved, so too has our dojo culture. Our members come from all over town and share their talent and curiosity, on and off the mat. The community provides not just training, but affords its members a way to share the joys and challenges of everyday life in a safe and respectful manner. Each of our students has contributed towards making our school a creative and vibrant learning environment.
History of Two Cranes
Two Cranes Aikido opened its doors in the Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle on October 1, 1995. Aikido’s expansive movements and rolls, seen through the dojo’s windows, often caught the eye of curious passersby. We grew in capacity and diversity as a training group, but we didn't know what to call ourselves.
Several months later, during our open house, someone brought a red enamel gift box with two cranes on the lid. In Japan, cranes are associated with peace and fidelity. Mating for life, they are considered by many to be the bird of happiness. The powerful wings of the crane enable them to fly between heavenly worlds and take people to higher levels of spiritual consciousness. We decided that if we honored these birds as our namesake, we would be guided in the right direction.
In 2006, Two Cranes relocated to the Maple Leaf neighborhood, a few short miles from our original school. Our new dojo was blessed with a larger space, high ceilings, new mats and bamboo floors. The 4,000 square feet is a sacred space that invites tranquility, earnest learning and spiritual renewal. The calligraphies on the wall inspire us to maintain our focus, cultivate a sense of relaxation and curiosity for life, and create inspiration.