I've been training at Alameda Akikai with Mitsu Sensei for three years alongside my oldest child (12) who has been there for 2+ years and his sibling (10) who has been there for about 1+ years. Bottom line: I love it. For me, Aikido is both an escape and an exercise. The art is challenging, physically and mentally and requires one be alert, agile, strong and flexible. I try and practice several times a week which is very easy to do here. The other people on the mat are engaged and kind and look out for one another. There are also a variety of classes to choose from (for adults there are 530 am, 9am and 6pm classes, and one on Saturday, and for kids there are many options to choose from after school and also on Saturdays). Speaking of kids! Training with my own kids is a real joy. It's a fun activity we can do together and Aikido exemplifies, and teaches, important values about capability, respect, effort and diligence. 10/10 can recommend! read more

I've been training at Alameda Aikikai for just about two years, and it's been incredible! Mitsu Sensei is extremely clean with his instructions, makes sure the students are being personally challenged without being pushed too far, and utilizes his background in physical therapy to make sure everyone is practicing safely. The community is incredible with a strong familial, but welcoming atmosphere. I absolutely love being a part of this dojo and look forward to all of y'all being a part of it as well! read more

Amazing space and amazing instructors! Sensei is super patient while simultaneously stern and disciplined.

I started my martial arts journey at a young age, trying out different arts and a multitude of different dojos. Despite my interest in combat arts being consistently high, none of the dojos I'd attended ever clicked with me until I set foot in Alameda Aikikai. Let me cut to the chase and say: this is a SERIOUS dojo. Training here will not be a cakewalk. You will sweat, you will be exhausted, you may even experience body aches you've never felt before. But above all of those, you will be exposed to a wealth of priceless knowledge and you will have lots of fun during your training. You will achieve feats you've never envisioned yourself being capable of doing. And your training will take you places that you've never dreamt of reaching. The chief instructor, Elmer Tancinco Sensei, is extremely knowledgeable in the art and all aspects of combat. The dojo lineage is only 2 or 3 generations of teachers away from the founder of Aikido. And the membership consists of a friendly group of individuals who are some of the hardest-working folks you will see on the mat. And for the little ones, the Children's Program has grown tremendously within the past year or so. These days, it is not uncommon for up to three instructors to be present and teaching all levels of students. So your child will certainly be receiving the attention and lessons they need, regardless as to what level they advance. My stay in this dojo thus far has taken me so much further than I first expected and has opened doors to a plethora of opportunities in my life. I have been training here for almost 5 years, and have continued to do through several life changes (including relocating to a town nearly 35 miles away). And I foresee myself staying for as long as the dojo exists. read more

A wonderful and energetic Dojo. I have practiced at Alameda Aikikai for over 19-years. A very welcoming and inclusive Dojo to train at. They are dedicated to the faithful transmission of O'Sensei's vision of Aikido with a focus on the martial aspects of Aikido. They offer the traditional body art hand to hand), weapons (Bokkelen and Jyo), Iaido (sword drawing, and Zazen (meditation). They also have a lively and active kids Aikido program. Definitely worth a visit if you are looking for a martial art to practice. read more

I can't give enough positive praise for this very special place. My daughter (5 soon to be 6) has been been begging to go to 'Ninja class.' We visited two other different popular practices in Alameda and we were very happy to find Alameda Aikikai. This warm establishment isn't a business it's a community. From the first inquiry over the phone, to our very first initial visit, and as a beginner we were welcomed and our nervous little girl felt like she was part of a close team instantly. She is thriving in a culture where the seniors support the juniors. When I asked her how she feels when she's done she answered, "I like it because I feel calm." She's challenged to be still and the reenforcement of the lesson to practice in order to achieve greatness is a lesson I'm glad she's grasping early in her life. read more

I recently moved to Alameda about 2 years ago. Not knowing anyone in the area I decided to pick up a discipline that I started when I was in the military. When I first walked in and observed a class, I knew that this level of training was what I was in search of. Each class is highly engrained with safety, and procedure. You are not a student at this dojo but a member of a very close-knit family. If you are looking to quickly move up the belts, it probably won't happen here. What will happen is a slow methodical progression to increase your stamina and abilities. If you find yourself questioning whether this is for you- I am 67 years old and I am in class with 20 and thirty year olds. Each one is friendly and respectful not to mention the instruction is some of the best in the nation. Do yourself a favor and check this place out! read more

