I had always wanted to study Aikido and thought that inexpensive classes at a smaller place might be the move. I signed up to take six weeks of classes and it was generally alright for my first couple of clases. I didn't enjoy having to set up the mats and move everything out of the way due to the space we were working with but I'm a team player so I went with it. When it came to learning, there were certain fundamentals I was having issues with. One of them is a forward roll -- almost like a somersault but you tuck your head in a particular way and roll on your shoulder. I did not grasp how to do what I was supposed to do. I asked for help. I asked for more help. I was given the same instructions repeatedly. I just needed to know where to put my body so I did this right. I'm not a small person so I was concerned for my own safety. Despite being uncomfortable with what I was doing, I relented and did what I thought was a forward roll..what's the worst that could happen? The noise my shoulder made sounded like a bag of ritz crackers being stepped on. The pain grew substantially hours after that. I emailed with the Sensei, Heather, about my issue and she wrote me back. Twice, calling me the wrong students name. When my shoulder was still in massive pain a week later, I pulled the plug and emailed Heather that I wasn't coming back and wished I'd received proper instruction. I heard nothing back. Not even an I'm sorry. Months went by and then I got a LinkedIn connection request last week. Save yourself the trouble and do not give this organization your time or money or you will regret it. read more

I moved to Boston a little over a year ago. I continue to travel back to CT once or twice a week to teach and train at my home martial arts studio. I've missed having a community in Boston, so I decided to try this school. Aikido is related to one of the arts I practice (Hapkido) and I have always wanted more time to explore the Aikido side of the art form. I registered online and left a message saying I was coming in for a trial class. The Sensei was late which given the snow storm last week is understandable. What followed, I cannot explain. I was never welcomed by Sensei Randolph, not during or after class. She never asked about my previous training, how I found class or if I was interested in returning. I have trained in the martial arts for nearly 10 years and have never felt so unwelcomed in another school as I did here. In our school if we had a visiting student of any rank from another school or art form, we actually would stop and inquire. We would ask about their training, level of comfort and experience. It is just a simple code across art forms, especially with a visiting black belt of which I am one. I am an easy going human being who is genuinely curious about other martial art forms and absolutely do not subscribe to the competition that my art form is the better one. I genuinely think Aikido would have been an awesome addition to my current training. In addition, I found the style of instruction to be stiff, unclear and unfocused. I didn't find it to be physically safe either. I can see exactly how another reviewer was seriously injured and did not receive any follow up or even basic care and concern. Please train in a martial art, try Aikido or any other art that suits you, but do it at a school that is safe, inspiring, and holistic. Do not train here. I do not say that lightly. read more

It is extremely important to be able to defend oneself in a world filled with violence, instead of being a victim or a vulnerable passive watcher. I got interested in Kokikai Aikido because it looked as if the aikidoka was throwing the opponents so effortlessly, as if using only his mind to repulse the attack. I joined the Boston Kokikai Aikido dojo, which provided me with an excellent experience, and being part of it brings me honor. Sensei Heather Randolph is a wonderful and patient teacher as well as a beautiful woman. She is my first female role model who taught me how to combine power with femininity, how to "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee". In Kokikai Aikido I have met a lot of very gifted, cultured, disciplined and witty people. Practicing with them brings me great satisfaction, motivates me, and develops my Aikido skills. Kokikai Aikido has also influenced how I interact with other people, as I quickly understood that while working with other aikidokas it is important to be involved and supportive, to be able to help them progress in their practice, and to rejoice in their success. Kokikai Aikido bridges differences between people and is beneficial to everyone. It is the most idealistic form of martial arts, which believes that peace and common good can be achieved without counter-violence. It respects everyone, and recognizes the dignity of life while condemning harm to other people, which can bring only destruction and casualties. Kokikai Aikido can be practiced by people of different races, backgrounds, gender and body types without exclusion. Sensei Shuji Maruyama, a septuagenarian who weighs only 135 lbs (and is very handsome, by the way) often reminds us that real power does not lie in muscles, but rather in the technique and in the Ki Power. Watching and listening to Sensei Maruyama eliminates any doubts that Kokikai Aikido is extremely powerful, and that "minimum effort" is able to result in "maximum effect". Kokikai Aikido helped me to develop strength of character, and taught me self-discipline. I discovered that even if I feel tired before the training, by the end of the class I always feel great. Aikido brings me a delightful joy, counteracts pessimism, strengthens my health, and prevents me from gaining excessive weight (no matter how much I eat after practice!). Kokikai Aikido has allowed me to feel confident and relaxed when faced with daily challenges. It has shaped how I approach problems, by controlling the situation, and continuously moving forward. Aikido is much like science; the more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. It is a never-ending journey which teaches us humility. read more

Kasia K., that is a very well written essay! When I first joined Kokikai Boston, I was excited to have found a "dojo" (a shared classroom at that point) that was easily accessible via the T and offered a trial membership that seemed reasonable. I had been wanting to try aikido for years and could finally get started. Over the course of many months, I met some friendly, kind-hearted people who I really enjoyed practicing with. Sensei Randolph was easy-going and did a good job leading the classes, using analogies, humor, and the occasional "prop" to test our posture. I appreciated whenever she would correct my technique or encourage me to be more relaxed. However, I eventually realized that this dojo (now a momentary partition of a larger martial arts room) was not the place for me, especially if I wished to make any real progress. Sensei Randolph's classes are good for beginners and for the casual folks who want to get a little exercise, meet new people, and maybe share a meal together once in a while. But for those who take their martial arts training more seriously, Kokikai Boston will feel underwhelming, simply because at other dojos, you can get all of those things AND receive excellent instruction from competent and highly skilled practitioners. I also should mention that Sensei Randolph is frequently late during tax season and sometimes misses class entirely, which is rather unprofessional considering how much she collects from each student. In the end, what drove me away was Sensei Randolph's immature behavior and closed-minded attitudes, particularly when I talked about going to an aikido seminar out west. A caring teacher would be supportive of further study in the subject--don't you think?--but she was very negative and discouraging, and even thought she could forbid me from going. Maybe she didn't want me to see what I was missing out on. Well, consequently, she lost my respect and I no longer felt comfortable taking her classes. Unfortunately, Sensei Randolph hasn't yet grasped the essence of aikido. But it's not too late. In any case, I am quite happy with the way things turned out, grateful in fact. Sometimes in life you need a little push to get to the next level, and while I don't think it was intentional, I thank Sensei Randolph for that bump in the right direction. Aikido is a beautiful martial art and I intend to keep it up for as long as I live. read more

