I had always wanted to study Aikido and thought that inexpensive classes at a smaller place might…read morebe the move. I signed up to take six weeks of classes and it was generally alright for my first couple of clases. I didn't enjoy having to set up the mats and move everything out of the way due to the space we were working with but I'm a team player so I went with it. When it came to learning, there were certain fundamentals I was having issues with. One of them is a forward roll -- almost like a somersault but you tuck your head in a particular way and roll on your shoulder. I did not grasp how to do what I was supposed to do. I asked for help. I asked for more help. I was given the same instructions repeatedly. I just needed to know where to put my body so I did this right. I'm not a small person so I was concerned for my own safety. Despite being uncomfortable with what I was doing, I relented and did what I thought was a forward roll..what's the worst that could happen? The noise my shoulder made sounded like a bag of ritz crackers being stepped on. The pain grew substantially hours after that. I emailed with the Sensei, Heather, about my issue and she wrote me back. Twice, calling me the wrong students name. When my shoulder was still in massive pain a week later, I pulled the plug and emailed Heather that I wasn't coming back and wished I'd received proper instruction. I heard nothing back. Not even an I'm sorry. Months went by and then I got a LinkedIn connection request last week. Save yourself the trouble and do not give this organization your time or money or you will regret it.

I moved to Boston a little over a year ago. I continue to travel back to CT once or twice a week…read moreto teach and train at my home martial arts studio. I've missed having a community in Boston, so I decided to try this school. Aikido is related to one of the arts I practice (Hapkido) and I have always wanted more time to explore the Aikido side of the art form. I registered online and left a message saying I was coming in for a trial class. The Sensei was late which given the snow storm last week is understandable. What followed, I cannot explain. I was never welcomed by Sensei Randolph, not during or after class. She never asked about my previous training, how I found class or if I was interested in returning. I have trained in the martial arts for nearly 10 years and have never felt so unwelcomed in another school as I did here. In our school if we had a visiting student of any rank from another school or art form, we actually would stop and inquire. We would ask about their training, level of comfort and experience. It is just a simple code across art forms, especially with a visiting black belt of which I am one. I am an easy going human being who is genuinely curious about other martial art forms and absolutely do not subscribe to the competition that my art form is the better one. I genuinely think Aikido would have been an awesome addition to my current training. In addition, I found the style of instruction to be stiff, unclear and unfocused. I didn't find it to be physically safe either. I can see exactly how another reviewer was seriously injured and did not receive any follow up or even basic care and concern. Please train in a martial art, try Aikido or any other art that suits you, but do it at a school that is safe, inspiring, and holistic. Do not train here. I do not say that lightly.

I've always held an interest in learning martial arts for self defense. However, I never knew where…read moreto start, and learning it can be pretty costly as a college student. It wasn't until a year ago when I heard about this place, I was told there was a free trial class, and I had time on my hands, so I decided to try it out with my friend for fun. That was probably one of the best decisions I've made. I found the trial so enjoyable, I decided to sign up, and ever since then, I've been consistently dedicating myself to attending their classes. Below, I will cover more on costs, content, and learning environment. Cost: One thing that's really nice here is that the classes aren't expensive at all. As of now, for $35 a month, we meet once every Saturday from 12:00 - 2:30 PM. Given that monthly expense of your average martial art dojo in Boston usually exceeds $70+, $35 monthly will definitely give you the best bang for your buck. Content: Our school, called Seirenkai, combines both karate and jiu-jitsu to focus on self-defense, which means we are not based on a point system. Although the branch in Boston focuses on karate more, we still learn some jiu-jitsu techniques here and there. We often practice karate basics (kihon), self-defense, and karate forms (kata). Learning Environment: The instructors here are super nice, know what they're teaching, and are really passionate about karate. They always change the pace of the class every week to keep things exciting, and they come up with different activities that keeps everybody engaged. Most importantly, they have a lot of patience and know how to teach very well, so it doesn't matter if you're a little rusty in karate, if you came from a different martial arts school, or even if you have no prior martial arts experience at all, because they'll guide you step by step and help you grow at your own pace. Overall, super affordable and informative class. Throughout my time here, not only have I learned to properly defend myself against my roommate, but I've also met new people and built new friendships. The positive attitude of the instructors and the effort they put into making class really engaging makes the whole experience very enjoyable. Definitely rating this 100/5 stars!

I came in a year ago on a whim. I was always interested in learning some martial art, but never…read moreknew where to start. Researching dojos around the city made me hesitate, as classes were way above my price range. I came into Boston Seirenkai, as they offered a free trial, and the classes are very affordable, at only $30/month. In my first couple classes, we learned practical self-defense techniques that kept me interested in learning more. Living in the city, I always wanted to learn how to defend myself, and I could see myself applying the techniques we learned in class to real-world situations. There is only one class offered in this dojo, and it is a mixed level (meaning that there are beginners, intermediate and advanced students learning together). The class agenda varies from class to class, making it interesting. Some days we focus on self-defense techniques, karate basics, or sparring. Sometimes we practice a little of everything. We usually end each class with self-defense drills. I always walk out of class feeling like a lean, mean fighting machine!... Until the next morning when I wake up all sore. The community of the dojo is the number one selling point. Sensei Greenberg and Senpai Symkus are knowledgeable, attentive, enthusiastic, and they make learning karate so much fun. The class is currently a small group, so there is plenty of one-on-one time with the instructors. The students at the moment are a group of young adults who are SO supportive of each other. I never felt judged as a beginner student- even in situations when I was a white-belt paired up with a brown-belt. Overall, I would highly recommend dropping by and trying it out!

