I didn't have any martial arts experience when I walked into this dojo over a year ago. I signed up…read morefor the Intro Class series, which was $50 and included 4 special classes and a "gi" or uniform, and discounted dues if you register (a great bargain). The instructors talked about the history and philosophy of Aikido, started teaching the basics (stance, footwork, blending exercises), and gradually built things up into a full technique. The atmosphere was very welcoming. I remember feeling a slight panic when everyone started to pair up on my first day, but then a smiling black belt came sliding into view and coached me through all the steps. It was the people (and the cool moves) that kept me coming back. I didn't think I'd be able to roll, but now I'm doing dozens of them each day. I'm not very good at dancing, and am terrible with my feet, but now it seems I have some basic footwork patterns etched into muscle memory. At first, I was overwhelmed with all the strange sounding Japanese names, but now I have a very clear catalog in my head of the different attacks, blends, techniques, and variations. I credit a lot of this to the beginners or "basics" classes held on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. They are incredibly valuable for the new student. Now I find that I'm really taking advantage of what the dojo has to offer. It's a lot, and it's affordable! Unlike other dojos, the Sensei here are all volunteers, people with a passion. You get to learn from 6 or more instructors, of very high rank, with decades of experience. In addition to the beginner or basics classes, there are regular classes (can be quite intense), a special "ukemi" class (rolling, falling, and how to stay safe when you receive a technique), and classes on weapons: the "bokken" (wooden sword) and "jo" (short staff). If you really want to dive in, there are a total of 10 classes each week. Students at the dojo train hard, but they also like to have fun. It's not unusual to grab lunch or dinner after class, and there's a movie night once a month, where a martial art movie is projected onto the wall. There are also a number of potlucks to celebrate special occasions. So if you're looking to develop yourself (physically and mentally), learn techniques that can be applied in a self-defense situation, and connect with a great community, this is the place to be. But be forewarned, you might end up spending the next 20 years trying to master the subtlest of nuances!

I trained here from 1990 to 1994 and it is a testament to the quality of Aikido and instruction…read morethat most of the teachers and several of the students continue to be here for the last 20+ years; and more since they were here many, many years before I started. Enduring and endearing people. There is no other dojo that I would recommend more highly.

I've been practicing Kempo since 2003 and I absolutely love it, as is evidenced by the fact that I…read morecontinued to practice it after moving back to the Bay Area from San Diego (where I was introduced to Kempo). As a martial art that focuses on balance and natural body movement, it's excellent for anyone and everyone, regardless of size, shape, or physical ability. The Peninsula Dojo is headed by Karahashi Sensei, who is truly terrific as a teacher and just a generally great guy. The dojo is small, so you can get a lot of personal attention, regardless of what level you come in at. You can also come by and check out a practice prior to joining: no pressure! I'm really glad I found them.

(Disclaimer: I'm biased because my spouse is the branch master)…read more Shorinji Kempo is really a great martial art. They are not run for profit (anywhere, worldwide), and their practices are accommodating for all ages and fitness levels. It is Japan's most popular (most widely practiced) martial art. Shorinji Kempo is a self-defense oriented MA, with emphasis on cooperation and mutual respect. It encourages discussion on the philosophy behind the principles, as well as individual persistence. Techniques include the basic punches/kicks/blocks, but also include a focus on tumbling, grappling, and pair forms.

I've been training at Alameda Akikai with Mitsu Sensei for three years alongside my oldest child…read more(12) who has been there for 2+ years and his sibling (10) who has been there for about 1+ years. Bottom line: I love it. For me, Aikido is both an escape and an exercise. The art is challenging, physically and mentally and requires one be alert, agile, strong and flexible. I try and practice several times a week which is very easy to do here. The other people on the mat are engaged and kind and look out for one another. There are also a variety of classes to choose from (for adults there are 530 am, 9am and 6pm classes, and one on Saturday, and for kids there are many options to choose from after school and also on Saturdays). Speaking of kids! Training with my own kids is a real joy. It's a fun activity we can do together and Aikido exemplifies, and teaches, important values about capability, respect, effort and diligence. 10/10 can recommend!

I've been training at Alameda Aikikai for just about two years, and it's been incredible! Mitsu…read moreSensei is extremely clean with his instructions, makes sure the students are being personally challenged without being pushed too far, and utilizes his background in physical therapy to make sure everyone is practicing safely. The community is incredible with a strong familial, but welcoming atmosphere. I absolutely love being a part of this dojo and look forward to all of y'all being a part of it as well!

Pease note the school has moved - for more information, contact Sifu LeBlanc at gleblanc888 at…read moregmail dot com.

