Empower Yourself with Aikido
Located in the heart of Japan Town on Bush Street, the San Francisco Aikikai Club has been a bastion of Aikido excellence for nearly three decades. Since our inception in 1992, we have been dedicated to providing the highest quality Aikido instruction to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our team of highly qualified and experienced instructors is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive community where students can learn and grow in their Aikido journey.
Our Mission: Unifying Life Energy through Aikido
At the San Francisco Aikikai Club, we believe that Aikido is more than just a martial art; it is a philosophy, a way of life, and a path to self-discovery. Derived from the Japanese term "Aikido, " which can be translated to "the way of unifying life energy, " our martial art focuses on using an attacker's aggression against them in order to overcome them without causing serious injury. This is achieved through a variety of techniques, including throws, pins, and joint locks, all of which promote the principles of non-resistance, harmonization, and self-improvement.
Our Instructors: A Team of Passionate and Experienced Experts
Our team of instructors is the cornerstone of our club. Each of our instructors brings a unique perspective, years of experience, and a deep passion for Aikido to the mat. Our instructors are carefully selected based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to communicate and connect with students. Among our esteemed team of instructors, you will find:
- Joseph Vervilles (Verville Sensei): A long-time student and Chief Instructor at the San Francisco Aikikai Club, Verville Sensei began his Aikido journey in 1993. He earned his black belt six years later and has been dedicated to expanding his knowledge and skills through various seminars and workshops.
- Alesia Kunz: With a background in dance and martial arts, Alesia Kunz discovered Aikido in New Mexico and has been hooked ever since. She has been teaching Aikido since 1987 and has been a part of the San Francisco Aikikai Club family since its inception in 1992.
- Lauren Mallas: As one of the founding members of the San Francisco Aikikai Club, Lauren Mallas brings her extensive experience and expertise to the mat. For over 25 years, she has shared her passion for Aikido with students of all levels and has played an instrumental role in shaping the club's culture.
- Phillipe Gendrault: A former Judo practitioner turned Aikido enthusiast, Phillipe Gendrault is passionate about sharing the art of Aikido with others. His commitment to teaching the basics and foundational principles of Aikido has made him a beloved and respected member of our team.
- Steve Sandage: A student, instructor, and now a part of the club's management team, Steve Sandage embodies the San Francisco Aikikai Club spirit. His dedication to the art of Aikido reflects our club's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Our Classes: A Path for Every Level
The San Francisco Aikikai Club offers a wide range of classes designed to cater to the needs and goals of students at every level. With classes offered in the morning and afternoon, students can choose from various programs, including:
- Beginner Classes: Designed for those new to the art of Aikido, our beginner classes provide an introduction to the fundamental principles, techniques, and movements of Aikido.
- Intermediate Classes: Moving beyond the basics, intermediate classes build upon the foundational skills and knowledge acquired in beginner classes and introduce more complex techniques and concepts.
- Advanced Classes: Tailored for seasoned Aikido practitioners, advanced classes delve into the intricacies of Aikido, focusing on refining techniques, cultivating self-awareness, and fostering mindfulness.
- Special Topic Workshops: Throughout the year, the San Francisco Aikikai Club hosts a variety of workshops and seminars led by visiting instructors, providing students with the opportunity to explore various aspects of Aikido in-depth.
Join the San Francisco Aikikai Club Family Today
The San Francisco Aikikai Club offers more than just a martial arts education; we are a community, a family, and a place for personal growth. Our commitment to excellence, quality instruction, and students' well-being makes us the premier destination for Aikido in the San Francisco area. We invite you to explore our offerings, visit our dojo, and join our community of passionate and dedicated Aikido practitioners.
Overall Impression
The reviewers uniformly praise San Francisco Aikikai, highlighting its excellent teachers, high-quality instruction, and welcoming environment.
Facilities and Instruction
The dojo is described as beautiful and spacious, providing a comfortable space for practitioners to learn Aikido. The instructors are highly skilled and knowledgeable, with some reviewers noting that they are direct students of the founder of Aikido.
Community and Atmosphere
The community at San Francisco Aikikai is friendly and supportive, making it an ideal place for both beginners and experienced martial artists to learn and grow. Reviewers also appreciate the regular visits from world-class instructors, which provide additional opportunities for learning and development.
Personal Experience
Reviewers share their personal experiences, highlighting the benefits of training at San Francisco Aikikai. One reviewer notes that Aikido is an excellent art for anyone who wants to learn self-control and how to handle an attacker without causing harm. Another reviewer praises Joe Verville, the instructor, for being down-to-earth and friendly, and highly recommends the dojo to anyone seeking a supportive teacher.
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