I have been attending classes at Boston Boabom for 13 years. The teachers are so supportive,…read morerespectful and adaptive to everyone's situations. Boston Boabom was an early adopter of remote classes at the beginning of the pandemic. Continuing to exercise and meditate by practicing a calming art that connects mind, body and energy work, while maintaining a sense of community with others, even with different countries during such a difficult time was truly a gift. The style of teaching is wonderful-- there is a gentle progression of building upon movements for many different styles of the art. I highly recommend Boston Boabom for its wonderful, kind and respectful community of teachers and students.

I saw an ad for Boabom ("Bo-ah-bomb") a few years ago on the T, and I was curious. The ad made it…read morelook like yoga, but the website promised something more like martial arts. I went to the free Saturday intro class, and decided to give it a shot. The instructors of Boabom will tell you that it is "meditation through movement". To the rest of us, it's a great form of exercise that will improve your flexibility, balance, coordination, breathing and leave your head clear at the end of class. You can follow the core "Boabom" classes, which focus on strength and speed, or try Seamm Jasani (pronounced See-ahhm Ha-sah-nee), which is much slower. I've seen people practice from age 8 into their 70's. Boabom isn't taught like most forms of self defense, in that you don't spar. You will practice carefully with each other, but there is no hitting, leaving you bruised or hurt. If you're looking to learn how to fight someone, this isn't for you. But over time you WILL learn how to defend yourself effectively, getting into shape as you do so. In every class, you learn something new. Every class. There are so many different movements, that you progressively add new ones, and leave others behind as you have mastered them. This keeps classes interesting, instead of having the same session week after week. I practiced Boabom for three years before moving to Somerville. As much as I love it, the trek to Brookline is too long to keep up regularly. I would still be there if I lived closer, though. If you're looking for a good workout, for something that's different, I'd give Boabom a try!

I met Andrea, the owner, when I was shopping around for a martial art (and secondarily, a place to…read morelearn it once I settled on one). We got to talking, and I expressed my concern that I would be the odd "man" out in a martial arts school where everyone else was stronger, fitter, faster, and, well, male. Andrea invited me to her school to join in on a class and see that there were women--a plurality of men, women, and children--who practiced together. Everyone in the class was warm and welcoming. The folks I trained with made me feel like I had been coming there for years rather than having just stepped nervously across the threshold.

I recently signed my 3 year old daughter up for karate, 1 day a week. She absolutely loves it!…read moreSensei Andrea & Sensei Tina are great with the kids, and my daughter instantly knew that she had to listen and follow the instructions. Typically I don't stay for the whole class, I drop her off and come back to watch the tug of war competition, or her final skills evaluation and am always impressed by how much she attained! This is a great place for kids to learn not only how to defend themselves but to build self confidence and control. Not to mention make friends, because all the kids have been very nice and friendly to my daughter. I highly recommend : )

This is a great place to learn judo. I would still practice there but I moved and the classes for…read moreadults do run a little late and I take public transport. I have been practicing martial arts off and on throughout my life: judo as a young kid; tae kwon from late teens to mid-30's. One characteristic I look for in a martial arts school is how the instructors work with children. Sensei Joe is great with kids and the parents really enjoy talking with him after. Sensei Joe takes time to further explain techniques and show parents what the children and them can do to further work on skills while not at the school. Another characteristic I look for in martial arts schools is how the communication is between the upper belts and the lower belts. All of the people are super nice, helpful and take the time to explain technique and style. The only issue that I hinted at above is the hours. If the classes were earlier or the commute shorter, I would continue here. Definitely, if you live in the area or are able to attend, then this place is great to learn judo.

I have checked out this club about three or four years ago, but my body was not ready for the…read moreintensity of the work out and I had serious misgivings about the conditions of the mat. Well they have newer equipment and I will try to make more classes, but with a schedule that involves a lot of late shifts...The instructor is someone I have known for a few years and has a level of proficiency very few people will ever see. The space is a bit old and beat, but the energy and skills of the few people that I have seen there in my previous visit is pretty impressive. We have a very hidden gem in this club!!!

Incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable instructors. Well maintained dojo with showers and…read moreFREE PARKING! Classes 7 days a week, multiple times a day really accommodate busy schedules. One of, if not the best martial arts community in the area. If you want to learn Aikido, this is the place.

awesome dojo the place is non profit and totally non commercialized. its a place to learn and grow…read moreboth as a person as well as a student. Instructors are all great and friendly and donate their time. i strongly suggest you attend a class to see what its like. there is no pressure unlike some dojos where they try to "sell" you. this is simply a school where people who want to practice and learn aikido.

From out of town and dropped in to get a few rolls in. Could not ask for a nicer, cleaner, more…read morewelcoming group of people including the owner Dave. Will definitely come back to support their team!

Dropped in for 2 classes when I was visiting Boston. Coach Dave and Mike are both welcoming and…read morethey make the classes accessible for all level students so it was easy to follow along. The teachers both gave plenty of individual feedback, even demonstrating the moves with me then rolling with me. Definitely can tell that this academy is a labor of love for Coach Dave, he puts a lot of effort into creating a team culture and positive experience for all. There is a strong emphasis on safety here and the techniques are practiced slowly and gently. Also, the other students were also friendly and invited me to partner.

Great for youth kung fu. Excellent instructors with knowledge of martial arts. They are great at…read morehelping students focus and master techniques. Would definitely recommend.

I have been training with Ben Warner for almost two years now. I first came to Kettlebell JP to…read morehelp with my long distance running. I saw great results; my times were faster and I was gaining strength. Eventually I traded in my running shoes for a try at heavier lifting, which I am loving. Whether you attend the fun-filled, sweat-inducing weekday classes or his one-on-one detailed, private instruction, you'll be sure to become hooked on kettlebells! I can't believe I spent so many years wasting time on boring ellipticals that hardly garner any results. Now I'm stronger than ever and have a great time doing it. Every class is different, all levels are welcome.