A friend of mine that I met on Yelp by the name of Alizul told me that she is a Pilates instructor and after I found that out I told her that one day I would like to come and join her class. I went in on the 9th of this month to try Pilates for the first time in a very long time. Walked into an empty studio and it was only her and I. I was a bit surprised that there were no other students there and I even told her. So basically it was a one on one session that started at 5:30pm. Alizul was very good at her job for only being there since middle of May. Took her time for me to follow her lead and instructions. The pace level was also great! They offer classes which include the following: Yoga, Pilates, Kyudo, Tai Chi, Laido (sword drawing), for adults, children, teens and seniors. When I walked in, Alizul made me sign a waiver for liability purposes and few other forms. Really enjoyed her class, technique, and style. Lee, who is the owner of this studio, has over 4 decades of experience in marshal arts. I didn't meet her personally, but later she sent me a text message apologizing for one of their instructors by the name of Keri. We were on our way out and Keri had a class coming in. We didn't take any of her time, but she was rude and unprofessional by saying "we have a class right now" I truly think she was having a senior moment or a bad day. They take all method of payments, has a gender neutral restrooms, street and private lot parking space. The class for an hour was $20.00 which was FANTASTIC!! Studio was super clean and fully equipped with all the amenities that you need for your classes. Thank you Lee, Alizul, and North Valley Aikikai. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is interested of taking any one of their classes. If I lived near by, I would become a regular member. read more

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Just finished a Tuesday class. This was a good traditional yoga class to stretch out in after working a desk job. I appreciate that she gave modifications when needed. Thank you for protecting the quietness and mindfulness of the space by encouraging us to not have our phones on us, Maureen. And thank you for sharing your baking goodies with us as well read more

North Valley Aikikai - Inside - Martial Arts Near Me - Northridge, California

Great place for anyone who believes in a supportive culture. It is one of the most important factors, in my opinion, for learnings and personal charater growth. It motivates people to practice, it encourages learning from mistakes, it builds patience and resilience. I love we can practice with any ranks. Black belts get better when they can break down moves at different levels based on individuals level. It shows knowledge and understanding. Those without black belts get to learn directly with black belts to ensure accuracy and expose to variations and styles. I also appreciate the beliefs Aikido brings into the dojo, especially if dojo practices and teaches each member to take care of the dojo. Lastly, I have visited many different dojos and styles, the one thing I am looking for is the ability practice even if I am in my 80s, if it cannot support me while I am aging, then it is not a style that considers life seriously nor long term. If you see a dojo that has people from all ages and walk of life, something to take note. People are serious and it's doable. read more

I'm glad I found this gem. the instructors are very nice and knowledgeable. The classes are amazing. I come out replenished and refreshed, referring all my friends and family here including my coworkers. read more

North Valley Aikikai - Ready for serenity - Martial Arts Near Me - Northridge, California

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My boys have been coming here for years now and I was never happier with the choice we made ... I highly recommend this place and Lee herself is a great teacher and mentor to my kids read more

North Valley Aikikai - Martial Arts Near Me - Northridge, California

We've been taking my 5 yr old to class for the kids class in the park for 2 weeks now. This is his first in person class since before the pandemic started. We aren't quite ready to go back indoors. So this class was the perfect fit for what we're comfortable with right now. He's usually the youngest in the class. The class goes up to 12 yrs old. I like the mixed age group bc it allows the big kids to practice patience and the little kids to learn from other kids. Sometimes he gets a little lost, but he's learning and the Sensai gives him extra help when needed. I like that he's doing activities to help with strength, coordination, agility, balance, and focus. I am looking forward to seeing him grow with this new program. read more

North Valley Aikikai - A team building exercise during the kids in the park class. - Martial Arts Near Me - Northridge, California

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Abby for yin yoga is terrific!! I feel sooooo good after class. The studio is nice big one room. It's clean and simple. Even though it's on Reseda it is pretty quiet inside. The cost is very reasonable and I really appreciate that. It's a wonderful place that seems to have intentions to be a thoughtful place for body and mind and people. read more

NVA is a great and welcoming dojo. Me and my son both joined last year with little to no martial arts experience and it has been a wonderful experience. Sensei Lee's Aikido is elegant and precise, and so is her teaching methods, from adult class to children's classes. I highly recommend this Dojo. Great community of members too! Feels like a second family. read more

