Open Sky Aikido, School of Martial Arts, in Hillsborough, NC is dedicated to promoting the development of the individual through whole body learning. Our family-friendly martial arts school has daily Aikido classes for kids - 5 through 7 year olds, school age children, home schoolers, and teens - daily adult aikido and tai chi programs for active adults.

Sensei Steve Kaufmann has taught Aikido since 1982. He was an elementary and middle-school teacher in public schools in California and North Carolina. His years of teaching in the school systems gives him insight into how to teach to people's different learning styles. Sensei Kaufmann presented many workshops in violence prevention for 6th grade teachers and their students in Durham Public Schools thruough a research program sponsored by Duke University and the Center for Disease Control. He presently teaches Aikido and Tai Chi at Duke University. Steve Kaufmann also teaches Aikido at the Central Park School for Children (CPSC). CPSC is raising children's awareness on preventing bullying. Aikido is a great vehicle for violence prevention.

Sensei Kaufmann's students excel and gain mastery in martial arts because he creates a relaxed group setting with clear boundaries. He creates the same relaxed yet disciplined environment in both childrens' and adults' classes. Kaufmann embodies Aikido through his clarity of movement and the way he is able to break down those movements. His simplicity and clarity and his centeredness bring a sense of safety and joy to the learning process. The Open Sky teaching staff model Aikido etiquette which reinforces students' awareness of the importance of the well-being and safety of all class members. Aikido is a martial art famed for its peaceful philosophy, an appropriate art for our times.

Open Sky Aikido is conveniently located between the Triangle and the Triad areas in North Carolina in the beautiful historic town of Hillsborough. It is an easy drive from Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, Efland, and Mebane. We are located at exit 164, I-85 and five minutes from exit 261, I-40 in the Shops at Daniel Boone.

Open Sky Aikikai is a fully accredited member of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), Eastern Region. Sensei Kaufmann is a licensed Aikido teacher, a shidoin in the USAF, allowing him to test and give rank in Aikido. The USAF is affiliated with Hombu Aikido Dojo, the world headquarters of Aikido in Tokyo, Japan.