I started practicing Aikido twenty-six years ago at another dojo in the city. About five years ago, I became a member of Suginami and practice there daily. The quality of instruction of Suginami is exceptional, combining very high technical standards of practice (under the inspiring direction of Kato Sensei who visits regularly from Japan). I attend in the morning where my regular teachers are Jimmy, Travis, and James, three very different but each uniquely great people and all three excellent teachers. Attending other practices than morning, I've found all the other teachers here sustain this very high standard of Aikido practice, generous teaching of it, and respect for all in the class Traveling around the country, I've also practiced at Dojos in New York City, Washington D.C., Columbus (Ohio), Denver, and Ashland (Oregon). Some of those places I've visited frequently enough to be known on a repeat visit. Some dojos seem to simply tolerate strangers, sometimes dojo members want to 'prove something,' but some are very welcoming. Suginami IS very welcoming to strangers. I remember thinking the welcome was exceptional when I first visited Suginami eight years ago, I visited several more times before I joined five years ago. As a black belt from another school (trained in a very different style), I felt completely welcomed and respected. I've also watched our welcome of others, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. And my three Aikido-ist kids - none black belt - say Suginami welcomes them wonderfully. Jimmy and all the instructors stress hospitality, safety, and respect. I'm at weekday morning practice now every day now unless I'm out of town. This is amazing place to practice and a great community of people. I would (and have) encouraged anyone considering starting Aikido or anyone looking for a dojo in the city to check out Suginami. Noting the 'good for kids' question below - Suginami used to have a superb kids' practice. So far as I know, that's in abeyance indefinitely, but I would recommend Suginami enthusiastically to any teenager interested in beginning Aikido. read more

First, let me say that I didn't even want to do Aikido. I practiced Kenpo Karate for a few years back in Boston, then moved to the bay area in 2003. I wandered around for a year trying to find a Kenpo school to no avail. After walking by Suginami every week, on my way to a volunteer job a couple doors down, I decided to walk in and see what was going on in there. I was immediately struck by the beauty of the space and Jimmy's approachable and friendly demeanor. I remember leaving there thinking that this could work. I first observed a class taught by one of the most bad-ass women I have come to know, Daisy Eneix, and was thoroughly impressed (also important to note: lots of women train here which was important to me and made me feel more comfortable when I first started, many of which are high-ranking). Athough I had no idea what was going on and wasn't sure if I even really wanted to take part, I decided to give it a shot. Almost five years later, this dojo has become an integral part of my life. I love Aikido and it's definitely because of the amazingly supportive people here that have become my west coast family. And just like family, we're not only training, teaching and challenging each other in our practice, but we also laugh together, share meals, celebrate occasions, and even travel together. In my time here, I have had the privilege of visiting Bruce Bookman's dojo, Tenzan Aikido in Seattle with Jimmy and others, as well as visiting Hombu Dojo, the world headquarters of Aikido and our own Kato Hiroshi Sensei's school, Suginami Aikikai in Tokyo, with Peter Ralls and others. All in all, I'm glad I walked in that day and tried it out. This is a special community that am grateful to be a part of. Please come visit us and see for yourself! read more

I started aikido at college in 1988 and continued to train under Kanai Sensei while living in the East Coast. When I moved to San Francisco I discovered that training styles were very different. I visited 5 dojos and tried to stick with the fifth, but it never quite felt right. In '95 I saw a smiling girl on a bus with a T-shirt for 'Aikido Shin Bu Kan' (what the dojo used to be called) and asked her where it was. Soon afterward I showed up at this funky little red downstairs place (now street-level and very swank, by the way), and was blown away. Everyone was welcoming, training was vigorous and people just seemed real genuine and happy to be there. Students and teachers were surprisingly open to the fact that I had come from a different style and understood that it would take me time to adjust. I've been there ever since. Over the years I've found myself training hard, learning from all different excellent instructors including Kato Sensei (our Shihan and direct student of the Founder of Aikido), traveling with members to Hombu dojo and to Suginami Aikikai in Japan, learning from amazing invited instructors (from France, Japan, all over the US), and also teaching. There is something incredible about sharing aikido with new people and watching them slowly but surely become transformed by the art itself. And besides, where else am I going to find artist freakazoids, lawyers, clowns and Russian ex-military all in the same room, tossing each other on their asses and laughing their heads off? read more

