Aikido Shusekai is by far and away one of the best places that I have ever found myself in my life. The environment of the dojo and the structure of the training are mindfully engineered to foster learning and growth. Not having decades of experience or claiming any vast well of wisdom to draw upon myself, I cannot qualify, thusly, claims that I have heard stated by others who DO possess more experience. Sitting on the bench outside before class one day, I remember a senior student - a black belt herself, who has been studying Aikido for many years - telling me how lucky SHE felt to be able to train there. She said that we were all receiving "gems of Aikido" through our training. At the time, I thought I knew what she meant: the training was great, and I had learned a lot already myself! But as each week passes, and more lessons are taught and learned, I realize again and again how valuable the lessons I am learning here truly are. I recommend this practice, and particularly THIS DOJO for any and all people! The program is structured such that all new students get lots of face-time with the more advanced students during practice. This really helps accelerate learning, and helps to ensure good practice. I myself have experienced the teens and adults program, and can personally attest to the benefits of training here. The people are amazing, one and all, and I truly feel privileged, honored, and humbled each time I step on the mat to train with them. Head Sensei Nick Walker is an amazing teacher, and guides us all with great patience, wisdom, and intelligence. The training is always challenging, and always worth it. I also highly recommend this dojo for kids! Dojo Manager and skilled practitioner herself, Sensei Azzia Walker, runs the children's program at our dojo. Having had the privilege of learning from her during the teen/adults classes, I can attest to the fact that she is also an incredibly gifted teacher. Having had the privilege of training with a couple of her advanced but younger age students during the teen/adult classes, I can attest to the fact that they know there stuff! I coach girls volleyball and girls basketball (middle school level). If you are a parent reading this because your child is interested in martial arts, I implore you to come check us out. We are having several promotions for young students looking to start training with us, and our exciting new All Girls Program is kicking off! Our hopes that we may be able to provide opportunities for all who may be interested. I love Aikido Shusekai, and I hope that many more will be able to come and share in the bounty of the experiences to be had along the journey that is training. read more

After researching and visiting some aikido schools in the area and I decided to attend this school. The place has a great learning environment. It's subtle but I feel an inner zeal to learn from instructors who have dedicated their lives to the beautiful art of aikido. Most impressive thing is that Nick sensei sub-communicate a balance between softness(suppleness and yielding) and alertness while teaching aikido techniques, which is pretty rare to find. Instructors share all their wisdom and years of experience with aikido for you without holding anything back and you can use it anyway you want in different aspects of life. Students train with other students from different age groups and gender which is deeply interconnected with the balance between suppleness and alertness. It's cause while training with different people during the classes, one naturally finds a balance between the two. Since aikido is considered as the most spiritual martial art and this is reflected while training here like learning without words, conscious breaths, introducing gap between thinking while bowing etc. Although they seem to be way too traditional sometimes with some of the things they sub-communicate to the students, still it's a good school. Along with that it's Pretty spacious. Also you can find many hot girls in nearby dance studios. read more

Aiki Arts Center - Flyer for the school - Martial Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

I decided to check out Aikido for the first time about six months ago, and the welcome, warmth, and kindness I encountered at Shusekai kept me coming back. From day one I felt allowed -- even encouraged -- to have no clue at all what I was doing. As such, my practice has deepened and improved in a most organic, delightful, and surprising way. The basics classes I attend emphasize practice, not mastery, so I feel utterly free to take risks and try things countless different ways under the guidance of the extraordinary Nick Walker Sensei. Nick and the other teachers are wonderfully gifted in both the art itself and how they teach it: from a place of deep skill infused with great lightness and humor. It's rare that most people on the mat aren't at least grinning (and more often laughing -- the smiles you see in the photos weren't just for the camera!). Also, as students advance, they naturally morph into trusted teachers and guides for the newer students. The coolest thing about Aikido is how it translates off the mat: there are inherent lessons about grounding, assertiveness, commitment, what is and isn't worth our energy ... and lots more. It's also a subtly killer workout and a fantastic integration of mind and body. Most exciting for me is the weekly women's class recently begun by Azzia Zur, the spectacular dojo manager and teacher, whose infectious energy makes it impossible not to love learning this stuff. Practicing with all women has a very different and special quality -- if you're a woman looking to start a practice, this class is the perfect gateway. read more

