Aikido Shusekai is by far and away one of the best places that I have ever found myself in my life…read more The environment of the dojo and the structure of the training are mindfully engineered to foster learning and growth. Not having decades of experience or claiming any vast well of wisdom to draw upon myself, I cannot qualify, thusly, claims that I have heard stated by others who DO possess more experience. Sitting on the bench outside before class one day, I remember a senior student - a black belt herself, who has been studying Aikido for many years - telling me how lucky SHE felt to be able to train there. She said that we were all receiving "gems of Aikido" through our training. At the time, I thought I knew what she meant: the training was great, and I had learned a lot already myself! But as each week passes, and more lessons are taught and learned, I realize again and again how valuable the lessons I am learning here truly are. I recommend this practice, and particularly THIS DOJO for any and all people! The program is structured such that all new students get lots of face-time with the more advanced students during practice. This really helps accelerate learning, and helps to ensure good practice. I myself have experienced the teens and adults program, and can personally attest to the benefits of training here. The people are amazing, one and all, and I truly feel privileged, honored, and humbled each time I step on the mat to train with them. Head Sensei Nick Walker is an amazing teacher, and guides us all with great patience, wisdom, and intelligence. The training is always challenging, and always worth it. I also highly recommend this dojo for kids! Dojo Manager and skilled practitioner herself, Sensei Azzia Walker, runs the children's program at our dojo. Having had the privilege of learning from her during the teen/adults classes, I can attest to the fact that she is also an incredibly gifted teacher. Having had the privilege of training with a couple of her advanced but younger age students during the teen/adult classes, I can attest to the fact that they know there stuff! I coach girls volleyball and girls basketball (middle school level). If you are a parent reading this because your child is interested in martial arts, I implore you to come check us out. We are having several promotions for young students looking to start training with us, and our exciting new All Girls Program is kicking off! Our hopes that we may be able to provide opportunities for all who may be interested. I love Aikido Shusekai, and I hope that many more will be able to come and share in the bounty of the experiences to be had along the journey that is training.

After researching and visiting some aikido schools in the area and I decided to attend this school…read more The place has a great learning environment. It's subtle but I feel an inner zeal to learn from instructors who have dedicated their lives to the beautiful art of aikido. Most impressive thing is that Nick sensei sub-communicate a balance between softness(suppleness and yielding) and alertness while teaching aikido techniques, which is pretty rare to find. Instructors share all their wisdom and years of experience with aikido for you without holding anything back and you can use it anyway you want in different aspects of life. Students train with other students from different age groups and gender which is deeply interconnected with the balance between suppleness and alertness. It's cause while training with different people during the classes, one naturally finds a balance between the two. Since aikido is considered as the most spiritual martial art and this is reflected while training here like learning without words, conscious breaths, introducing gap between thinking while bowing etc. Although they seem to be way too traditional sometimes with some of the things they sub-communicate to the students, still it's a good school. Along with that it's Pretty spacious. Also you can find many hot girls in nearby dance studios.

My elementary-age child started martial arts with Davey Sensei last June. The learning has…read morecontinued and now my child has a yellow stripe and is learning (wooden) sword. The teaching is excellent, and they are great with kids. In January 2020 I signed up for Japanese Yoga, which is also taught as part of the martial arts practice. My child and I get to practice some of these exercises together, and this is a wonderful, stress-reducing bonding experience, especially during the pandemic times. A melt-down starts, and we go outside and do some of the exercises to calm the mind and move our bodies! Classes are on Zoom until further notice, which isn't ideal, but it is SO much better than not having class. I recently graduated into the Advanced Japanese Yoga class. It's difficult to express the depth of this practice. It's a wild, wonderful, interesting practice for integrating mind and body. This is the whole deal, not fragments, and it's helping me every day to be a better human being. This can be an opportunity for life-long learning if you like. This practice is very popular in Japan, and based on Tempu Sensei's teachings. The main instructor learned directly from Tempu Sensei's closest students, and has studied the roots (from India's Raja Yoga) and histories of this yoga, which is another Japanese Way (Do). The depth of Sensei Davey's understanding is exquisite. And now I get to learn Shodo too!

Literally world class training in maximising your potential through correct use of mind and body in…read morea unified way. I have travelled over from England three times now to study with Hugh Davey Sensei and continue to be impressed by the depth and quality of the instruction. If you're lucky enough to live locally take full advantage!

Where I learned self-confidence…read more Grew up learning martial arts from the great instructors here. Can't think of a better place to train. Baker's is not just a school; it's a community.

I grew up at bakers and have been there for the longest time. It was here that I learn to be…read morediscipline and humble. Bakers made me have better confidence in myself as well as having a better sense of who I was. Everyone at bakers has helped me so much. Julius Baker is a great teacher who always encouraged me and pushed me to new levels. He is from the old school But has so much to offer. Everyone from kids to adults should train here if they want a great environment to learn Tae Kwon Do.

We were one of Baldwin's first customers and initially sent our kids to two classes. After that,…read moreour schedules didn't align, so we came to an agreement to freeze our account. Recently, I wanted to send our kids back, and Baldwin asked me to call to find a solution. However, instead of working toward an agreement, he was dismissive, unwilling to resolve the situation, and ultimately disrespectful. I'm actually glad we experienced this side of him now--because we would never want to expose our kids to someone who acts this way. If you run a business, respect should be at the foundation. Being bossy or disrespectful is not how you treat customers, and it's certainly not how you run a business.

