top of page

Four Corners Aikido Seminar

May 15–17, 2026 | Durango, Colorado
Train with Sensei Raso Hultgren, Shihan

in Colorado's stunning San Juan Mountains.

Raso-Sensei-Floyd-clean_edited_edited.jpg

Join us for a weekend of practice that matters—on the mat and beyond it.

The inaugural Four Corners Aikido Seminar brings together deep lineage, joyful instruction, and meaningful community engagement—set against the rugged mountains of southwest Colorado. This landmark weekend offers:

​

✔ World-class instruction
✔ A one-of-a-kind public workshop
✔ Outdoor adventure for the whole family
✔ Early Bird pricing available for a limited time

Featured Guest Instructor: Sensei Raso Hultgren

Depth, lineage, clarity—and joy on the mat

​

We are honored to welcome Raso Hultgren Sensei to Durango for a full weekend of training, reflection, and connection.
 

​What sets Sensei Hultgren apart is not only her depth of experience, but her unmistakable joy on the mat. Her teaching is insightful, grounded, accessible, and deeply humane. She holds a driving belief that Aikido—its emphasis on harmony, presence, and nonviolent resolution—is not just relevant, but vital in today’s polarized and contentious world.

​​

Whether you are a long-time practitioner or stepping onto the mat for the first time, training with Raso Sensei is both clarifying and energizing.

_edited.jpg
Image by Rajiv Perera

Location: Durango, Colorado

Train hard. Breathe deep. Leave renewed​

​

Durango, Colorado is a bucket-list destination—and an extraordinary place to gather for Aikido.

​

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Durango offers:

  • Hiking trails practically out the back door

  • The Animas River flowing through the heart of town

  • A scenic lake just minutes from downtown

  • Wildflowers in full bloom by mid-May, turning every vista into a photo opportunity
     

For many Aikido practitioners, seminars are solo “guilty pleasures.” This one is different!

Finally
a seminar you can bring the whole family to! While you train in intensive workshops, your loved ones can float the Animas River, explore downtown, hike mountain trails, or ride the historic railroad. Everyone wins.

Ready to join us?

Whether you’re coming for the full immersive experience or a single workshop, we’d love to have you on the mat.

​

  • Early Bird pricing available through April 4th

  • Full Weekend Pass offers the best value and exclusive perks

  • Friday night Cool Under Fire workshop is open to the public

 

Spots are limited. Save your place early and plan your Durango weekend with confidence.

Weekend Schedule at a Glance

Thoughtfully designed for depth, balance, and connection

​

The full seminar experience includes:

  • Friday Night "Cool Under Fire" – a community workshop for meeting this national moment

  • Saturday
    Two intensive Aikido workshops (2 hours each)

  • Sunday
    Two intensive Aikido workshops (2 hours each)

 

Participants may register for:

  • Individual workshops

  • Day passes (Saturday or Sunday)

  • Or the Full Weekend Pass, which offers the best value and exclusive perks

Raso-Sensei-Taku-clean.jpg
20231028_093402_edited.jpg

Friday Night Special Event: Cool Under Fire

Aikido principles for real-world pressure—open to the public

​

As an antidote to modern chronic stress and heightened tensions, our educational nonprofit dojo is proud to offer this unique workshop designed for the broader community.

​

This session is especially relevant for:

  • First responders

  • Political canvassers

  • Public-facing civil servants

  • Community organizers and volunteers

  • Anyone who regularly navigates tense or chaotic situations
     

Sensei Hultgren will share practical Aikido-based methods for cultivating calm, awareness, and grounded response under pressure. This workshop does not involve throwing, falling, or receiving attacks. Instead, it focuses on presence, posture, breath, and relational awareness—skills that translate directly into daily life.

​

For experienced Aikido practitioners:
Yes, this workshop is different from a traditional seminar class—and that’s the point. It offers fresh perspectives on Aikido’s core principles and a rare opportunity to help those principles radiate outward into the wider community. Many seasoned students find these insights surprisingly deep, refreshing, and clarifying.

 

For newcomers:
No prior martial arts experience is required. You’ll leave with tools you can use immediately.

Pricing & Registration

Early Bird pricing available for a limited time

​

Early Bird Rates (through April 4th)
 

  • Full Weekend Pass – $100

  • Cool Under Fire (Friday only)

    • $25 individual

    • $35 family

  • Saturday Day Pass – $80

  • Sunday Day Pass – $80

  • Single Workshop – $45

 

Early Bird registration is strongly encouraged for significant savings and bonus perks!
 

After Early Bird / At-the-Door Pricing

  • Full Weekend Pass – $150

  • Saturday or Sunday Day Pass – $90

  • Single Workshop – $55

  • Cool Under Fire rates increase modestly at the door

 

(Note: Friday night pricing is intentionally kept accessible as part of our nonprofit’s community outreach mission.)

Image by Floyd Cox
Group Toast Celebration

Full Weekend Pass Perks

Because immersion should feel special

​

Full Weekend Pass holders receive:

  • Invitation to a private Friday night gathering with Sensei Hultgren

  • Invitation to Saturday night’s social and seminar celebration

  • A commemorative seminar shirt

  • Complimentary yoga and meditation sessions before or between Aikido workshops, led by outstanding local instructors

 

This pass is ideal for practitioners who want the richest, most connected seminar experience.

Accommodations

Discounted lodging for seminar attendees

​

We’ve partnered with the following hotels to offer discounted rooms for seminar participants:

  • Durango Lodge

  • Comfort Inn & Suites

 

(Discount codes shared upon registration confirmation.)

Hotel Balcony Sign
Screenshot 2025-11-09 071108_edited.jpg

Why This Seminar Matters

This inaugural Four Corners Aikido Seminar is more than a weekend of training. It’s a gathering rooted in lineage, community, and the belief that Aikido’s principles matter—on the mat and beyond it.

​

Join us for:

  • Exceptional instruction

  • A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere

  • Meaningful outreach

  • And an unforgettable weekend in Durango

 

Train hard. Breathe deep. Feel transformed.

FAQ

Do I need prior Aikido experience?

No experience is required for the Friday night Cool Under Fire workshop.


Saturday and Sunday workshops are geared toward Aikido practitioners, though all levels are welcome.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing suitable for movement. Aikido practitioners should bring their gi (and hakama) for weekend workshops. No special attire is required for Friday night.

Can I attend just one workshop?

Yes. Participants may register for individual workshops, single-day passes, or the full weekend.

Is this seminar family-friendly?

Absolutely. While only registered participants attend workshops, Durango offers abundant activities for family members during training hours.

What makes this seminar different?

This is the first Four Corners Aikido Seminar—and it’s designed with intention:

​

  • Lineage-based instruction with contemporary relevance

  • A meaningful public-facing workshop

  • Time and space for community, rest, and connection

Who Should Attend?

This seminar welcomes:

​

  • Dedicated Aikido practitioners of all experience levels

  • Instructors seeking fresh perspective

  • Newcomers curious about Aikido’s real-world applications

  • Families looking to combine training with a memorable getaway

 

If you value thoughtful practice, strong lineage, and a welcoming community, this weekend is for you.

bottom of page