Aikido of Gainesville has changed my view on most martial arts. If your looking for a martial art that you and your family can learn self defense, this is the place for you. I went to all the martial arts in Gainesville but when I found Aikido of Gainesville, I new this was the place. It wasn't in an airconditioned everything beautiful and just perfect on the wall but a place most would call a hole in the wall. Let me explain - Once you walk into the DOJO - the atmosphere becomes real. You see the true aspect of what Sensei is wanting all his students to see. The Love of Aikido. Not the glamor of the building from the outside but the truth of Aikido in the inside. You will learn a true martial art and have fun. He has a passion for wanting his students to learn and become a family of Aikido. I have a large family. I have eight children. My children range from ages of 4-17. All my children have been able to help each other learn and be able to teach others in the DOJO. This is the way Sensei wants his students to be. A teacher to others. I remember when I first started and new absolutely nothing and the rewards I got when I was able to share my knowledge with others at the DOJO. My Children have learned a lot and will have memories that will last a life time. There is children classes and adult classes. Even an open mat session on Thursday that welcomes the community to come for free. Weapons class. You cant beat it. Once you see the benefits, you will not make a mistake in your investment in continuing. The games that are played in the children classes all have benefits. They build team skills, patience, a lot of moves you learn in Aikido can apply to the games as well. I want you if your reading this to come and see for yourself the return you will get when you invest in yourself to become someone/student at Aikido of Gainesville. Come join us and you wont regret it. J. Herron and Family read more

Aikido of Gainesville's Sensei Tom Huffman trained in Japan for six years under the legendary Morihiro Saito Sensei. Now he teaches Iwama and Nishio Styles of Aikido here in Gainesville, FL. Whether you like his style or not, you will find no one more dedicated to the art. He teaches children or adults alike with minute attention to detail and takes time to explain the meaning of Japanese terms used in Aikido. If the class is small, Sensei Tom will give the neophyte personal attention to show and explain exactly how a technique works with minimal effort and maximum effect. He also offers classes in Iaido, the art of drawing the katana. Gainesville residents have this incredible resource at their doorstep like few other communities can boast. Unlike other fighting arts like karate or taekwondo, injuries are uncommon in Aikido where its principles of compassion are applied in practice so no one gets hurt. I have been training with Sensei Tom Huffman since 2016 after previously training for years in Michigan, California and Germany starting from the 1970s, so I am no stranger to Aikido. Now in my seventies, I attribute my fitness in no small part to my weekly practice of Aikido under Sensei Tom Huffman, who deserves kudos for preserving and transmitting this profound art to anyone who is willing to put forth the effort to learn it. Patrick Harrigan read more

Me and my 12 year old daughter Cailey attended our first class tonight to learn Aikido,.. and we LOVED it! I took my daughter to her first class tonight in hopes that it would be just what she needed to regain her confidence, learn self defense, and find her inner strength thru this art of peace. What I didn't expect was that I would join in and find the same thing! We both tend to be shy and anxious, but felt right at home with the wonderful Sensei, Mr. Huffman and the rest of the classmates and instructors. Mr. Keith, one of the instructors, explained all the class options clearly and really helped us understand what is all possible through Aikido. Great class, friendly people, free and affordable classes, and a in perfect location! We both learned so much in just one class and can't wait for the next one. I would highly recommend that anyone (adult or child) try Aikido of Gainesville, Inc you may find exactly what you feel you are missing right there in that Dojo! Thank you for bringing Aikido to this area.. I feel that it is (and will be) a blessing for so many people! read more

Started training with Sensei Huffman in 2011-12 while he was teaching free classes at Santa Fe College. It's a challenge finding the real deal amid a lot of high priced McDojos, but here I was lucky enough to find it. Once I'd gained the exposure I followed them from the Unified Training Center to their current location. Even after I graduated from UF & moved to Tampa I was still driving up I-75 to keep training here. I was with them for 8 (on & off) years & 3 proficiency tests. Would've kept going....but COVID happened. I'm giving 4 stars out of 5- fair warning the dojo gets pretty toasty in the summer! Sensei rambles a bit, but the lesson is there. His Senseis-in Japan, were direct students of the art's founder. Overall, strongly recommend. Aikido's more complex than kickboxing or judo but if you're resilient you'll gain something priceless. read more

Aikido of Gainesville is a great dojo; the owner is very dedicated to teaching traditional martial arts. Aikido is unlike most martial arts in that it does not emphasize competition -thus it is not really a 'combat sport' like most styles these days. Also, many martial arts schools seem very commercial: requiring contracts, testing fees, fancy uniforms, and expensive rates. In addition to offering FREE weekly classes to the community (who else does that?), Aikido of Gainesville's rates are not only reasonable -but a reflection of Sensei's motivation: the lifelong dedication to the art and to teach traditional Aikido techniques. This is a family-friendly, spacious dojo with very nice mats, fans, and ventilation. read more

Tom Sensei is a hidden gem that should not be hidden. He is so knowledgeable and transmits his knowledge unselfishly. I truly have enjoyed every Aikido encounter with him, Keith Sensei in every event. I wish many manynstudents will take to heart what he offers sincerely and with passion! Thank you Sensei Tom and Sensei Keith. May Aikido of Gainsville prosper exponentially! read more

My kids have enjoyed going to Aikido, Sensei let them play and taught them techniques in a relaxing, caring environment. I also participated in the boken class. Sensei is patient and willing to reteach and outs you at ease. I would highly recommend the Aikido classes for a fun, engaging extra curricular activity. read more

Sensei Tom is a knowledgeable Sensei, teaching a Martial Art not so common in the West: Iaido! He teaches both Omori style and Aiki Toho Iaido which I took. It allowed me to get back in Martial Arts in my 50s. I can recommend the school Aikido of Gainesville to anyone wishing to explore Japanese Martial Arts. read more

Great teacher. Love the weopons classes and how Sensei combines the movements with empty hand techniques. Would love to spend more time if it were not for the commitments at work. Sensei's knowledge about the history and art form is encyclopedic. read more

Aikido of Gainesville is a wonderful place to learn the true technique of the art. Sensei is dedicated and was able to teach both of my children not only the techniques, but was an amazing example to both of them. Highly recommend! read more

Recently started attending classes after searching closer to home for a good instructor. I have a bit of a drive but Sensei Tom is the best I have found and is well worth the commute. read more