Whether you are a dedicated practitioner of aikido or just want to have fun, Heaven and Earth Aikido (HEA) is for you. My son joined HEA after trying other martial arts. He instantly took to aikido - it spoke to his nature more than the "harder" martial arts like karate and tae kwon do. He loves rolling around the mat while simultaneously learning important life lessons like how to fall correctly without breaking a limb. Self-defense is also emphasized, mostly in a "protect yourself and run" defensive sort of way. Sensei Brian and Sensei Rick have patient but firm demeanors that make them perfect for working with the kids. They are able to captivate the class and keep them focused, while letting them blow off steam and have fun. Perfect case in point: shikko dodgeball - the kids learn how to move and control their bodies while playing dodgeball, all the time on their knees! After watching my son practicing aikido for about 2 months, I decided to join. Being somewhat overweight and with bad knees, I had assumed that any sort of martial art was no longer an option. To my surprise, I quickly found out that aikido works well for any age and physical condition. Aikido now offers me a wonderful release after a stressful day at the office. It feels good and I am proud to say that I am seeing results at my waistline. My energy level is also significantly improved. All of the teachers and other students at HEA are very personable and supportive. This promotes an atmosphere of comradery and motivation, rather than one of competitiveness that you might find with other martial arts or at health clubs. The fact that HEA offers multiple training techniques all for the same monthly cost is also unique and a great way to shake things up - want to supplement your aikido training with weapons (swords or staffs) or qigong (similar to tai chi)... then head on over to HEA. read more

Heaven and Earth Aikido is helping our daughter become a strong woman, both physically and mentally. It has been 4 weeks since discovering Heaven and Earth Aikido for our daughter. In that time, not only has she learned Aikido techniques, she has learned life lessons. As a parent, I cannot say enough about Sensei Ericksen's teaching methods and philosophy being a gift to his students. He teaches not only Aikido skills, but engenders respect in a quiet manner, both in the teacher-student relationships and the student-student relationships. My daughter is treated as a valuable member of the dojo by everyone there. She is gaining confidence, not only from being able to protect herself when encountering a much bigger adversary, but by being mentored by the other students, as each student takes the role of learner and teacher that extends beyond lessons learned on the mat. There is quiet laughter, smiles, and lots of sweat as students train. For younger kids, there is serious instruction that is laced with humor and fun. When the weather is good, classes are held outside so that students can extend their Aikido practice to being in harmony with nature. Heaven and Earth Aikido creates a family atmosphere where all are welcome, regardless of age or skill level. Sensei Ericksen expands upon this by having family movie nights, taking field trips to train at other Aikido dojos, setting-up dojo-wide charity events, providing opportunities for students to give back to the community and the dojo, and creating an atmosphere that feels, as my daughter says, "like I've found a home filled with friends." I do not think we could have found a better place for our daughter. read more

I have been involved with Aikido since 1997 when I started Tomiki Aikido in college. Upon moving to Northern Virginia, I struggled to find a dojo with an approach that was practical and not in the "and this is where you fall down" vein to no avail. Due to ife circumstances and my growing disappointment with schools in the area, I took a long hiatus from Aiki. Years later, while driving through downtown Herndon, I spotted Heaven and Earth Aikido and decided it was time to give it another shot. I went and observed a class and was immediately impressed with Erickson Sensei's approach and dedication to the greater goals of O'Sensei's tennants and principles. His teaching style leands itself to a copoperative educational experience for all involved with his classes. Erickson Sensei has a gerater goal than to just impart his knowledge onto students. He promotes activism, and a sense of belonging to the larger community through outreach which the grand majority of martial schools completely ignore. On a personal fitness note: In the 18 months that I have been back on the mat with Heaven and Earth Aikido, I have lost close to 40 pounds and found the motivation to quit a 2 pack-a-day smoking habit! If you're looking for a place to help find and develop your inner strength, Heaven and Earth Aikido may be the place for you! read more

I have been attending Heaven and Earth Aikido for about 4 months now. I have never experienced such a warm welcome from any past martial arts dojo's before. At Heaven and Earth there are no contracts unlike many other types of martial arts where they see dollar signs when you walk in the door. Sensei Ericksen is the most honorable man I have ever known. I was unsure if I would be welcomed at first due to my injuries from the military. Not only did they welcome me with open arms and made me part of their family but I have thrived and incredibly I am learning to overcome my disabilities due to Sensei Ericksen, Tammy and so many others I can't even begin to mention in this review and this beautiful, honorable and peaceful martial art known as Aikido. Sadly, I must leave soon as I am relocating and I will continue Aikido at another dojo but I know that there truly will never be a replacement for Heaven and Earth. read more