A wonderful program! Terrific teachers (I've learned from Nick Sensei, Joy Sensei, Alan Sensei, Azzia Sensei, and drop in teachers) and a wonderful community of warm, friendly, mindful students. I started taking once-a-week classes while I was in graduate school, and I loved it so much that almost 3 years later I'm doing at least 3 classes a week. It's a wonderful discipline, practiced safely, and it is terrific conditioning. I'm more flexible than I've been in years and in better aerobic shape too. I love the thoughtful way Aikido is taught here, and the broad, diverse, and welcoming fellow students from beginner to advanced. I would recommend this to everyone, including even people who are taking it up in their sixth decade (which is where I now am.) read more

All righty, then. Five years have passed since I wrote my last review, and it's time to update it. I would not change a single word of what I wrote before--Aikido Shusekai is still an amazing dojo, a great community of students and instructors. I would only add that, because it IS so amazing and supportive, it has enabled me and many other students to develop and nurture a long-term relationship with the dojo. The openness and disciplined-but-fun vibe that people feel on the first visit only gets better over time. The founder, Nick Walker Sensei, has a profound ability to get to the heart of aikido, and to bring that forth to everyone on the mat. I wrote my initial review when I was still in the beginner ranks. Now I can speak as a meaningful case study of "What would happen if a guy in his 50's with a family and a full time job wanted to start training in aikido, after a 25 year hiatus?" That pretty much sounds like a recipe for disappointment. But with the supportive atmosphere of Shusekai, I found the "permission to succeed" that I was looking for. I've taken my time, but have now made it to shodan, first-degree black belt, with no reason to ever stop moving and growing in the art. So, if you're looking for a place to start (or re-start) an exploration of aikido, Aikido Shusekai is worth a try. But don't be surprised if you end up staying for a long, long time. read more

Our daughter studied with Azzia Walker for about six months. She came away from Shusekai with a love of the practice and very good discipline as a student. However, she is no longer at Shusekai and I do not recommend Azzia Walker as an instructor. The set-up is excellent; students support and teach other students during sessions which creates a community of learners. But Azzia is not creating a community around Shusekai. She wants followers of her. Families are not allowed to observe, linger or come in early to pick up (but god help you if you're late!). Children are discouraged from having parents present when they have questions for Azzia. And under the guise of being supportive of her students, Azzia makes remarks that are dismissive of parents or other teachers. Furthermore, she discussed other students in front of the class in a way that was very confusing and inappropriate. In late summer, she kicked someone out of the class for behavior, but to our child, it appeared as if he'd done one thing and been told to go. She didn't understand what the other child had done wrong and was concerned she would be kicked out, too. She was rude to me during most interactions (never to my partner) except when she wanted me to put studio flyers out at our school to recruit students. At that point, I was already uncomfortable about recommending the studio. Azzia might have been upset I didn't call her sensei, but I had no experience with martial arts and did not know that was the custom. In contrast, our daughter's new sensei explained her expectations about titles, bowing in/out, observations, and belt tests on the first night and checked to see if we had questions the following class.i The final break came when our daughter was not taking belt tests, she asked (with me) Azzia what she needed to do to progress. Azzia said she needed to be on time. Then she turned to me and said she was late too or absent weekly and couldn't progress. She was angry with me but penalized our daughter. But she never said to our daughter, my husband, or me that tardies were holding her back. It was never communicated. At one point she suggested I recruit families from our school to help get my daughter to class on time. Frankly, she seemed mad at me but took it out on my kid. When I emailed her, she did not respond. Our experience is not everyone's. Lots of families love Azzia and the studio. But based on our experience, I do not recommend her as an educator. Note: Youth classes are no longer accepts boys. read more

As a true beginner to aikido, I cannot speak more highly of Aikido Shusekai. They are warm, friendly people with so much to teach. This is a place to ground yourself, find your power and have fun learning aikido! The kids program is amazing, it's definitely worth checking out. read more

If you've got kids that are curious about aikido, Aikido Shusekai's free trial months are a great opportunity--it's an amazing way to get a true taste of the form. Check their website for details--we started when they did a free trial month in May, and they've got another coming up this September. My two kids--11 and 9--both absolutely love training in aikido at Aikido Shusekai.Their sensei, Azzia, keeps the kids classes focused and serious while still being playful and engaged. The principles of aikido really resonate with our family, and we've had many thoughtful, lively conversations after aikido classes. Azzia is one of those rare mentors that really sees each student, and does what she can to reach them all within the confines of a highly structured class. Nick and Azzia are also really responsive to the needs of the community. They recently began offering an advanced kids class for students who aren't ready for joining the adult classes, but are ready for more challenges. Wonderful dojo, wonderful people, wonderful experience for our family. read more

