Knoxville Aikido Dojo chooses to remain an independent dojo in the spirit of our Knoxville founder’s wishes. The dojo teaches traditional Aikido, and students are free to visit other schools and to attend seminars to learn more about other group's styles.

Students choose to learn as much or as little as they wish about the cultural and spiritual roots of Aikido. Some students choose to learn only the physical technique and others want to learn more about its background and philosophy. All are encouraged to do what they feel comfortable with.

Chief Instructor, Jerry Tracy has studied martial arts since 1980. Beginning his studies in Shotokan Karate, and earning his Sandan (Third degree), he began studying Aikido in 1987. He as since earned his Sandan in Aikido. In 1994 he also began studying Hakko-ryu Ju Jutsu and has earned his Shodan. His teaching career spans 15 years including Chief Instructor at the UT Karate Club, from 1986 to 1988. He has been Chief Instructor at Knoxville Aikido Dojo since 1993.

Andy Welshan is a Sandan in Aikido. He is assistant instructor and President of the our Dojo. He has studied Daito Ryu. He is also a Sandan in Ishinryu karate where he was also an assistant instructor. Return to top
Knoxville is located in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. We are fortunate to experience four distinct seasons of summer, fall, winter and spring and have many tourists for our beautiful, famous turning of the fall leaves in the Smokies and the blooming of the dogwoods and redbuds in the Spring. Our weather is mild year-round with only two or three snowfalls in the winter and one or two months of hot, humid weather in the summer. We have many specimens of plants and lots of rainfall -- somewhat unpredictable at times! For specific