Hi, I'm stepping into this discussion a couple months late. Did you try 2 Rivers? Like it? I haven't trained there but I know Spiros from other contexts and he is a true Aikidoka in his daily life. Playful, engaged, connected.

I train at the Oregon Ki Society (www.oregonki.org). Our headquarters dojo is just off the Hain St. (Tigard) exit of I-5, so that is pretty close to your location in Oregon City. The Tigard HQ has some evening classes, and an amazing Sunday morning Ki class (11 AM) where Calvin Tabata Sensei teaches - not to be missed. He is incredibly powerful and focused. I attend Sunday morning class but generally train at our dojo in SE Portland, on Milwaukie near Powell/Clinton/railroad tracks. (This is the dojo that used to be at 19th and Hawthorne, for those who remember that).

Ki Society is pretty different from the other forms of Aikido. We have an hour of Ki class, then about an hour and a half of Aikido. In Ki class we learn how to focus, extend ki, move correctly, etc. We do exercises that are basically games - like trying to keep your feet on the ground while being picked up by two other people. Usually pretty fun but also very challenging. It took me several years of training to feel like I was not terrible at Ki. Still plenty to learn after 7 years. :-) Then in Aikido class, all the throws are taught with an emphasis on Ki. We are taught specific techniques but also are shown quite clearly that if the Ki is correct, the technique doesn't have to be perfect. The rhythm of the throw is important as it reflects how well you are leading your partner.

Anyway, I have no idea whether this would be your cup of tea, but feel free to stop by for a free class and try it out. And please post back and let us know if you found a dojo that you like. :-)

-Karin
www.portlandrolfer.com