Our daughter joined kids Aikido zoom classes at Aikido Shusekai via weekly zoom classes last year midway through the Pandemic shut down. Her teacher was Sensei Azzia Walker, who is nice and friendly.  The class was small with other kids her age, so our daughter felt quite comfortable. She enjoyed the conversations on  interesting topics about their days, what they liked, making haiku poems and free word associations. She loved the free form movement practice in the end. After every class we would get updates on the class, readings during class and how the children were interacting, which was very  fun to read. I learnt a bit of Haiku writing because of that as well. We recommend the Dojo for children looking to start Aikido practice and physical activity in a friendly, kind environment without pressure and with gentle encouragement. The adult Aikido classes are also very good. Sensei Joy Reichart is an excellent teacher and I enjoyed the few classes I was able to attend. We hope to go back when circumstances allow. read more

Martial arts dojos can be intimidating, competitive environments. This Dojo is the antithesis of that and embodies the lessons of peace, improvement of self and others, and care for the well-being of all involved. I highly recommend this studio for anyone wishing for a supportive, challenging, nurturing environment in which to learn physical techniques and philosophy for creating harmony out of situations that may seem to offer none. read more

Nicky is a great teacher, and a leader in Aikido's evolution as an art. The style of Aikido he teaches is pragmatic and elegant. It's about what works -- not only in the limited (but important!) sense of what keeps you from getting your ass kicked, but in the more fundamental sense of how real conflict is transmuted into grace. read more

Finest aikido instruction I've ever seen. Vibrant community.

I'll put it this way. When I moved to Los Angeles, I decided to start my own Shusekai dojo rather than go to any of the schools already here. (That's an advantage of being a high-ranking student....) read more

Aikido Shusekai offers a friendly, safe and encouraging environment for my 9-yo son to learn this martial art. It has been a joy to see these skills develop within his practice - physical coordination, confidence, mindfulness, responsibility, motivation, respect, and autonomy. He now schedules time to finish homework before practice, is aware of arriving promptly, makes sure that his gi is washed, and deliberately chooses healthy snacks before practice. Now to apply this to his world outside of the dojo . . . We are grateful to be a part of the Aikido Shusekai community. read more

I am so grateful to have found Aikido Shusekai. I am in the process of healing from a scoliosis of the spine, and knew I needed talented instructors if I was to succeed injury-free in a martial art. Nick Walker-Sensei and Azzia Walker-sensei provide excellent, gentle instruction with a clear focus on maintaining the safety of one's own body and, of course, one's partner's body as well. I am happy to report no injuries since joining the school in September, and the practice has already improved my body awareness and clarity of attention significantly. Every ranking student I have partnered with has been knowledgeable and a talented teacher in their own right, meaning that every time I go to class I have the opportunity to learn techniques from new perspectives. Everyone I've met at Aikido Shusekai has been wonderfully warm and welcoming. Even if you do not feel fully confident in your body, you will be able to learn safely and at your own speed. read more

I have just returned to the Shusekai Aikido dojo after 4 months of dedicated school work. Shusekai is a school of Aikido that focuses the spirit aiming to connect the mind and body deeply. There is a way of approaching the discipline and the study all Aikido which can be very philosophical - but not all schools allow for this. Shusekai is one that is very open to your needs. There is also a formal structure to the classes and yet there is a feeling of flexibility as well. When I started Shusekai, actually Aikido in general, about 1 and 1/2 years ago I had previously participated in Korean martial arts for 4 - 6 months prefaced only by Isshinryu Karate as a pre-teen. I don't know whether Aikido calls to me directly or if more importantly I appreciate the Sensei's teaching regardless of the style but I definitely feel something compelling about my experience with this dojo. I also attend the Shusekai basics class and lab with Sensei Justin on Saturday afternoons. This is also a good class and I highly recommend it. Update 4.11.11 - I forgot to mention I attend the Aikido lab no-fall class with Sensai Eric in Ohlone Park on Wednesday evenings. It's a nice change to be outside after spending most practice days inside the dojo. Right now the class is 'lab-like' because we focus on reviewing techniques from the main Aikido class but I could see it branching out into more variety of kata, technique, no-fall freestyle, and weapons training - there may even be an extra jo and bokken available for drop-ins. Highly recommended. read more