I have been practicing Martial arts off and on for many years. I tried Tai Chi, Karate, Jujitsu, Kempo and others but nothing fit. Most were too much about just making money and selling things. Heaven and Earth Aikido is both spiritual practice and practical defense. I am very happy to have found such a wonderful community at HEA. Its not just about a factory for making black belts like so many places. This is a place for people to train who are serious about bettering themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. If you just want a black belt or learn how to beat someone up... this is probably not your place. If you want real self defense with discipline and an ethical, spiritual teaching you might want to try Aikido. read more

This is a wonderful aikido dojo. Everyone is very welcoming, and the head instructor, Sensei Brian Ericksen, studied as an uchi deshi under Yamada Sensei and was mentored by Sugano Sensei, two inner students of the founder of aikido. Sensei Brian combines a serious study of aikido with a rare compassion towards his students, which makes the art accessible to all. I signed both of my teenage kids up, and they love the dojo. I've been so impressed that I now train, too! If you are looking for a different kind of martial art that offers very effective self defense for people of all ages and offers a warm and welcoming community, come visit Heaven and Earth Aikido. We did, and we love it. read more

I've been practicing at Heaven and Earth Aikido for over a year. It's been very beneficial in key ways... With 6 black belt instructors teaching at the dojo, one has decades of experience to learn from. The diverse community of men and women I train with have all become good friends. There's been a huge amount of support and encouragement from day one. The philosophy of Aikido carries over into one's daily life, bringing added focus, confidence, and self growth. Then there's the fitness component. Rolling and falling techniques provide a super workout. Practice with a partner never gets boring. Give Heaven and Earth Dojo a try! read more

We have recently started at this dojo after researching various martial arts schools in the area. We chose this dojo not only because aikido was the art we were looking for but for the feel of the place on our first visit. This is how I imagined dojos before martial arts became popular and very commercial. Authentic is the best word I can find to describe it. After only one month we felt a part of this family of dedicated members. They are wonderfully patient and welcoming. My seven year old trains there and they are amazing with kids. We hope to be able join as a family soon. We have found the place we need to be. read more

I went looking for the full martial experience and I found it. This is so much more than a "kicking your way to flat-abs" McDojo. More than just self-defense and an awesome workout (it is both), it has given me a great community filled with patient teachers and students and a stronger sense of discipline and compassion. Through his practice and various veteran-focused charitable causes, Sensei Ericksen truly lives in the spirit of O'Sensei and does his all to make this world a better place through Aikido. read more

This DOJO community is inspiring and supportive. The teaching staff is knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated. I have brought 2 rambunctious kids to the Saturday Family AIkido class for over 2 years, and the kids love it. And the DOJO community has helped temper their enthusiasm. We love and continue to build on the foundation that this experience creates for our family. read more

Martial arts is a new practice for me and I blessed to have found such a wonderful community at HEA. Since starting aikido it has taught me more about myself, increased confidence, and has brought a sense of calm and harmony in my daily life. Ericksen Sensei is knowledgeable and patient. I look forward to many more months and years of practice growing in aikdo and life. read more

Great dojo! Friendly people, beautiful space. The chief instructor, Brian, is a student of NY Aikikai - the headquarters for the US Aikido Federation. His aikido is top notch, and is an excellent communicator. The only downside (not worth taking a star away) is parking can be lacking. But whenever I go, I park in the church lot nearby. Haven't been towed yet! :) read more

It's great to have aikido nearby! Awesome Location. Plenty of parking nearby too. Sensei Ericksen is a long time practitioner and a direct Student of 2 of the world's top Shihans of Aikido. He is very knowledgeable and a wonderful instructor. The students and instructors are friendly too. I highly recommend this place if you want to learn authentic aikido! read more

Aikido is a wonderful, soft alternative to Karate/Tae Kwan Do. Sensei Ericksen is amazing and classes are offered for kids, families and mobility impaired. I would encourage anyone with a curiosity or interest in Aikido to drop by the dojo and watch a class and meet Sensei Ericksen. read more

Heaven and Earth is a fantastic place to learn and practice Aikido. They offer a great atmosphere that's fun, safe, and easy to learn in. The entire crew at Heave and Earth are friendly and welcoming! I fully recommend going whether you're new to Aikido or a veteran. read more

After a year of training at the dojo, I can honestly say that it has become my family. It's a great group of people and I have a ton of fun. I've also had the opportunity to train with other teachers and at other dojo a and I'm glad I picked this one. read more