Aikido of Cincinnati, A Welcoming Dojo in the heart of the city Aikido of Cincinnati is the kind of dojo that immediately makes you feel welcomed. The building has plenty of parking, and the training space itself is spacious, clean, and well cared for. The instructors have decades of experience in the art of Aikido and teach with a balance of precision, tradition, and patience. You get a genuine, real world understanding of the Japanese art of Aikido. Whether you're brand new or have years of training, they meet you where you are and help you grow. The training environment is traditional, respectful, and supportive. Classes are structured but never rigid. There's room to ask questions, explore technique, and learn at a pace that feels sustainable. Ukemi, weapons training, and partner work are all taught with safety and clarity in mind. The community at Aikido of Cincinnati is one of the dojo's biggest strengths. People genuinely care about each other's progress, and the atmosphere is friendly without losing the seriousness of practice. It's a place where you can train hard, improve consistently, and still feel at home. If you're looking for authentic Aikido taught by people who truly understand the art and cultivate a positive training culture, Aikido of Cincinnati is an excellent choice. Reviewed by Salim Kai read more

How many organizations have you attended you felt, from the first time you entered, you would be there for the long run? If you have watched any martial art style movies, do the adversaries suffer the most? You are welcome to number all the various punches by name. An instructor explained to me; "A punch, is a punch, is a punch, no mater what name you give it." This person was and is Dan Insonto. His daughter was being pushed around in a baby carriage, at the time. She probably 33 years old by now. I would tell anyone I feel Aikido is passive/aggressive. You all understand inertia. A body in motion, shall remain in motion, until acted upon by an outside source. Aikido, to me, isn't aggressive until that object (a person) begins to strike. Aikido uses the forward momentum of your aggressor as an advantage, keeping the aggressor in motion, as a directed advantage, like crashing a plane. Should an aggressor come soft, that person will be stopped softer. However, coming full strength will result in the aggressor saying; "Father forgive me, for I have sinned in my thoughts, my words, and what I failed to do." The body of this organization is made up of professional people, from various well groomed industries. Saying this is to explain anyone willing to learn, will have the very best group of trained professionals found anywhere. If you are 8 yrs old, you will be taught. If you're of an "old school," willing to learn, you will be taught, not judged. However, No One begins, without being stretched out in more places than flees on a hunting dog! Do your homework. Come with an open mind, observe, speak with everyone having positive open mind the way the young mighty mights show up, with respect. Give your best and you will get the best! read more

I felt compelled to write this review, not just for the sake of writing it. One of the best thing about this school is the balance. It's like they have selected the best components from the tradition and modern world and then adapted them in their practice of aikido. There's a balance between both components. For example No long and tedious formalities, but just enough that students stay in touch with the essence of aikido. Another example is the easy access to instructors unlike I have seen at other schools. After the class even the instructors clean the mats along with students, which is so rare to see. There are more dan level students here then any other school I have seen. It's like they put you into fast track as you get to learn from different instructors everyday who have different styles. Plus they give you feedback right away. I learned more here in less than 3 weeks than I learned in 2 and half months at the other school. I think it's the best aikido school in Cincinnati. read more

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