This is a great community of engaged, interesting people who are looking out for each other's learning and growth- I feel like I've found my tribe. Nick Walker Sensei and Azzia Zur Sensei have an open-ended experiential teaching style that is very welcoming to new students, with a deep capacity to direct our attention to ever more subtle layers and refinement of the techniques. Practicing Aikido with the community and teachers of Shusekai is helping me to explore my edges, and learn a new way to engage with stressful situations without losing my center. Practicing these techniques is re-patterning responses to conflict and stress from fight/flight/freeze into fluid, adaptive awareness. In the rest of my life, I am finding myself alert and awake to the possibilities and creative options in stressful situations, instead of getting pre-emptively nervous, anxious, or closing down. And I'm loving the women's only classes! I would say they are definitely living up to their guiding motto of "always training in a spirit of joy", and creating an environment that spreads ripples of goodwill and skillful engagement out into the world. read more

After a 5 year hiatus from Aikido, I attended a Shusekai class and felt right at home. My classmates are kind, encouraging and supportive at my lack of ability to perform Aikido techniques. Now that I'm back into it, I look forward to every class rain or shine. My wife says I'm more pleasant to be around after an Aikido session, so she encourages me to go. At the present moment, there is a special for the first month of classes: it's free. Also, Shusekai is great for beginners and advanced students since there is a wide range of of experience within the dojo. I highly recommend Shusekai for Aikido practice! read more

Little to do with combat or posturing or favoritism. Lots to do with practicing, strengthening, understanding, and participating. I'm a total beginner, and loving the acceptance. read more

I'm going to let you in on a secret. I decided that I wanted my daughter to know a martial art and signed her up for classes here. And even though she didn't choose it, my headstrong young one likes it anyway. *A lot.* She adores Azzia Sensei (and really, with her incredibly kind and open nature, who wouldn't?) and is learning a lot from her as well as the more advanced kids in the class. As others have said, this dojo is warm, welcoming and encouraging - I would highly recommend it to anyone of any age who wants to train in aikido. read more

Classes at Aikido Shusekai are fun, engaging, and welcoming. We love working with Azzia and Nick so much that we have referred several families to Aikido Shusekai. Once you walk through the doors of Aikido Shusekai, you will be SO GLAD you did. Azzia and Nick are the embodiment of warmth and kindness and they inspire you to be your best self! read more

Our daughter has been practicing Aikido with the kids program for a year and a half and we're pretty thrilled with the quality and value. Azzia Sensei is very dedicated to this program and expects commitment from kids and families. She does have particular protocols for student and family behavior. It is an unusually disciplined and structured environment in our current culture of informality and I find that very refreshing and for my daughter, empowering. The kids gain physical strength and confidence and also learn important emotional and psychological skills. read more

The lessons learned from this dojo have been lasting and profound. I have drifted in and out for years, always accepted, and consistently gaining new insight. Go! read more

I have been attending classes at Aikido Shusekai for about two months and I'm very happy with it. I am a beginner to aikido and was a bit nervous at first, since most of the classes are mixed, with beginners and advanced students training together. It can be intimidating grappling with a black belt on your very first day! But the vibe at the dojo is extremely supportive and welcoming, and beginners are treated with patience and gentleness. The whole atmosphere of the dojo is comfortable and friendly, and many of the students have been training there for years, so it feels like joining a family. There are beginner-only classes on Monday nights, and I strongly encourage any new students to check those out, although it's also important to attend the mixed classes. The dojo is a big supporter of kids learning aikido, so their offerings for younger students are extensive. I'm also happy with the pricing structure: An inexpensive monthly payment gets you unlimited classes, which makes it easy to work regular classes into my schedule. read more

I bring my son to Aikido Shusekai's kids' class, and it has been a truly wonderful experience. Nick, Azzia and the other teachers teach with patience and warmth, and they work individually with the children to make sure they understand and can execute the techniques. They are firm but gentle with the kids, so that they understand that they are expected to focus. They encourage the kids to work with each other and help each other. I really love the atmosphere, and my son looks forward to every class. read more

Sensei Nick is a great teacher: patient, really experienced, and relaxed. He lets students learn at their own pace and always welcomes questions. The students are all very easy-going and super nice. You feel welcomed every time you come to class! Highly recommend. read more