Super stoked for Baldwin to be opening his own gym! Met Baldwin through a teammate while he was…read morevisiting Honolulu. And let me tell you, you better bring your A-game at all times. Super sharp technique and competitive rolls. He's also super down-to-earth, approachable and an overall nice guy. Baldwin is also a tried and true competitor and you can tell by all the competitions he has done. It would be so dope to be a part of a gym like this with a head instructor of his caliber. Looking forward to dropping in when I'm back in the bay. Ossssss!

We enrolled our tween-age kids at Karatedo Shinyokai in October 2019 for two reasons: they needed…read moreexercise, and this was the closest dojo. It turns out that we are fortunate to have found one of the best teachers I've encountered, in any subject. Mark Sensei teaches traditional Okinawan karate in a way that is still fun and engaging for typical California kids. He expects a lot from his students, yet is dynamic, understanding and fair. This dojo transitioned seamlessly into virtual classes on Zoom as soon as the shutdown began, and these virtual lessons have been going as well as anything possibly can at this time. The opportunity to engage daily with a group of peers, even virtually, has been priceless. The kids have learned so much beyond punching and kicking: discipline, culture, the value of working hard towards incremental goals... The more senior students help the junior ones with instruction and feedback, and their self-confidence and engagement is something unusual in the average young person. Our kids spent eight weeks in Summer Camp and got to try their hand at so many other fun activities: shodo calligraphy with brushes and ink; various traditional weapons like nunchuks and sticks; even making their own sushi and somen to eat "with" their karate friends! I myself joined the Adult classes in March, and they have helped me in so many ways that I've made this training a priority in my life. Not only have I lost 12 pounds so far :), but there are so many other benefits I was not expecting: better stamina, better mood, a new community of friends, and the mental exercise of learning complex kata. The expression "it's never too late to try something new" has never seemed more meaningful. Karatedo Shinyokai: cannot recommend highly enough!

My 6 year old son takes classes from Sensei Mark and loves it. He looks forward to every class and…read morethe atmosphere is great for boys and girls of all ages. Sensei Mark is fun, patient and informative and offers his students more than just self defense, but a positive way for the kids to carry themselves in all aspects of their lives. The older or more experienced kids help out the younger, newer students in a very postive caring manner that is very impressive ; and fosters a environment that stresses students supporting each other and improving ones technique by also being a good teacher to one another. My son has shown an increase in discipline, self control and confidence. My wife and I are very pleased and highly recommend Karatedo Shiyokai.

My friend invited me to a women's self defense class on a Saturday morning. I didn't know what to…read moreexpect and was a little nervous that I'd be able to keep up but Igor and Jeff and the RGR family made me feel so at home and well taken care of. Igor was an incredibly patient and effective teacher. I never thought I'd do a BJJ class but when it was over I left wanting more. As an educator it was so wonderful to see all of the kids in class. They seem to be learning way more than just jujitsu. Self respect, confidence, community, just to name a few. Thank you Igor, I appreciate the lesson and great experience at Ralph Gracie Richmond.

I am a new student of Professor Igor's. The facility is clean & orderly. Professor Igor & Mrs…read more Elise have always been courteous & willing to address any questions & concerns I may have in a timely manner. At my age (late 40's) & fitness level (severely out of shape ), I found starting Jiu Jitsu to be very physically challenging but Professor Igor is always encouraging & provides guidance when needed in a professional manner. I look forward to continuing my Jiu Jitsu studies at Ralph Gracie Richmond Academy & I plan to enroll my son at the Academy when he is old enough.

Our son has been talking classes here for almost 2 years and has grown so much! Not only are Uri's…read moreclasses structured but they are FUN! He holds the kids accountable but also allows them to learn in a way that is always new and exciting. Our son loves the combination of music, martial arts, and movement.

My daughter takes Capoeira classes here every Saturday morning with her friends, and she absolutely…read moreloves it. She enjoys the art, the movement, the energy of the group, and especially the warm and welcoming teacher. The environment is really positive and fun--her classmates are great too. This has become a regular part of our weekend routine, and we plan to keep coming every week. It's a place that brings her joy, and I'm grateful to have found it.

Great Martial Arts School. They teach mainly private lessons…read more. My son Jared started there at age 5 and is now 20. He just earned his 5th degree Black Belt. He has changed so much through the years and become very confident, not just in self-defense but also in school and in life in general. I highly recommend them, especially for children that need confidence and discipline.

I have been at West Wind Schools since I was 6, and am now 20 years old. Growing up with West Wind…read moretaught me self defense skills, as well as self discipline. Martial arts has become a huge passion of mine because of the great teaching at West Wind. The 1 on 1 teaching style allows for quick improvement of skill as well as a strong bond between teacher and student. The group classes also allow you to socialize with other students. This past week I was able to earn my 5th degree black belt all thanks to the help of Mr. Shah and Mr. Dahal, both of whom are amazing teachers. Back when I was 15, Mr. Shah helped my earn my 1st degree black belt. The dojo is high quality and is very spacious. Whether you are looking to learn self defense, a new martial art, or just a fun workout, come check out West Wind Schools! It is great for kids, as well as adults.