This little place is heaven for yoga. It's peaceful and the instructors are incredible. Recommend for seniors that need to recondition their bodies. read more

My teenage daughter has been coming here for aikido for a year now, and has absolutely loved it. Sensei Lee is an amazing teacher, and fantastic with the kids. I would highly recommend the classes here to anyone of any age. read more

I'm taking my son here, great place, definitely recommend , my son enjoys this place, the best part I like during classes, when they finish , everyone has to say thank you to each other read more

I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to study aikido as a beginner under the chief instructor, Lee Lavi. Along with all of her students, she creates a challenging yet welcoming and encouraging space. read more

We've taken kids aikido and adult yoga here and really enjoy it. The owner is Professional and kind, the space is clean and beautiful.

I love yoga with Aimee! She is an amazing soul. Her sweet approach, suggestions for modifications, and support makes practicing with her a beautiful experience. After taking a class with Aimee I feel rejuvenated, grateful, and inspired to deepen my practice. Whether if it's your first yoga class ever or one of many I'm certain you will enjoy taking a class with her! read more

I had several Yoga classes at this place and most of them was Sunday and Saturday classes. I really like the facility, very professional instructors, they pay attention to every one who attends to the class. Good location, not problem with parking at all and great stuff! read more

I start my class there 2 month ago And the classes are great! Great teacher I'm having a good time and learning a lot. Recommend read more

I've been here twice to try different types of yoga and both where fantastic. It's a clean comfortable place with lots of room to keep your distance (COVID safety) from others. The two instructors I met where very attentive, professional and kind. I will definitely keep coming. I found this place trough Groupon check that site for deals. I got the 15 class punch card. You sign up online for the class and presto! read more

This place deserves 5-stars just for the fact that they really open up to this community. I haven't taken Aikido here, but have been to numerous yoga classes and just watching people getting on/off the mat can be inspiring. And the space is gorgeous and conveniently located within the same vicinity as both Trader Joe's and Target! LOL... I wish that there were more yoga classes offered here, as this is the closest place to practice for me. But I will take what I can get. As someone considered Level 2/Advanced, I still get in a great practice here in comparison to some of the well-known studios in Sherman Oaks/Studio City/Santa Monica. Here's to many more years!!! read more

This place is GREAT!!!! Teacher is really good and facility is clean and answer every question... If you live around Granada Hills this place is the place to be for YOGA!! read more

This place is AMAZING!!! Buying a groupon for yoga classes here was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The instructors are truly inspiring and some of the best! I have taken yoga at a few different places but this place really stands out for many reasons. One being, the studio really cares about the community. Also, I am pretty new to yoga and each instructor allows you to go at your own pace and never pressures you to do positions that you're not ready for. Michelle is one of my favorite instructors and you can tell she is extremely passionate about yoga. I also like the fact that they have a padded mat. It adds that extra (much needed) cushion. Definitely a positive experience each class. I can't say enough about this place :] read more

This is my first time doing yoga in a studio, previously it was just using DVD's at home. I LOVE it. I was very anxious at first, hoping I would be able to keep up. Thankfully the instructor, Christine, takes the time to explain the positions, the different versions, and let's you take it at your pace/level. I never feel pressured into doing posses I'm not ready for. There are many props to choose from provided by the studio (blocks, mats, bolsters, blankets, etc). The whole floor is a little plush since it is also used for Aikido. Due to that, I know I can try more difficult balance posses knowing I won't get hurt if I tip over. The Sunday morning class gets full so coming early is a must. Practicing yoga at this studio is truly a wonderful experience. I always leave feeling clear of mind and relaxed. I have seen the progress in my strength and balance from just attending 5 classes now. After my classes from the Groupon deal are used, I will be purchasing another punch card. It's worth every cent. read more

I cannot say enough about how happy we are with this studio. Our 6- and 7-year-olds have been coming here since the beginning of the year. The Mr. and I have our own martial arts backgrounds; we knew we wanted them to learn Aikido; we are so pleased to have found this studio and these instructors. It's one thing to be a great martial artist. It's another to be a great teacher, especially with young children. But to find someone who excels at both is a gift. Sensei engages the kids with a variety of activities so skillfully that they probably don't realize how much they're learning. We just tried our first kids' yoga class, and I was delighted to find that the yoga instructor is just as talented, so we'll be back for more yoga too. read more

