Business Details
39 Years
experience
Traditional Aikido Training in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Aikido, established in 1987, is a premier dojo dedicated to the traditional practice of Aikido under the guidance of Gentil Pennewaert Shihan, a second-generation student of Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Our dojo emphasizes the core principles of harmony, gratitude, and self-awareness, offering structured training for adults, children, and families. With over four decades of combined teaching experience, our instructors prioritize safety, technical precision, and philosophical depth, ensuring students develop physical and mental discipline. We provide flexible class schedules, including morning, lunchtime, evening, and weekend sessions, complemented by weapons training and annual seminars led by internationally recognized Sensei.Our facility features a professional mat, showers, and private lockers, fostering a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Newport Beach Aikido is affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation and Aikikai Foundation, maintaining rigorous standards of practice and instruction. We host summer camps and special events, such as the annual Sugano Shihan Memorial Summer Camp, to deepen students' understanding of Aikido's heritage. Testimonials highlight our family-friendly atmosphere, experienced instructors, and emphasis on both technical and philosophical growth. Our commitment to community and tradition makes us Orange County's top-rated Aikido dojo.
Services
Adult Aikido Classes
Children's Aikido
Weapons Training
Summer Camps
Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of combined teaching experience in traditional Aikido.
- Our family-friendly environment accommodates all skill levels and ages.
- Flexible schedules with 13 classes weekly, including morning and evening options.
- Weapons training integrated into adult curriculum for enhanced technique understanding.
- Annual seminars led by internationally recognized Aikido masters.
Associations and certifications
- United States Aikido Federation
- Aikikai Foundation
What people say
Authentic dojo
Family-friendly environment
Experienced instructors
Mental and physical growth
Structured programs
Services
Adult Aikido Classes
Structured Aikido classes for adults focus on technical precision, physical conditioning, and philosophical principles. Sessions include partner drills, kata practice, and self-defense applications. The curriculum develops flexibility, coordination, and mental focus for practitioners of all experience levels.
Children's Aikido
Aikido programs for children aged 612 emphasize discipline, confidence, and cooperative learning. Classes incorporate age-appropriate techniques, games, and character development to foster physical fitness and social skills in a supportive environment.
Weapons Training
Weapons training with bokken (wooden sword), tanto (dagger), and jo (staff) enhances understanding of Aikido principles. This practice improves timing, spatial awareness, and body mechanics through traditional kata and partner exercises.
Summer Camps
Annual Samurai Summer Camps provide immersive Aikido training for children and adults. Activities include intensive technique sessions, weapons practice, and character-building exercises in a structured, nature-focused setting.
Seminars
Guest-led seminars feature advanced Aikido instruction from international masters. These events offer opportunities to refine techniques, participate in testing, and engage with the global Aikido community through collaborative practice.
People
Gentil Pennewaert
Chief Instructor
7th Dan Shihan Gentil Pennewaert, a second-generation student of Aikido's founder, brings over 40 years of martial arts expertise. He emphasizes traditional technique, philosophical depth, and safe practice environments for all students.
Questions
What is Aikido and how does it benefit practitioners?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art focusing on harmony, blending defense techniques with philosophical principles. It improves physical fitness, mental focus, and conflict resolution skills through cooperative practice.
What class schedules are available for adults?
Adult classes are offered 13 times weekly with morning, lunchtime, evening, and weekend options. Sessions include technical drills, partner practice, and weapons training twice weekly.
Are there trial classes for beginners?
Yes, we offer a $40 trial class for newcomers. This includes orientation to basic techniques, etiquette, and an introduction to Aikido's philosophical foundations in a supportive environment.
What youth programs do you offer?
Children's classes (ages 6–12) focus on discipline, confidence, and cooperative learning. The Samurai Summer Camp provides immersive training with weapons practice, self-defense drills, and character development activities.
Do you host special events or seminars?
We conduct annual seminars with guest instructors from Japan, Europe, and Australia. The Sugano Shihan Memorial Summer Camp features advanced training, testing opportunities, and community-building activities.
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