Help Aikido Tekkojuku Find a New Home

Short Story:
Hi everyone, we at Aikido Tekkojuku of Boston need your help.

After thirteen years in our current location, we are unable to afford to stay in our building as our neighborhood is being developed in anticipation of the Green Line extension. Somerville has a growing and booming economy, and we are facing a fierce commercial rental market as we search for a new home for our dojo.

By the end of the year, we expect to face moving expenses from $6,000 - $10,000, including things such as the first month’s rent, security deposit, transportation for the physical move, carpentry, plumbing, and mats.

We're asking you to help us find a new home, and keep our community together so we may continue to practice the art we love.

Thank you so much for your support! Onegaishimasu!

Long Story:

Who we are:
Aikido Tekkojuku of Boston is a traditional martial arts dojo serving the greater Boston area. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to promote the practice of the Japanese martial art of Aikido for the surrounding communities in an environment of sincerity and mutual respect. As well as a martial art, aikido is a practice of personal and interpersonal development. Tekkojuku therefore promotes vigorous training alongside a values-driven and welcoming dojo culture. Our members are parents, students, and professionals -- all connected through shared practice. We celebrate the diversity of our members, their achievements on and off the mat, and the friendships they forge with each other. We're not just a place for exercise and physical activity, we’re a community.


Why:
After thirteen years at our current location, we are unable to afford to stay in the building as our neighborhood is being developed in light of the Green Line extension. Somerville has a growing and booming economy, and we are facing a fierce commercial rental market as a result of local development.


When:
While we are able to move anytime starting September 1, we will need to relocate by December 31st at the latest!


How the funds will be used:
We expect to face the following expenses listed below, including the first month’s rent, security deposit, transportation for the physical move, construction, and repairs. We have set our expected rent to the maximum amount we can afford without transferring the cost to our students.

We have divided this campaign into two phases. 

Phase 1: Completed! Thank you
-Funds will be used to secure the $6,000 needed for the first of the month and the deposit. With the help of our members and some friends, we are fortunate to have already reached our Phase One Goal.
*   Rent - $3,000
*   Security deposit - $3,000

Phase 2:
-Funds will be used for transportation for the move, changing rooms, carpentry, plumbing, and replacing damaged mats.
*   Transportation for the actual move - approx $200 or more depending on the price of the vehicle
*   Construction of changing rooms/showers and plumbing - approx $2,500 
*   Replacing damaged mats/foam - $750 ($125 per mat for initially six damaged mats)

Any funds raised beyond this goal will be allocated to replacing additional mats, foam, and maintenance of the new space.


You:
We need your support to keep our community thriving!

Thanks for everything from all of us here at Aikido Tekkojuku!


[Itoh Sensei’s preferred signature]
Chief Instructor
Aikido Tekkojuku of Boston

*** The pictures were kindly provided by our members George T and Mike N.