I bought a Living Social offer for a month yoga for both me and my daughter. I LOVE THIS PLACE!! We drove a distance to get there, but the place is amazing. The teachers are fantastic and work with all levels. I was intermediate, before I took a year long break when I lost a job. So I started as a beginner and I really liked how every teacher took the interest to help with adjustments and different poses for some that had back or joint issues. There are people from all age groups and levels of practice. The management is easy and accommodating. Place is clean and peaceful to practice - don't forget to take your shoes off as you come in the door - that's why it's clean. I'm looking forward to my job situation changing so I can go again. It's well worth the membership and the drive. read more

This review does not reflect the knowledge or skill level of its instructors. Based on those factors, this yoga studio would have gotten a 4 or 5 stars rating. I purchased a groupon to try this place out. After just two sessions, my older son became ill and was not able to attend school for three months. When I returned to take more classes, my groupon was almost expiring. I explained my situation to one of the instructors. She was very empathetic. She explained that the decision really relies on the owner. The owner did probably what the majority of other places would have done. She did nothing above and beyond to help with my situation. She refused to extend the expiration date, nor offered me any special promos. She did ironically ask me to leave a Yelp review. Did this business have a chance to "lose" a little, in return gain my good will and forever gratitude? Most likely. Would they now have a chance into making me a loyal and lifetime member to the business? I would say 'no'! To me, the intangible things delivered by businesses count so much more. read more

I originally learned about North Valley Aikikai due to my life-long interest in martial arts and my desire to learn the art of Aiki-do. Alas, in the 4 years since, work has prevented me from taking up the art but their flexibility of offerings and packages have allowed me to take multiple yoga classes and have always been impressed with the facility's cleanliness as well (and most importantly) with the quality of the instructors. So much so, I am about to start a new cycle of classes with my daughter next week. And if my next job offer happens, I can finally start learning martial arts there! Highly recommended in every respect. read more

Loved the energy. Everyone was warm and welcoming. I appreciated the time and patience everyone showed me. I'd highly recommend this studio!

I have had 4 classes at North Valley Aikikai using the Groupon they promoted a few months ago. Each class I have taken has been great, though I have not taken from each teacher as yet. I will say Michelle, Cecilia, and Jessica were wonderful. Do not expect Yogaworks when you come here. You walk into the room you will be practicing in from the street, and while inside you can still hear almost all street traffic. For me, however, this does not detract from the class. In fact, I find it helpful because I practice yoga to attempt to block out that noise, so it's good practice! The room is clean and is well stocked with blocks, belts, and blankets. There is a very calm feeling in the room as well, though I will admit I wish it was a little cooler during class. The only negative I can think for this place is the limited number of yoga classes, which I think is being changed soon. I'm a teacher and the only classes I can attend are at 8 p.m. Overall, I recommend North Valley Akikai for students of yoga. read more

North Valley is my first yoga studio. It has a very nourishing environment, friendly yogis and instructors. I felt confident enough to do things I was unsure of. Very communal atmosphere/vibe. I decided to take a break from North Valley after my favorite instructor retired from teaching and I explored other yoga studios in the Valley such as YogaWorks. Nothing has really compared! I am excited and confident in my decision to return to North Valley in the near future. Michelle is fantastic. Cecilia is a doll. read more

Very lucky I found this yoga studio! The instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful in proper alignment. I have been practicing here for over a year and recommend it highly to everyone!! I really enjoy all the instructors and the owner always greets me with a smile!! Come try a class you wont regret it!! read more

Since my first class, I knew that Aikido was special. I was impressed with the instructors, their passion and the knowledge that they shared. Training at North Valley has pushed me to grow in many different areas of my life. I have been practicing now for 1.5 years and in return I have found a supportive and caring community, for which I call home. read more

This is by far my favorite yoga place in Northridge. It is a place for advanced yoga practioner. Each student receives good amount of attention from the instructor. And,the instructors do the posture correction,which is the main reason that I go to the yoga place. read more

I like the TaiChi teacher; the class was great as we learned breathing techniques & worked on our form. He talked to us about energy as well, which is helpful when learning TakChi. read more