Direct, efficient, and simple--that is the heart of Wing Chun. It also best describes Greg…read moreLeBlanc (and what I will try to be with this review). It has been my experience with several kung fu systems, that there are a lot of people who claim to teach authentic kung fu, but many, perhaps most, fail. They simply don't have the skills, communication, and authenticity to do so, Greg LeBlanc has all of these. Wing Chun, when done right, is not flashy, but is highly effective and extremely powerful. LeBlanc Wing Chun Kwoon has a very inviting atmosphere, utilizing a "Hong Kong" style of teaching. This allows each individual direct attention, and individualized rate of growth. There are no fancy uniforms, titles, no long contracts, and the facilities are clean and practical. Greg LeBlanc is always open to answering questions, and encourages students to "Make Wing Chun work for you, not for you to work for Wing Chun".

I highly recommend this course of martial arts training, for men, women and kids alike. I am a…read morecouch potato by nature, and I've found it hard to stick to a solitary gym routine. This has turned out to be a great option for me, even having no prior experience with martial arts. It is an excellent workout *and* a lot of fun. Since I started training over a year ago, I have lost weight, gained strength and flexibility, and learned valuable self defense skills. It is fun interacting with classmates, unlike at the typical group gym class where you attend side by side with a bunch of others but never really get to work together. The group here is really friendly and supportive - a great community feel.The course is also a challenge for the mind: I've had to memorize many techniques such as joint locks, strikes, throws, kicks, falls, and "forms" (a series of techniques). With such rich, varied training content, Instructor Moore is a very good teacher - patient, clear, challenging and encouraging.

This is a great place to practice aikido with two experienced, talented instructors who lead a dojo…read morethat is welcoming and friendly. Kokikai aikido is a style of aikido that emphasizes maximum effectiveness with minimal effort and it evolves as better techniques are developed. The instructors are adept at helping new students learn the fundamental skills and techniques of kokikai aikido so that all levels of students can practice with one another. There are also outdoor weapons practices (with wooden sword, bokken, and staff, jo) that augment the open-hand aikido training done in classes. I have practiced with this dojo for three years and I am as enthusiastic about practicing here today as I was on my first day. Dojo fees are reasonable and is pay as you go (monthly).

I've trained in and out of martial arts schools since I was…read morea kid, and I can honestly say that finding a place like Aikido of Alamo is rare. Many Aikido schools today emphasize community, movement, and personal development, which is a great thing. What stands out here is that those elements are combined with a genuine understanding of Aikido as a Martial art. Scott Berg, the Dojo-Cho here, is exceptional. I study with Scott privately on a regular basis rather than attending group classes, and I've found that experience to be truly transformative. He not only understands Aikido--he can actually do it, and just as importantly, he can teach it. That combination is rare. Even more unique is his ability to share the philosophical side of the art in a way that naturally connects to the physical practice. The ideas aren't abstract--they're something you can feel and experience on the mat. The training isn't about brute strength or aggression. It's physical, but in a balanced and thoughtful way, focusing on timing, awareness, and connection. There's a depth here that reflects years of dedicated study--not just in Aikido, but across multiple martial disciplines. At its core, Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba. It emphasizes harmony and resolution rather than collision--blending with an attacker's movement, redirecting energy, and neutralizing situations through circular motion, joint locks, and throws. The goal is always to protect yourself while minimizing harm to others whenever possible. That spirit is very much present in the training here. Another thing that stands out is how accessible the practice is. This is truly a place for all ages--from teens to senior citizens. Because the art relies on timing, balance, and coordination rather than strength, people at very different stages of life can train together and continue improving over time. If you're looking for authentic Aikido in a welcoming and thoughtful environment, this is a place worth experiencing.

Scott Berg's main aikido principles are - be who you want to be, be where you want to be, and stay…read moreconnected with your partner. He doesn't teach aikido in order to dominate or overpower our partners, but rather he teaches "the we" - that is, being with, and moving with, our partners. So, his aikido lessons are life lessons. Yet his teachings are not woo woo. We have advanced students from other martial arts (e.g., karate, BJJ, and taekwondo ) who cooperatively train with us and understand the effectiveness of Scott's teachings. I find it all very magical. Scott's aikido teachings on the mat are also reflected in our community - cooperation and fun, with reduced hierarchy and judgmentalness. We laugh and have interesting discussions. He's not a standard "Sensei"... his students are his friends.

Sumido is a highly recommended instructor. He's patient, engaging and manages his class extremely…read morewell. The class and Capoeira in general has a great blend of martial arts skill, discipline, acrobatics, music, singing, Brazilian culture and fun. Our son has been his student for 3 years and loves this class. Not only does he learn these amazing skills, but he gets to use it to challenge and play Capoeria with his mates. My son has taken many classes, kung fu, soccer, baseball, gymnastics and this is by far his favorite. It's not just a class, it's a community and a cultural experience. Try it!

Amazing instruction as a Martial Artist I strongly recommended professor Sumido as a Capoeira…read moreinstructor-As a brazilian I found out that this place is legit and I strongly tell everyone to go there and practice Capoeira with the best!