I went for the first time yesterday and I loved it! The instructor was friendly, greeted me, gave me clear instructions and the class itself was very friendly and supportive. There was plenty of repetition that I felt confident I understood what I was being taught. Now I've signed up for 6 weeks to keep enjoying it. I just wish the space was bigger. read more

Kokikai aikido is a living martial art. The founder of the style, Shuji Maruyama, is still alive and still making significant innovations to the technqiue, which makes studying Kokikai an exciting and dynamic experience. Boston Kokikai is a great dojo despite, or perhaps because of, its quirks. The dojo shares space with an after school program in the Mass Pike Towers, which means that students have to assemble and disassemble a classroom every night. But the location is convenient, and "mat ukemi" has become a popular bonding experience for students in the class. Sensei Heather Randolph does a terrific job teaching aikido basics and quickly establishes a supportive environment for beginners. After my first class, I knew that I would be back. Aikido requires a lot of patience, and Heather's self-assured pedagogy and supportive engagement make it easy to persevere. (And how many other dojos can you think of that have a sensei who sends you a concerned email if you miss a couple of classes?) But class at Boston Kokikai is just the tip of the iceberg. There's the monthly seminar with Sensei Dave Comi to look forward to as well as Winter Camp with Sensei Maruyama. Boston Kokikai goes out to eat together, too. It's a friendly and supportive group that learns aikido together with an emphasis on cooperation and respect. read more

Aikido is a great martial art, and this is a great dojo. Heather Randolph's classes are low-key and a lot of fun. They are a mix of beginners and advanced and all work together in a friendly collaboration. (There are also some separate kids' classes.) Students pay their monthly dues and then can come to as many classes as they like. The location is great, a few minutes' walk from downtown T stops, and in addition to regular classes there are all special weekend seminars and other events you can sign up for. On those days when students test for a new belt, the class usually goes out afterwards for a celebration dinner or drinks. When I moved to Boston 2 years ago I was lucky enough to find this place -- regular exercise, a new fun skill, the sense of achievement in earning new belts, and a great group of people! read more

started taking Kokikai Aikido 5 years ago at age 45. If you are my age you probably will never get into a fight but you still can slip and fall and with Kokikai Aikido you can learn the right way to fall so you do not a bad injury. Plus learn self defense and have a good work out and lots of fun doing it. This dojo has a great dedicated instructor that puts her heart into teaching. So if you need a good fun work come join this class 4 nights a week in its Chinatown location. read more

I had the pleasure in 2011 of finding this place and emailed sensei heather for the trial class. I came in and all i truthfully wanted was to learn how to fight off an opponent. After my first class, I wanted more, I was to no surprise as I have always been athletic, a natural. Although, I'd get frustrated when I couldn't put the Japanese term into the techniques, I came every class until I had a pressure point injury with learning a new technique. Now, as Ive read previous reviews on how someone was injured and didn't recommend this dojo. I find it very difficult to believe that learning a new sport especially marital arts that you would never experience any form of muscle pain and or injury especially if you've been sedentary for awhile. I definitely had a few nights and mornings where muscles I haven't used in years were aching. Its called conditioning. As once an elite cheerleader with any new technique no matter how much instruction there is always a chance to be injured. Once I had my issue resolved I returned for a few classes and was happy to be back. Only due to a work schedule I couldn't come as often. This year I have experienced other non dojo related medical issues and haven't been able to attend. Once im back to health I will without a doubt be back with this dojo. I personally recommend this dojo. Not only did I learn alot of self defense, I learned how to be calm in any situation, my entire life has changed with having practiced the ki principles in daily living. Miss everyone, and im terribly sorry for terrys loss he was a wonderful man and very oatient with teaching me new techniques he will be dearly missed. P.S. - sensei heather is very personable she even after months of me not being able to come still emails me. Where else would you find a sensei like this. read more

I really like this dojo. The Sensei and the people there are friendly and help you progress in Aikido. It's good place to learn Aikido.

Love this place! Took me awhile to get motivated , but i am so glad that I did. Not a pro by any means, but glad that I am on the path to self defense. Feeling an overall sense of confidence that is reinforced in my daily life. Everyone here is great! read more

Having studied in over 100 dojos past 40 years. I've found this dojo to be a dojo anyone should feel comfortable .like any physical activity having some level of risk. You will find none safer and more welcoming to beginners and newcomers alike. The head instructor is patient and kind , knowledgable of her craft. The regular group of students are more like a family as they make a point to not only practice regularly as well as socialize . Once you become a regular it has a family like atmosphere . If anyone has ever had nothing but a positive experience here, I can assure you. It was the person not making the best of it . Certain in no way a reflection of the welcoming and comfortable atmosphere I found the very first time I took a class. Just take things slow and listen to the instructors and senior students as they will always go above and beyond to help one adjust . Highly recommend for the beginner. read more

love this place! a perfect place to learn some self-defense, make new friends, and release stress.