Drifting Sands Aikido

Drifting Sands School of Aikido, is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon. We offer a progressive Aikido-based system of real-world tactical self-protection along with a practical foundation of cutting-edge self-development - all in a fun and friendly environment. Visiting budoka and serious student applicants are welcomed by appointment. Schedule an interview to find out if you qualify by sending us an e-mail or by calling 541-883-2434.

Drifting Sands Background:

Drifting Sands Aikido was founded (as Sand Drift West Aikido) in 1992 as an extension of the Sand Drift Martial Arts Association. At Drifting Sands, structural fundamentals and basic tactics of self protection inform understanding and development of the individual through a variety of progressive training methods.

Senior instructor John Bailey began studying Aikido and Iaido in 1982 under the late Tony Graziano. During the late 1980's and early 1990's he continued to practice Aikido under the late Dr. Tom Walker. During this time, he also acted as co-instructor with Graziano and Walker senseis, teaching defensive tactics for law enforcement officers in Central Florida. Since founding Drifting Sands, he has continued to teach Aikido, Self-Defense, Handgun Safety, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics. He has written for Martial Arts Professional and for Martial Arts Success Magazines. Bailey is also a certified Hypnotherapist, with a successful professional practice in that discipline.

During the life of Tom Walker, "Sand Drift West Aikido" was a west-coast extension of Dr. Walker's Florida dojo. Upon Walker Sensei's passing, Sand Drift West became an unaffiliated school pursuing a curriculum of mixed and progressive protective and personal development methods based upon Aiki principles and body movement - and concepts and methods of cognitive sciences. Hence, a name change to "Drifting Sands Aikido".

Dojo Documents:

General Etiquette
(how to avoid embarassment)

Release Agreement
(you are responsible for you)

Mission & Tuition
(how to become a student)

Photo Gallery (a visual history)

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Articles by John Bailey:

Ukemi: It is Better to Receive Benevolent Fantasies Contrivance and Training Look Into the Mirror That's a Nice Compliment

What's in a Name? Cultural Conundrum Advanced or Basic? What is Tenkan?

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In Memoriam: "Doc" Tom Walker 1/10/1934 - 4/29/2003 "And when I am gone all of these things will be like teardrops in the rain" - H.T. Walker

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