I started training in aikido in 1999, and since then I've been fortunate to have experienced a range of dojos and styles in England, the United States, South America, and Japan. Suginami Aikikai has been my home dojo since 2004, and my home dojo it will always be. Jimmy and Peter are highly skilled, experienced, warm, and informal teachers who maintain a high standard of practice. Kato Sensei is a treasure, a true virtuoso, and we're extremely fortunate to have him visit from Tokyo as often as he does. The practice combines physical intensity and technical precision with humor and an absence of self-seriousness. I really value Suginami's openness to all different styles of aikido; I also really value the openness to cross-training in other martial arts. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are both taught by outstanding instructors, and the classes are a lot of fun. Perhaps most importantly of all, though, Suginami represents a really strong community that I'm proud to be part of, martial arts and social events included. For the last few months I've been living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and while I'm in a great city with great places to study aikido, Suginami Aikikai is one thing that's pulling me back to San Francisco. Missing everyone lots. If you're looking for aikido in San Francisco, you have a dearth of excellent options. But you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to pay a visit to Suginami Aikikai. read more

I have studied martial arts for several years under various dojos all over the United States. When I moved to San Francisco I took a considerable time in choosing a dojo and I chose Suginami. The reason that I chose this dojo is because of the instructors and the environment. In martial arts you find that there are a lot of egos, people with something to prove. You will not find that here. James Friedman takes a lot of pride in teaching Aikido under an non-competitive environment where you learn at your own pace. Check it out and you will find that is a warm and friendly environment where people constantly crack jokes and enjoy themselves while learning Aikido as a way of life, not just a martial art. In addition you will find that Clovis Silva Jui-Jitsu is a great addition to this dojo. Clovis is a fantastic teacher who teaches Jiu-Jitsu the same way Jimmy teaches Aikido, in a fun, comfortable environment. But don't believe me, you should come in a check it out for yourself. Martial arts is not for everybody. But you never know until you try. You might find out that it is a way of life that will not only make you a healthier person but also a better human being. read more

As someone who started martial arts as a way to get healthy and stay healthy, the community and emphasis on safe practice was a wonderful welcome at Suginami Aikikai. We are fortunate in the Bay Area to have so much Aikido to choose from, but that also makes that choice much harder. One thing I have learned from training at many different dojos and seminars is that there are many different styles of Aikido out there. Soft styles, hard styles, and everything between. What stood out for me about Suginami Aikikai was the spectrum of practice. Students are encouraged to train safe, with an emphasis on longevity of practice (as in being able to train when you're 80). But they are also encouraged to train at both ends of spectrum, both in class, and by visiting other dojos and attending seminars. I have been training at this dojo since 2001, and consider it a home away from home. The quality of Aikido is superb, and the community is infectious. I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in beginning, or continuing their practice in the martial arts. read more

My experience with Clovis has been exceptional! I've been training @ the Dojo with him for the past year and have seen my jiu- jitsu game improve steadily over that time. In my experience, there are few teachers that have the ablility to impart their knowledge and skill into a student. Clovis is one of those kind of teachers! Being a high ranking Black Belt under Carlson Gracie, Clovis's knowledge of jiu-jitsu is top-notch. He teaches in a way that challenges you at your skill level. He doesn't overwhelm you and is quick to help when a particular move or position is frustrating. He has the unique ability to help you fix any flaws or holes in your game. Clovis is also very approchable and willing to answer any questions that may arise during training. I believe Clovis has the ability to help you acheive any goals you may have in your pursuit into art of jiu-jitsu! I feel honored and priviledged to have Clovis as my Professor, knowing that I'm learning from one of the best BJJ instructors in the area! read more

I've been training with Clovis for the better part of a year now, and I'm happy to give him an unconditional recommendation. I looked into several places to train in the city, and I knew I found the right gym when I saw how the classes were being run, and how much attention Clovis was giving the students. To say I prefer to train with Clovis is not a slight to other instructors or dojos in the area, but rather a nod to his abilities as a teacher. Sure, you will roll (spar) in almost every BJJ class you go to, but the feedback you get while Clovis watches is incredible. Rounding out Clovis' instruction are two fantastic brown-belts Adam and Dave, who also run an open-mat on Saturdays. A minor point to some perhaps, but the dojo where Clovis teaches is very clean, and the owner takes pride in keeping it that way. No leaky ceilings or dirty mats here. As with any reviewer, I'm biased. Don't take my word for it, stop by to visit, and you'll see. read more

I'd like to start by saying I've only been to two other Aikido schools, City and a place I forget the name of in Vermont. So I can't really say I'm a judge of Aikido schools, but I honestly can't think of a way they could be better. They have three classes per day(on weekdays), so no matter how weird my schedule gets I can always make a class. The teachers are knowledgeable, and very helpful. As another reviewer said we don't take ourselves too seriously at Suginami, laughter is a common sound here. I personally really like the emphasis on mechanics and physical technique, some schools are more energy/spiritual, this one isn't(in my experience). As an added bonus you get two kickboxing classes per week. And let me tell ya, it is totally worth going, just to learn how to punch and kick. the instructor has been boxing for some ungodly length of time, and is very easy to train with. read more