I don't know anything about the aikido program here, but I decided to take the Self Defense and Conditioning class offered here through the city's park department. The weekly classes are held at what I guess is an aikido studio. As I later learned, there weren't very many participants of the class who signed up through the park department. About half of the participants appear to be regular students of the aikido classes and evidently just show up to get exercise. No matter, because everyone is super friendly. The instructor runs the aikido classes and is great. Very friendly guy. He's in fabulous shape, of course, and he is very encouraging but doesn't force you to "go for the burn". The first hour involves lots of wonderful stretching and a lot of cardio exercise. The last half hour involves boxing with training gloves and pads for sparring. Also great cardio exercise and fun too. Everything here seems very authentic to me. The class before us involved teens and kids and was taught with Japanese terminology. They were in white uniforms and the large room looked very authentic and featured a huge canvas padded room-sized mat. Easy street parking. read more

One of the finest places in North America to learn Aikido. They come from a strong lineage that leads directly to the founder. Be prepared to train hard and push yourself. read more

I am enrolled in the parks and rec conditioning and self defense class. Great class, everyone moves at their own pace. No need to keep up with everyone. Very supportive instructor. Great parking. read more

This dojo has wonderful, patient Senseis, and a friendly community feel. The more experienced students help the newer ones, and there are always at least 2 teachers. My five year old has learned a ton in just a few weeks, and we look forward to continuing the program. read more

It has been my privilege to be a member of Alameda Aikikai for the past 16 1/2 years. My initial reason for joining this dojo (martial arts school) was so that I would have a physical outlet to deal with my life-long panic attacks. The aikido training and meditation (zazen) have provided me with a vehicle by which to deal with everyday stress, and has offered me a way to "center" myself physically, mentally and spiritually. In Aikido, we are taught that instead of meeting an attacker's strike with equal force, that the energy from both persons can be "blended," allowing the person being attacked to absorb the energy of the attacker and use it to control him/her. This principle of "blending" can also be applied when one has to deal with difficult situations at work or home. Training in aikido provides me with calming mindset in order to deal with these difficult situations. The students at Alameda Aikikai are very caring individuals who I consider to be part of my family. Tancinco Sensei is a wonderful teacher who is determined, above all, to transmit the art of Aikido in as pure a form as possible. The standards at Alameda Aikikai are high, but Sensei has endless patience and compassion, and he cares very much for all of his students - both advanced and beginners. Alameda Aikikai often sponsors weekend seminars for Birankai, the organization to which we belong. Students from other dojos often comment on the warm and welcoming environment of our dojo. We recently enjoyed the company of a Shodan (1st degree black belt) from Germany, who commented on the great energy and friendliness of our students. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found such a place as Alameda Aikikai. It has provided me a place of friendship and peace. read more

First time taking a conditioning class, didn't know what to expect. Best decision I've made in a very long time! Always been a fan of boxing...and what we do tonight Boxing!!! And let me tell you that first punch felt amazing hitting the boxing pads. The instructor makes you feel welcome and encourage you to work at a comfortable pace. Will I be attending more classes hell yea and I encourage you to join me I could use a partner in crime and for only $7 every Wednesday it's well worth it! It's good for individual get away, group workouts and family time activities. See you next class! read more

Great place to practice Aikido, very simple and peaceful setup. First time here and I enjoyed the spirit and kindness of people. Convenient parking. Could not wait to come back. read more

I joined the dojo a few months ago, and I can't emphasize enough what a positive experience it has been for me. Everyone is very friendly and supportive, and the passion of the members for the Art is simply infectious. Sensei is a master in the true meaning of the word: he not only teaches us the finer technical points and their practical applications for self-defense, but also embodies the philosophy and spirit of Aikido. I guarantee that if you come train at Alameda Aikikai, you will not only learn how to defend yourself, you will be better equipped to deal with the many kinds of challenges that naturally arise in daily life. See you on the mat... read more

I took a class here a couple of years ago and my review is long over due. I want everyone to know this isn't a very good school. Everyone learns at there own pace and I had only been with the school for a couple of weeks. Martial Arts takes years to perfect and after a few months I still wasn't catching on. Instead of being encouraging one of the Akido teachers Catilin was unencouraging. I left about a month later never to return. I do not reccomend this school to anyone. read more