Amazing place. My daughter will be going away to college and it's a perfect place for her to take a…read moreself defense class

Bottom Line: This is a great gym with people who actually care…read more This review is for the kids classes only as I have no knowledge of the other classes. We tried to get our son interesting or excited about a variety of group sports as well as individual sports. He just had zero interest in any of it. Something about this place has captured his attention and imagination and now he talks about it, looks forward to going and excels on a daily basis. Whereas in the past it was a struggle to get him ready to leave to go do something, he's ready to be out the door in a moment for Krav classes. As a parent it's SUCH a hard line to walk, the line between fun and discipline. This place does an amazing job allowing the kids to actually be kids but at the same time provides them with a level of discipline you would expect from a Martial Arts facility as well as instilling a work ethic. On top of that they also have fun kid events like a Halloween gathering and I've heard rumblings of a Nerf war. If you're looking for a place to go to learn some amazing self defense techniques or even a little community of people who look out for each other, this is a great place to start. I have learned a ton just from watching the kids go at it. Highly recommended.

Matt Bridi Sensei (3rd Dan) is a gifted instructor with great insight & educational metaphors…read more Located at the Goleta Valley Community Center, AKI Goleta Aikido is a great place to have an introduction into the world of Aikido. Affiliated through Aikido Kenkyukai International, AKI Goleta offers fun & exciting children's classes for the local community. However, you don't have to be a kid to try Aikido. Their adult program meets twice a week & gives you a one-to-one personal approach to the Art. Not only do you get a tutor like environment to learn Aikido, but you also get to enjoy great stories from their members after class with a cold glass of IPA.

Matt Bridi is the main instructor, or sensei, at AKI (Aikido Kenyukai International) Goleta. He…read morecreates an open, welcoming, and safe environment that I really appreciated as a total beginner with aikido. I now participate regularly in the adult aikido sessions here on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with Matt, Andy, Vern and the rest of the crew, all of whom are very experienced teachers and practicioners of the art. I have also seen Matt and Andy teach the kids' classes on Thursdays, and they are really good with kids. They are able to teach kids discipline, leadership, physical control, confidence, and gentleness, all through aikido. Whenever I have a kid, he/she will be doing aikido. I would highly recommend this dojo to adults and children--everything about this place is so positive. And the first month is free, so give it a try!

Our kids enjoyed being part of this dojo. They have great instructors. We had both our kids…read more(different ages and gender) enrolled in classes. Since they started at the same level it was very convenient in terms of schedules.

I've been meaning, and wanting to get back into lessons for years ... Everything good, and none of…read morethe bad, is the best way to describe this martial arts school. None of the low-brow, bad technique, subpar tutelage offered by MMA schools. Learn what the martial arts are really about. Child and family friendly, a great workout and better way to burn off your stress. Don't waste your money on lessons elsewhere. This Tae Kwon Do influenced, Tang Soo Do school of martial arts is one of the best, anywhere, has to offer.

My son started taking the kids classes with Aikido Kenkyukai when he was 4 years old. He is now 10…read moreyears old. He really loves it. I have watched Aikido really make positive changes in my son's life over time in terms of being respectful, being kind, showing empathy, helping others, gaining confidence, conflict resolution and keeping fit. Martial arts have provided a positive type of structure in my son's life. After watching my son train for a number of years I started training in the adults classes and have realized many benefits myself in terms of very positive physical changes, as well as changes in how I perceive social and business situations. Training in Aikido is hard to describe in that by the end of the class, you are drenched in sweat, tired, invigorated physically and have a huge smile on your face. The work outs are amazing. I've been so enthused about training and have taken a role in assisting with the kids classes as well. My son is 10, I am 48, this martial art is truly for all ages. The instructors and staff are all great. Lia Suzuki Sensei is a world-renowned teacher and we are so lucky to have her influence her on the central coast. Beginners are treated with so much respect and care here that I'd suggest to any kid or adult that is a little nervous about training to put those feelings aside and try an intro class - you will feel very welcomed here.

From the owner: Confidence, fitness, focus, discipline, emotional strength, spiritual development... These are some…read moreof the things you and/or your child can expect to gain at Aikido Kenkyukai, making a profound change in your life. Suzuki Sensei embodies many of the principals of Aikido and comes from a direct lineage of Aikidoka, based in Japan. What this means for the layman is she's "close to the source." She's very skilled and deeply cares about the art. We offer weekly classes for beginner through advanced students and hold special seminars throughout the year with internationally acclaimed instructors Our Founder and Head Instructor trained intensively in Japan for nearly 10 years. Communication and collaboration with Japanese instructors and others from around the world, continues and thrives at our school.

Valadez Sensei teaches & guides his students with a firm discipline and a gentle heart. The Senshin…read moreCenter is an Aikido Sanctuary for men, women & children of all ages. Valadez Sensei & his Senior Instructors exemplify the Virtues of Budo, Aikido & the teachings of O~Sensei. I am truly grateful to Sensei for giving me an opportunity to study, train & grow physically, mentally & spiritually in the Art of Aikido. It was a privilege & honor to train, study, & learn Aikido with men & women of such high caliber.

Sensei Ken Ota & his beloved wife Miye are both World Class teachers in Ballroom Dancing, Aikido,…read moreJudo & Etiquette. The Ota family has taught for over 40 years in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito & the bright minds of UCSB. Sensei Ken Ota, his son Sensei Steve Ota & there exceptional Senior Students have instructed generations of families in the Art of Cotillion. There students have grown up to become exceptional citizens that support there local communities & encourage future generations to continue the Ota's Legacy. The Ota's Family legacy continues to this day at his most humble Dojo in Goleta California through the cooperative efforts of there senior Aikido & Ballroom students. Sensei Ota, his students, & there Dojo are Goleta's best kept secret. Oops... I just revealed it... :~)

The cultural school is the ideal place for children and adults to study Aikido with Ki. I trained…read morehere in my adolescence. It was the perfect environment to learn responsibility, accountability, self-discipline and respect. Not only did I learn non-violent self defense, but also self-confidence and self-reliance. Sensei Ken Ota was a pillar of the community and his son, Sensei Steve, carries on the tradition of true martial artistry taught with patience and love. I encourage parents to stop by and observe a class. As a teacher, I have witnessed students with various special needs blossom after practicing Aikido with Sensei Steve.

This review is way overdue. This is a fantastic dojo for kids. Jiu-Jitsu Maurice is an excellent…read moresensei and he is very sweet with the kids.

From the owner: OG Jiu Jitsu school is fun and challenging. We train hard, but always have a good time. It's a…read morecollective learning experience. Our program is our students. Keeping Master Carlson Gracie legacy.