I signed up a few months ago and brought my daughter along for the childrens class. Thus far its been great. The lady who teaches most of the childrens class is patient and tries to make the class fun for the children, enough so that Ive seen my daughters self confidence grow and she frequently leaves glass excited and grinning ear to ear. For my part, though I have done Aikido before, this dojo is a bit better than my last. Its traditional and they focus on the fundamentals with new students like myself, but also allow you to participate in more advanced techniques if you want so that you are not left out of class if youre the only new student present that day.

I’ve lived and trained around the world including Japan and this school’s approach is as solid as any. If you’re looking for a place where you’ll get personalized attention, you’ll like this school. The teachers meet students at their level and help them progress by keeping everyone challenged to reach their potential. More experienced students help new students learn. The environment encourages mutual respect and safe practice. Good for all ages and genders.

Among 5 talented instructors and an ambitious Jr. instructor(2019) they complete a wonderfully curated vision of form and practicality.Covering facets and insights from all walks of life, each convey aspects that may have been left unrealized with a more limited group.With encouragement and solidarity each member shares ways for mindfulness and politeness.Still a bit nervous but after arriving I feel at home.

First, let me recommend that if youre looking at these reviews, you go read the website. It has everything you need to know, and a way to contact one of the senior students if you have any specific questions. I also recommend coming and watching class one day, just to get a feel for how this all works.That being said, lets talk about my experience so far. Today will be my 19th day at the dojo and I have enjoyed every single day. This is a traditional style dojo, where we all bow in before each lesson and sweep the mat together afterwards. I personally love this for the environment it fosters. I, who have been here for 3 weeks, sweep the mat with students who have been here for over 10 years. It helps strengthen the personal connections that are established while practicing Aikido. Practicing Aikido gives you a strong sense of your partners person, much more so than you would get from any conversation. Aikido isnt about winning or losing, its not competitive. Aikido is about the connection, giving, receiving, or redirecting energy. One always wants to be centered in Aikido - balanced in body, mind, and spirit. This way, when a connection is established, it is total. There are very few ways to establish this kind of connection between two people, and it is something truly special. You will, of course, learn how to do some cool self defense techniques and become physically stronger and more fit, but this will also change you as a person. Aikido is not something that can be done on an if I feel like it basis. In a sense, it is a little like working to build muscle, where if you take a week off, you lose a lot of progress, and the ideal would be to go every day. If youre looking for a quick workout that you can take or leave, I recommend watching a class and seeing if you change your mind about what youre looking for, but you wont find that here. If you want something that will be a lifelong constant, grounding you on your best days and uplifting you on your worst, if you want to get to know the friendliest and kindest group of people youll ever meet on a deep level, then Aikido SA is for you.

I cant say enough about AOSA. I was quite nervous at first joining, but quickly fell in love with the discipline and with the people. They are all very welcoming but also want to challenge you. I really like the mental and physical challenge of Aikido. I felt like a fish out of water at first, but after a couple of weeks started to get the hang of it. It’s a lot to take in and so the important thing is to be patient and not get frustrated. The first thing you learn is falling properly. Falling is hard work! You will be sore for a little while. I like that the instructors teach proper falling because this is important to protecting your self and avoiding injury. Even the lead instructor Sensei Kevin Templer, took time to teach newbies like me how to fall properly. The class starts with breathing and stretching, and I really like this because it helps center yourself and helps clear the mind of all the other stuff that happens during the day. During class, the instructor (Sensei or one of the senior students (Senpai)), will demonstrate a technique and then everyone pairs up and tries to do that. I get the sense that different instructors have different preferences about how much verbal instruction there is. I think as a more traditional dojo, the preference is to focus on observing and replicating the technique and less on the talking, but when needed the instructors will certainly take time to provide explanation. There’s a fair bit of Japanese vocab and I like getting to learn a bit of another language. It is important to note that Aikido as a philosophy is not about a “winner” or “loser” or beating someone but taking the energy of an attack and diverting it so that you and your “opponent” are still safe. I really like this aspect of Aikido, especially at a time in our society where conflict abounds. At the end of class everyone contributes to cleaning the mat. I like this team building aspect. Just about every time I come to train, I feel better than I did when I walked into the dojo. I found myself feeling more energized and self-confident and very much wishing I had found Aikido much earlier in my life. I have had to move for work and miss AOSA deeply. Sensei has said I am welcome to come train anytime I’m in town and whenever I am, I try to make sure I come as often as possible.

Sensei and the senior students are very welcoming, working with students at their given ability / comfort level and sensitive to the particular goals of each student - a great place to learn about aikido and the martial arts.

This dojo offers a traditional approach that emphasizes respect for oneself, others, and the dojo, as well the the value of mindfulness in not only the practice of aikido but also in daily life. The sensei is very warm and welcoming with a great sense of humor. All of the instructors are patient and friendly. The student community doubles as a dojo family, meaning that after a few lessons you will feel as though you are part of a bigger whole than just a peer in a martial arts class.I highly recommend this dojo for anyone looking to get fit, both physically and mentally. I think the ideal student would probably be someone humble, open to instruction, averse to violence, and eager to take care of both their dojo and the people they share it with.It is not for someone looking to climb through belt ranks and throw punches. Be prepared to exist in the present at this dojo. Be prepared for practice to be its own reward. Be prepared to care for the dojo through cleanings and daily sweeping, which you will do in the company of your fellow students as a meditative exercise. Be prepared to offer your sensei and senior students the defference they deserve--you dont know better than them. Be prepared to treat each student with respect, because youre all learning together.

Good school thank you my kids love it

I would not recommend this school for the following reasons1. My first day of joining and coming into the dojo the oriental female student who has been attending this school for 10 years was rude because I did not bow.2. No cool down after class and they leave the doors open during chilling weather.4. On my second day of training that same female student was rude to me because I did not do a technique the way she liked it.3. You are required to sweep dojo and clean it on schedule days.4. No sparring or realistic applications were you can really learn to defend yourself. So if you are looking for modern self defense I would recommend jiu Jitsu or another aikido school.I do believe aikido does have something to offer for self-defense in 2016 but not in the traditional approach of teaching it as this school does.Also, their are aikido schools who allow you a free week trial and charge less than this school. Also, this school has a high turnover rate. I believe it may have something to do with the instructors rudeness. He was rude to me during my fourth day in class by saying that maybe this school wasnt for me when I questioned the approach and right after I paid him $190 dollars cash.My advice try another school or watch the classes for a week before deciding to join because you may just not like it.

Everyone from the sensei on down are very helpful and friendly