I became aware of this school when it had it's original, highly intermediating, name: "Skid row Dojo". However after training at several schools here and around the U.S. coming to this school was like coming home. As with any highly complicated and technical skill, you want to learn in a supportive environment. You want to know that you are being taught correctly, and that the people you train with can be trusted. Both of these are absolutely true at Suginami. Jimmy, and through Jimmy, Kato Hiroshi practice an Aikido that is both subtle, and straight forward. Too often in this art there is a tendency to be...more abstract... then necessary. Here, while we all have lofty goals, the process is simple, get on the mat and train, the rest will come. Perhaps the greatest complement to Jimmy is that I trust my aging joints to him, and the people there that have become extended family. read more

we first walked into suginami a couple of years ago, when we were trying different martial arts - aikido, kung fu, tkd... from the minute we walked in we knew it was the perfect place to stay. as beginners, some dojos are pretty intimidating, but not suginami. we felt welcome right away, and everyone - at all levels - is super helpful, unbelievably patient, and knows how to laugh. a lot! also, the instructors all bring their own different styles while remaining true to aikido's tradition, which makes it a great place to learn. if you're looking for a dojo that is safe, has a great schedule, and most of all has a super group of aikidoists to train with and learn from, suginami is the place. read more

I am new to martial arts, but I did a lot of research (in both the specific type of martial art to practice and where exactly to practice) before choosing Suginami Aikikai. I am certain that I most definitely made the right choice. The dojo itself is a beautiful space in which to learn, and the people at this dojo have really amazed me. What really impressed me is the kindness and respect the members and the teachers give to each other. James Friedman is the type of Sensei who inspires me to learn and the other members of the dojo are so patient and willing to teach a newbian like myself. Becoming a part of Suginami Aikikai has been a truly positive influence in my life. read more

Ok, maybe you are afraid to just walk into a martial arts dojo, you think you are going to get your butt kicked or they re going to laugh at you b/c you have no idea what you are doing. Not here, since the very beginning I felt totally comfortable. The senior students always go out of their way to help new students, especially us klutsy ones, some days I dont know my foot from my ear but they somehow make you want to keep trying, and have fun figuring it out. If you want to join a dojo and learn to have balance, (in you body or your life) this is the place. read more

I've been lucky to train at some great Jiu-Jitsu schools over the years. Clovis is by far the most amazing teacher I have worked with. Every time I step on the mat I learn a new technique or detail. Clovis is extremely patient and one of the nicest guys you could meet. There is a great mix of skill levels with an open and friendly environment. The school is by far the nicest I have ever set foot in. Just an amazing school with great people. You should train here. read more

I've been involved in martial arts for a long time. First judo, then karate. But after moving to SF I decided to change direction and try aikido. So, I did a little research and Suginami Aikikai was a winner. Winning points: great place (I mean the dojo itself), excellent instructors (they all have different approach to teaching and it makes more interesting), flexible training schedule (you can train 3 times a day) and last but not least - people that train there. read more

Before coming to Suginami, I had not trained in martial arts since I was eight, nor had I known or talked to anyone who had ever trained in Aikido. As someone who had no prior knowledge or experience, I can say that this school is a great place to get started. I was delighted after my first class. The dojo is very clean and friendly. If you want to meet new people and throw them on the ground, then you should check out Suginami Aikikai. read more

In the 7 months I spent in San Francisco, i spent a few days a week at this Dojo learning the fine art of Aikido. The training was incredible, and the aura of this dojo radiates with harmony. Since my time away from this place, I often think back to what I learned in those 7 weeks. The moves have faded in my memory, but the philosophy of Aikido remains a crucial part of my day to day life. Thank you for helping on my path. read more

After years of practicing aikido, I needed to find a new place to train. A friend suggested Suginami, and I've been a member now for four years. It's an absolutely top-notch place to learn aikido. The teachers are highly qualified, with superb one-on-one coaching skills. There are lots of great people to practice with, many sessions to choose from--and the dojo is beautiful. read more

twenty-some years of practice, and a lot of visiting dojos when I travel - this is the most consistently excellent, clear Aikido I've ever seen and the spirit is wonderful, welcoming, encouraging, energetic, and truthful (including martially honest). Also the most complete schedule of practices i've ever seen - I'm there every weekday morning. read more