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The Agatsu Method®
Freedom Thru Mastery
A Process for Healing Ourselves and the World
The Agatsu Method is a process for healing, personal development and self-mastery. It is born out of the martial lineage of Aikido and the founder’s teaching on creating a beautiful and peaceful world.
The Agatsu Method is an alchemical mix of psychological, spiritual and martial teachings. It is a process for becoming more present, embodied, and aligned in your life. It is especially powerful and effective to manage stress and for healing trauma.
In this Aiki lineage, autogenic wellness is experienced through returning to a state of authentic presence and wellbeing. Through practice, we can embody these qualities quickly. The Agatsu Method is a path for healing, inner peace and freedom.

Our Offer

Be a light in the world.
Our purpose is to help make the world a more peaceful, thriving and healthy place, one individual and one group at a time. With an emphasis on compassionate leadership and service to humanity, we offer tailored instruction, coaching and consulting, in person and online.

Personal Development Courses in Northern California
Our purpose is to help make the world a more harmonious, thriving, and healthy place, one individual and one group at a time. With an emphasis on compassionate leadership and service to humanity, we offer specialized programs, including coaching, writing, and community and personal development courses in Northern California.
The Agatsu Method
The Agatsu Method is a process for healing, personal development, and self-mastery, born out of the lineage of Aikido and the founder’s teachings on creating a peaceful and beautiful world.
The Agatsu Method is an alchemical mix of psychological, spiritual, and martial teachings. It is a process for becoming more present, embodied, and aligned in your life. It is powerful and effective for healing, personal development, and stress reduction. Our results are outstanding!
Meet Denise Barry Sensei
Denise Barry Sensei has been teaching and training in Aikido for almost 50 years. She began teaching a stand-alone Aiki Principles Class at her full-time dojo in 2012. This class has evolved into The Agatsu Method (TAM). TAM is a process that can be applied to all aspects of life.

Our Classes
For anyone looking to heal, elevate their spiritual practice or simply connect with their inner-self, The Agatsu Method (TAM) is here to guide you on your journey. We offer practice opportunities online and in person with students and clients tuning in from around the world. Instruction is primarily for adults, TAM can be tailored for children and teens following consultation with a parent/guardian.
Our Classes
For anyone looking to heal, elevate their spiritual practice, or simply connect with their inner self, The Agatsu Method is here to guide you on your journey. Our classes take place both in-person, at our Northern California location, and online, with students and clients tuning in from all corners of the globe.
Individuals of all ages are welcomed into our programs, including children and teens accompanied by their parents.
Testimonials
“Denise is quite the teacher. I began as a hesitant, absolute beginner. The open environment was almost immediate, and very, definitely palpable. The series of practices and accompanying information moved at a great pace to keep me interested and motivated to try and then to see what was coming next. When the class was over, I felt very open, connected, and can I say smooth? This was very different than how I felt at the start. I really recommend Denise’s unique approach and the immediate effects it creates in your body.”
– Kristine S
2024
“I entered the introductory class to The Agatsu Method feeling anxious and overwhelmed and upon completion, two hours later, I felt aligned, integrated and clear. Denise is a masterful teacher and through The Agatsu Method, she seamlessly guides you into a better feeling place.”
– Todd T. Acupunturist
“I have worked with Denise and the Agatsu Method for two years. I learned quickly going into class with no expectations and trusting that Denise would guide me through a remarkable journey. With her extensive knowledge, she is thoughtful and challenging. The quality of her expertise allows her to dig deep to help me find out who I am at the core and gain tools to support me as I navigate throughout my daily life. I highly recommend Denise and the
Agatsu Method for anyone who wants to be present and living one’s best life.”
– Julie C

Testimonials
“Denise is quite the teacher. I began as a hesitant, absolute beginner. The open environment was almost immediate, and very, definitely palpable. The series of practices and accompanying information moved at a great pace to keep me interested and motivated to try and then to see what was coming next. When the class was over, I felt very open, connected, and can I say smooth? This was very different than how I felt at the start. I really recommend Denise’s unique approach and the immediate effects it creates in your body.”
– Kristine S
2024
“I entered the introductory class to The Agatsu Method feeling anxious and overwhelmed and upon completion, two hours later, I felt aligned, integrated and clear. Denise is a masterful teacher and through The Agatsu Method, she seamlessly guides you into a better feeling place.”
– Todd T. Acupuncturist
“I have worked with Denise and the Agatsu Method for two years. I learned quickly going into class with no expectations and trusting that Denise would guide me through a remarkable journey. With her extensive knowledge, she is thoughtful and challenging. The quality of her expertise allows her to dig deep to help me find out who I am at the core and gain tools to support me as I navigate throughout my daily life. I highly recommend Denise and the
Agatsu Method for anyone who wants to be present and living one’s best life.”
– Julie C
“After my sessions with Sensei I felt more physically and mentally in control and powerful. When I align to my center line I can feel my ki flowing stronger and brighter. If I have strong emotions, I can identify them and let them flow through me which gives me the sense of being centered. I love feeling that my ki is stronger after our practice. When I’m done with my lesson, I feel refreshed and able to take on anything.”
– Julian – Age 11
“I was introduced to The Agatsu Method on my recent trip to California.
As a long time student and teacher of Aikido, I was looking to deepen my knowledge and understanding of O’Sensei’s teachings.
This Method was the answer.
Sensei Denise, with her unique approach to teaching the process in a clear and totally understandable way, guided my practice safely and with deep connection.
The journey was challenging as it gave me an opportunity to work with and heal some past trauma as I navigated the depths of my personal and Aikido life. She had a strong understanding of the ‘underneath’ of me, and teased that out over several sessions. Each session took me deeper into the core of me in a safe and protected way. At the end of each coaching or class session we always had the opportunity to reflect and share our experience.
It was a valuable time for me, and I am now able to use these skills in my everyday life in a meaningful way.
I thoroughly recommend this Method if you’re ready for change and growth.”
– Dianne Haynes Sensei
New Zealand
“Denise is quite the teacher. I began as a hesitant, absolute beginner. The open environment was almost immediate, and very, definitely palpable. The series of practices and accompanying information moved at a great pace to keep me interested and motivated to try and then to see what was coming next. When the class was over, I felt very open, connected, and can I say smooth? This was very different than how I felt at the start. I really recommend Denise’s unique approach and the immediate effects it creates in your body.”
– Kristine S
2024
“I entered the introductory class to The Agatsu Method feeling anxious and overwhelmed and upon completion, two hours later, I felt aligned, integrated and clear. Denise is a masterful teacher and through The Agatsu Method, she seamlessly guides you into a better feeling place.”
– Todd T. Acupuncturist
“I have worked with Denise and the Agatsu Method for two years. I learned quickly going into class with no expectations and trusting that Denise would guide me through a remarkable journey. With her extensive knowledge, she is thoughtful and challenging. The quality of her expertise allows her to dig deep to help me find out who I am at the core and gain tools to support me as I navigate throughout my daily life. I highly recommend Denise and the
Agatsu Method for anyone who wants to be present and living one’s best life.”
– Julie C
“After my sessions with Sensei I felt more physically and mentally in control and powerful. When I align to my center line I can feel my ki flowing stronger and brighter. If I have strong emotions, I can identify them and let them flow through me which gives me the sense of being centered. I love feeling that my ki is stronger after our practice. When I’m done with my lesson, I feel refreshed and able to take on anything.”
Julian – Age 11
