The mission of Rio Grande Valley Aikikai (formerly Edinburg Aikikai) is to provide qualitative instruction of Aikido technique and philosophy in the greater Rio Grande Valley area of southern Texas.

Rio Grande Valley Aikikai was established as a non-profit organization in 2004. One of the two co-founders and the Chief Instructor, Arnold Molina, was first introduced to Aikido at the New York Aikikai, the USAF Eastern Region Headquarters, studying with Yoshimitsu Yamada, Shihan, and Seiichi Sugano, Shihan. Later moving to Dallas, he continued his practice under Robert Mason Sensei at Aikido of Dallas where he received his 1st dan ranking and began teaching. Seeking further instruction Arnold moved to Chicago, Illinois to study at the Midwest Aikido Center, USAF. headquarters for the Midwest Region. Under the direction of Akira Tohei, Shihan, he was assigned as a primary instructor of the children's program and a secondary instructor for the general membership.

The second co-founder and the Assistant Instructor, Rose Rainoldi, began her practice of Aikido at Aikido of Dallas in Texas. She practiced there for two years, attaining the rank of 1st kyu. She then moved to Chicago, Illinois where she practiced for several years at the Midwest Aikido Center under Akira Tohei, Shihan. She also held the position of Secretary for one year on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Aikido Center.

Adult classes (13 years and older) are open to students of all levels and beginners may start at any time. Beginners receive individual instruction from senior students in exercises, falling and basic techniques. In traditional Japanese fashion, there is no "course schedule"; students with varying levels of experience practice together to the best of their ability, and newer students learn from their seniors. Each student determines how often and how rigorously he or she practices. Children's classes are also offered. Please check out Kids' Classes.

There are no contracts; membership dues are remitted on a monthly "pay-as-you-go" basis. Rio Grande Valley Aikikai does not promise any specific rank in return for advance payment. Rio Grande Valley Aikikai is always open to the public and visitors are welcome at any time without appointment to observe classes and ask questions. Please check our Class Schedule for practice times.

Rio Grande Valley Aikikai is a member dojo in good standing of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, 8th dan, headquartered in New York City. The USAF, the world’s oldest and largest Aikido organization, is a member of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, aikido world headquarters, in Tokyo, Japan under the direction of Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, the Aikido Founder's grandson. Through this affiliation, Rio Grande Valley Aikikai is privy to the latest developments in international Aikido.

Rio Grande Valley Aikikai is a non-profit organization and admits students of any race, color, gender, and national or ethnic origin.