合気道 · Aikido · Est. 2007
A place of quiet discipline. We do not seek to overpower — we seek to understand. Come, and train.
Enter →Hamanasu Dojo was founded in 2007, the year Claudiu Sensei received his Shodan. For its first years, classes were held in rented spaces around Bucharest — the practice always finding a home, however modest.
In time, Claudiu Sensei began building a traditional dojo by hand in his own garden. The project took seven years, was interrupted by the pandemic, and finally came to life in 2023 — a proper Japanese-style dojo in the countryside just outside Bucharest, with 64 square metres of tatami and the quiet it deserves. There are still a few things to finish. But the dojo is open, and the practice continues.
"To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace."
— Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei
Hamanasu is the Japanese name for the wild rose that blooms along the shores of Hokkaido — hardy, unassuming, and deeply rooted. In Romanian, trandafir means rose. It is also the family name of the dojo's founder. The name was not chosen by chance.
Hamanasu Dojo is a member dojo of Aikikai Romania, which is itself affiliated to Aikikai Hombu Dojo and the International Aikido Federation in Tokyo, Japan — the world governing body of Aikido founded by O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.
Dan grades and certificates are issued by Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo.
Open from age 10–12 onwards with no upper age limit. Aikido is a complex and demanding art that requires a certain level of maturity — yet it welcomes all, regardless of gender or background. If you are sincere in your intention to learn, you are welcome on the mat.
Open from 2nd Kyu onwards. The advanced class deepens the study of traditional empty-hand technique while introducing the weapons curriculum: Jo (staff), Bokken (wooden sword), Tanto (knife), elements of Iaido, and Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu — the classical art from which Aikido itself emerged.
Claudiu Trandafir began his Aikido journey in 1992 in London, training under Alan Mars Sensei (2nd Dan) in the Ki Aikido tradition. Returning to Romania, he continued his practice from 2003 under George Raicu Sensei (4th Dan), then head of Aikikai Romania in Bucharest. In 2007, he was awarded his Shodan by Yukimitsu Kobayashi Shihan (8th Dan), deepening a lineage rooted in the classical Aikikai tradition. Today, as Dojo Cho of Hamanasu Dojo, Claudiu Sensei brings over three decades of dedicated practice to his teaching — guiding students with the same patience and rigour that shaped his own path.
| Day | Time | Class | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 火 Tuesday | 19:00 – 20:30 | General Practice | All levels |
| 木 Thursday | 19:00 – 20:30 | General Practice | All levels |
| 土 Saturday | 09:00 – 10:30 | Morning Practice | All levels |
A full schedule will be announced in autumn. We look forward to welcoming you.
Your first class is complimentary. Come in comfortable clothing. Leave everything else at the door.
Announcements, seminar dates, gradings, and dojo news will appear here.
Following a period of construction and renovation, Hamanasu Dojo is now fully operational at Str. Dumbravei nr. 3, Dumbraveni, Ilfov. Classes are underway Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
An expanded weekly schedule including additional class times and programs will be published after the summer. Check back here or contact us for updates.
Grading examinations at Hamanasu Dojo follow the official curriculum of Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, as administered in Romania through Aikikai Romania. Full examination requirements — including technique lists, minimum training periods, and attendance criteria for each grade from 6th Kyu to Dan level — are published by the official bodies below.
The official Romanian Aikido federation, affiliated to Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Publishes grading requirements and examination schedules for Romania.
Visit Aikikai Romania →The world headquarters of Aikido in Tokyo, Japan. Source of the official international grading curriculum and the authority issuing Dan certificates worldwide.
Visit Aikikai Hombu →Aikido uses a kyu/dan system. Kyu grades progress from 6th (beginner) to 1st. Dan grades begin at Shodan (1st Dan) and progress upward. Specific technique requirements for each grade are available from Aikikai Romania.
| Grade | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Kyu | Beginner | First formal grade. Basic ukemi and fundamental techniques. |
| 5 – 3 Kyu | Intermediate | Progressive technique refinement. Minimum training periods apply. |
| 2 – 1 Kyu | Pre-Dan | Advanced empty-hand and weapons introduction. Required for Dan candidacy. |
| Shodan | 1st Dan | First black belt grade, awarded by Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo. |
| Nidan – Yondan | 2nd – 4th Dan | Senior grades. Awarded by Aikikai Hombu Dojo on recommendation. |
| Godan + | 5th Dan and above | Shihan level. Awarded directly by the Doshu, Aikikai Hombu Dojo. |