I trained here for six months and I can firmly say: this is a special place, and ideal for anyone…read moreserious about learning Aikido. I eventually decided to stop training here because I felt like I never found myself clicking with the ways of Aikido itself (it is a very unique martial art. Every person is different, not everything is for everyone, and Aikido did not seem to be for me), therefore I wanted to do trials with different martial arts and find one that I connect with better. But that doesn't mean that I didn't recognize what a special place this is, and recognize how many other students truly had their lives enriched here. The fee is on a sliding scale (and I can't find any other martial art school that does that). For $50 a month, I was literally allowed to take two or three classes a day (if I had the time). Can't beat that. This place is very formal in practicing Japanese customs. The Sensei here, Ryugan Savoca, has been to Japan many times, and brought some of what he learned there back to this space in Brooklyn. It is decorated to make a beautiful setting. As soon as you start your first lesson, you truly feel yourself meeting another culture. Additionally, Sensei is constantly running events outside class time (dinners, trips, etc) to bring the students together as a community. He also frequently has guest Senseis from other dojos visiting New York doing lectures here about how they practice Aikido. During training, if Sensei sees you doing something wrong, he will immediately tell you in a firm way without embarrassing you. He is wise, observant, and patient. The classes here are mixed with both newer students and senior students (you can recognize the difference as seniors are given a robe to wear over their gi). If you're a new student having a hard time learning, Sensei will assign a senior student to instruct you one-on-one. All senior students were polite, clear and patient with me. I should warn: if you're expecting Aikido practice to be a light workout, then you're in for a surprise here. By the end of every lesson, I was literally dripping with sweat. Within two weeks of training here, people in my every day life were suddenly saying "Hey, you look like you're getting in better shape" without even knowing that I started Aikido. On a side note, I'll also mention that I have a neighbor who sends his son to the kid classes here, and his son loves it. He mentions how good the kids' instructor, Kate, is with children. It appears to me that Aikido is completely unlike any other martial art that I can find. It doesn't seem to work for everyone, but it works phenomenally for others. If you want to try it, then I can't recommend this place enough.

I've only just begun and am only four classes in, but as a beginner I can tell you that the Sensei…read moreis very patient and everyone jumps right in to show me proper technique and etiquette. There seems to be a general agreement that this is one of the most challenging dojos in the country. As Scott said, I finished my first class utterly exhausted, my pride beyond bruised. It's a great place to learn and while everybody is serious about Aikido there, they're super-friendly, too. A quick example: I was trying to make my way through a conditioning drill called the scorpion and I was going really slow. One of the more experienced students slowed down to finish with me and encourage me. It was like Forest Gump.

Caleb is such a great coach. His calisthenics routines are brutal but they will get you right. His…read moreboxing technique is incredible. The music selection is also killer. If you have to learn any one thing for self defense, muay thai is the most effective. This is a great place to learn it. Come and force yourself to stay for a month. It will change your life.

I signed up for 10 classes on Groupon. The classes come with boxing gloves for you to keep!…read moreAlthough the classes contain more warm up and cool off than actual kick boxing, it is still worth it! The instructor guides you through the moves and provide techniques on more complex moves. I advise that you call right after you by your classes to schedule for your first class. They have to reach back to you in order to provide you open slots. 10 classes must be completed within 6 weeks from your first class. You might start off with one class per week for 2 weeks, then progress to finish your classes twice a week for the remaining 4 weeks.

Went there three decades ago. It was very intense training but I left each class accomplished and…read morewith my uniform soaked in sweat. The hard work paid off and I was pretty much aerodynamic and had more skills in my martial arts skills. Even to this day when I kickbox, the muscle memory remembers and I am able to pull off martial arts move easily again (although not as aerodynamic since it's been three decades). It's worth it because a lot of the training is still embedded into my muscle memory after three decades!

My nephew has been coming here for a little over six months now. Kids are very impressionable when…read morethey are young, and Master Michael has been a great role model for him, helping him master the art of TKD. Prices are very reasonable and I might even consider taking a few beginner courses myself!

The chief instructor Gene Dunn is a lifelong martial artist, an amazing staff, and a friendly and…read moresafe atmosphere for training,. They offer, a multitude of disciplines, including but not limited to Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I would definitely recommend this dojo

Since there does not appear to be an updated review, I, a white belt practitioner, shall create…read moreone. I am an adult, let that be clear. I only take the Shotokan Karate basic (all belt) classes and I take kickboxing weekly. I have past experience in Kwon Soo Do (brown belt ages 10-14) but have not practiced in...about...20...years. I feel welcomed by this dojo that is a family. Shihan Dunn and all the senseis, sempais, and belts are helpful, encouraging, and in no way trying to force you to go past what you can do. I have medical issues so yes, some things are harder. It is NOT FORCED for you to do exactly what everyone else does. They expect you to TRY and IMPROVE at your own pace. The belts have tips. After a certain amount of classes, you get a change of color tip. Then after a few of those, you are eligible for your next belt. However, let me make this clear. IT IS NOT ABOUT THE TIPS OR THE NEXT BELT. Progression, improvement, working to better yourself and others. Yes, you can strive to be the next great black belt but the point is put as much as you can, better yourself, and move forward. Gene Dunn's Shotokan Karate Dojo is not about winning medals or speeding to the black belt or even about flashy moves. It is about you and your relationship with yourself and others. Recommended for all ages, young and old. Recommended for experienced and non-experienced martial artists. Recommended for getting into shape or improving until you are Bruce Lee (Yes that is Kung Fu....)

Jikishinkan is a great place to train and learn about yourself. They are very welcoming and…read moreenthusiastic, and the instructors are excellent!

Master Kim has done such wonderful things instilling confidence, discipline, respect, cooperation…read moreand teamwork in our son. Our son started attending Champions when he was three. It was a rough going at first as he was extremely shy, but Master Kim insisted on patience encouraging him to join when he was ready and we were shocked when she said he was not only improving but ready for a belt test a few months later! Our soon looks forward to attending his weekly class, and we know he would not be as interested if it weren't for Master Kim's individual focus and attention tailored around a child's specific strengths and weaknesses. We're lucky to have her in the community!

My son is currently attending this karate school. This has been an amazing experience for him and…read moremy family.Master Kim is super amazing and very professional. She is amazing with my son teaching him Taekwondo determination,discipline and respect . Thanks Master Kim

Love training at Qi Tao. I arrived as a total tai chi newbie, and Sifu Tzyann started me with the…read morefundamentals (posture, the "tai chi walk," breathing), which was fun in itself, and then quickly started me on my first form. Alongside an all-ages group of welcoming students, I was able to learn the 24-move form, the 40, and the beautiful sword form. The forms are like calming, moving meditations I can settle back into whenever I'm feeling tense or anxious. Sifu is caring and attentive - she takes tai chi seriously but not herself, and she loves to crack a joke.

Granted, it's been some time since I've been there, but i recall wanting to find out more about…read morethis school since it was only a few blocks from my home in the Slope (this is when they were at their old location on 7th Avenue.) Sad to say, the phrase "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" rings true. I walked down the stairs hoping for a welcoming greeting and someone who could answer questions. What I recieved was an indifferent stare from a woman who pointed me towards the wall with the class schedule and information, who then went back to whatever she was reading. I walked back up the stairs and tossed the brochure in the trash at the first corner garbage can. For the sake of their other students, hopefully their customer service has improved. Or perhaps they're following the "36 Chambers of Shaolin" style of recruitment, where one has to walk across a barrel bobbing in water to be accepted.