Our daughter has been training with Azzia Walker Sensei since last summer, and it's hard to overstate how beneficial the experience has been for her. The confidence in and enthusiasm for the art that she communicates is wonderful to see in terms of her development as a human being, and is deeply moving from the more specific perspective of a parent watching his child discover a practice that brings her such joy. Our daughter's affection and respect for her sensei is unmistakable, and it's obvious how much joy she takes in the training itself. Azzia truly, fully sees our daughter for who she is, and that kind of unstinting embrace of our daughter's personhood is clearly infused throughout the entire training experience. It's also become an extraordinary bonding experience for our daughter and myself, because I subsequently joined the dojo as a student too, and it's been every bit as healing, nurturing, challenging, and joyful an experience for me. I started off in Joy Reichart Sensei's beginner class, which was (and continues to be) a tremendously welcoming and nurturing entry point into the world of aikido. I'm now attending weapons training with Alan Hodges Sensei and basics class with Nick Walker Sensei, and I've had the good fortune to train with Azzia Sensei in every class I've attended so far. I'm utterly thrilled with how full and multifaceted my learning experience has become. Nick Sensei explicitly states his belief in running a dojo where every student is welcomed and accepted where they are, regardless of martial arts experience/inexperience, innate physical and psychological qualities, or personal history with athletics and spirituality. "Beginner's mind" is a phrase I've heard spoken in the dojo with genuine belief, and that mentality has been such a boon to me in my practice. Thoroughly inexperienced white belts like myself mingle freely with supremely accomplished black belts; ranking students actively seek out new students to work with; and sensei exude an eagerness to practice that matches that of the most enthusiastic, ascending student. The sensei aren't the only teachers in the dojo - the ranking students are all superb teachers in their own right, whether it's by steadily, patiently flowing through the techniques, or by providing physically or verbally explicit instruction. In fact, every time I work with another student I come away with some new and precious bit of insight into the art, whether the student is a third degree black belt or a white belt as inexperienced as me. Best of all, Aikido Shusekai truly embodies the words of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba Sensei when he said "always train in a spirit of joy." This is not a dojo that focuses on combat technique to the exclusion of all else; we seek continuous growth in physical technique, of course, but we simultaneously and equally seek continuous growth in self-perception, harmonic connection with our surroundings, and the belief in practicing the art of aikido in relation to our daily reality. Training at Aikido Shusekai is the single most spiritually engaged activity I've ever pursued, and it's because of the dojo's unwavering commitment to the duologies of external technique and internal reflection, skill and spirit, body and mind. When the students and teachers of Shusekai are training together, the spirit of joy can't be missed; it's been a revelation. Joining Aikido Shusekai has legitimately changed my life for the better. read more

I have just started taking Akido classes at Shusekai through an introduction series for women taught by Azzia. The class has been a wonderful introduction to Akido so far... we have been so warmly and enthusiastically welcomed, and encouraged to "not know" and be okay with it. I have never taken martial arts before, but have wanted to for many years. I feel like a found a real gem in this studio. read more

If you are looking for a dojo for yourself Akido Shusekai may meet your needs. However if you are looking for an after school activity for your child this dojo might not be a good choice. Sessions are one and a half hours long and children are required to to go to no less than two sessions per week. I found the teacher to be inflexible and unclear about her expectations for student progress The website did not provide much clarification on belt progression. When I asked to speak with her she didn't respond to my email. My daughter liked the class, but thought that the sensei showed favoritism to certain students and cursed a lot. read more

I'm three months into getting back on the mat after a decade away from training and I couldn't be happier to be rolling around with the aikidoka at Aikido Shusekai. The senseis and students are so warm and welcoming it's been an easy transition back into aikido practice. This dojo has got a great blend of the martial and the spiritual aspects of aikido. Senseis Nick and Azzia Walker lead the dojo from both a heartfelt connection and a traditional formality that welcomes you and challenges you. The classes are full of lots of happy people training hard. The Monday night Beginner's class is always inspirational thanks to Joy Sensei's playful instruction. I'm so energized that I invited my 14 year old son to train here and he's loving the practice as well. The senior students gravitate towards working with him and it's moving to watch him develop his own practice and follow his own path right on the same mat with me. Come on by for a free beginner's class on a Monday night and see if Aikido Shusekai will be your new training home. read more