I was involved in traditional Shotokan Karate approximately 20 years ago. After a couple of years of searching for a "traditional" dojo near my home, I found North Valley Aikikai. I found the dojo through my sons (8 and 11). They are both fascinated by Japanese culture, and had enrolled in a summer "Avatar" program at North Valley Aikikai. They were very excited to tell me about their experiences with Aikido, yoga, meditation, and basic Kanji (Japanese writing). This was a wonderful introduction for them into the Japanese arts. My sons and I soon began studying Aikido at the dojo under the direction of Lavi Sensei (Lee Lavi Ramirez). I could not be happier. For children, the instruction is light-hearted, yet disciplined...striking the perfect balance between East and West learning. For me, I have grown fond of the dojo for many reasons: 1 - Aikido is taught in a traditional style, requiring the proper respect and demeanor of all students. 2- The students of various ranks (kyus and dans) are helpful with each other and extremely patient. 3- Aikido uses a traditional belt system of white and black, with no colors in between. I have found this to be particularly beneficial for children and beginners, because their is no "pressure" to achieve the next belt (externally visual). Instead, students are encouraged to learn and grow at their own pace. 4- This dojo is family run. Lavi Sensei, her husband, also a black belt, and her daughter can all be found at the dojo. As a result, many families have full participation. My sons and I study Aikido, and my wife and sister take yoga classes with Christine. * I think the most important thing I have observed at the dojo is a sense of respect. There are people from all walks of life involved in the Aikido classes. Lavi Sensei is not pretentious, she is extemely caring, and fosters a non-judgmental environment, where everyone is invited to learn. If you are looking for "flashiness" or UFC/MMA style of fighting and competition, this is not for you. However, if you are looking for a traditional dojo where respect, honor, discipline, and personal growth (both spiritually and physically) are the foundation of learning, I encourage you to check out North Valley Aikikai. And, if your child is interested in the martial arts, but is overwhelmed/intimidated by schools that focus on competition, this may be the place for him/her. read more

I love this place!! The unstructers are AWESOME. I'm a newbie so I greatly the help and positioning I get from the instructor. Great place

Instructors are great! I really like that they improve your poses, even if you think you're doing them right. The 3 classes I've been to, the instructors use essential oils at the end to enhance your shavasana and allow you to further relax. The location is super close to public transportation and walking distance to CSUN. Its very clean and there is a cushioned mat where yoga and martial arts are practiced. When doing balance poses, this mat provides an extra level of intensity. I highly recommend the yoga classes! read more

This is the first martial class (aikido) that my daughter has attended and so far she is enjoying the class and is showing great interest. The instructor is very good with the kids and really teaching them how to listen and follow instruction. The facility is small but there is enough room to conduct a class. It is also quiet and clean. The class is small too which allows the instructor to focus and pay more attention to each individual student. i would definitely recommend the place. read more

Great place! Clean and spacious. My son loves taking Aikido lessons.

I'm a member, so I'm already a fan, but if you're thinking about trying aikido or yoga, this is a great place to check out. Lavi Sensei is an energetic teacher and the atmosphere is open and fun - at the same time it's challenging if you want it; a great serious place to practice. As a beginner I know I started aikido for the exercise and it certainly is a great workout! At the same time because it's a partner-type practice it's important to find a place where the people you train with are friendly, helpful and fun to be around. This is the case with North Valley Aikikai. Aikido is a very uncommercial martial art, and I appreciate this aspect as I'm sure many people curious about martial art would - there's no "hard sell" - no "sell" at all in fact. The emphasis is on measuring yourself against yourself, so the pressure is self-generated...although I'm often a lazy person, something about this form makes me hold myself to a good standard...anyway, it's something you've just got to check out for yourself and see if it suits you. There are classes every day but Sunday, check the website for the schedule. Any weekday evening is a good bet to see what it's like. If you're already an aikidoka, then you know that the training here is derived from Berkeley Aikikai, a Hombu-dojo affiliate and is a generally unadorned, essential form of aikido. There is weapons and iaido training offered here as well. read more

North Valley Aikikai has been my 2nd home and my 2nd family, for over six years. Lee Sensei is a tough instructor, but also fun. And the training is some of the best in the area. read more

Just updating my original review to say that North Valley is still my regular yoga spot! I encourage anyone interested in starting a practice to check this place out. Wonderful teachers and facility. You'll be glad you did!! read more