About Our Dojo

Albany Samurai Arts is New York’s only official Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho study group. Our curriculum includes practical jujutsu and aiki applications which are subtle and extremely effective. These techniques remain true to their original purpose and principles, which are firmly rooted in a world where edged weapons were the norm. Nami Ryu is well suited to law enforcement and military as well as home defense and personal self-defense.

Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho is based on Japanese sword arts (kenjutsu, iaijutsu and tantojutsu), the principles of which directly apply to the unarmed martial arts (jujutsu, aiki) that were the exclusive martial arts of the samurai. Later these arts formed the basis of modern arts including Brazilian Jiujitsu and Aikido.

Rates and Payment

Monthly fees range from $95 to $120 depending on your frequency of training.
Membership also grants you access to our private Slack community where we share and discuss related topics, plan outings and other events and come together as a tribe.

$95/month: You attend Friday evening classes on a weekly basis. Friday class is from 7:15 PM - 8:45 PM with additional time after class available for questions or individual work.


$120/month: You attend Friday and Sunday classes weekly. Sunday class is 2:00PM - 4:00 PM. The dojo is open from 1:00PM - 2:00PM for students to bring in topics or kata they would like extra help with.

Training Schedule

Friday: Class: 7:15PM - 8:45PM
Sunday: Open mat: 1:00PM - 2:00PM | Class: 2:00 - 4:00PM

Private Lessons
Not currently available

Andrew Kitterman


  • Founder and Sensei of Albany Samurai Arts

Andrew Kitterman has been training in Samurai arts for 16 years. The bulk of his training was completed under John Savaria III of Storm Crow Dojo.

He continues his training with Jim O’Connell Sensei of Sanrin Mountain Dojo on a weekly basis, and with James Williams Sensei (Kaicho) on a bi-monthly basis at the River Of Life Dojo (Hombu). He also studies from Randy George Sensei of Dojo of the West Wind.


In addition to studying martial arts Andrew is an avid outdoorsman, marksman, and enjoys woodworking. He currently works as a manager in the insurance industry.