Business Details
Aikido Classes for All Ages in Berkeley
At Aiki Arts Center, we believe martial arts training should cultivate practical self-defense skills while enhancing your ability to navigate life's challenges with clarity, serenity, and adaptability. Our Aikido practice emphasizes calm, grounded responsiveness applicable to both physical and non-violent situations. We foster a friendly, supportive community where beginners receive personalized guidance from senior students.As an LGBTQ-friendly dojo, we prioritize inclusivity and mindful training. Our instructors combine decades of experience with diverse influences, including zen, somatic psychology, and environmental advocacy. We offer structured programs for adults, teens, and children aged 7-12, with flexible scheduling and a welcoming environment for all skill levels.
Services
Aikido Classes
Youth Program
Weapons Training
Beginner Sessions
Membership Plans
Private Instruction
Community Workshops
Flexible Scheduling
Etiquette Coaching
Progressive Curriculum
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We offer 45 years of combined instructor experience in Aikido and related disciplines
- Our LGBTQ-friendly environment promotes inclusive martial arts training for all
- Beginners receive personalized guidance from senior students and instructors
- We integrate traditional dojo practices with modern psychological and environmental perspectives
- Flexible scheduling accommodates both casual participants and dedicated practitioners
What people say
Wonderful dojo
Builds confidence
Supportive community
Great for families
Effective techniques
Services
Aikido Classes
Adult Aikido training develops practical self-defense skills while cultivating mental clarity and physical resilience. Our classes emphasize grounded responsiveness applicable to real-world situations. Practitioners learn to redirect energy through controlled movements and collaborative partner work.
Youth Program
Structured Aikido instruction for children aged 7-12 builds physical strength, confidence, and emotional regulation skills. The curriculum balances technical training with character development in a supportive environment that encourages mindful interaction.
Weapons Training
Specialized sessions focusing on traditional Aikido weapons (wooden sword and staff) enhance bodily awareness and mental focus. This training develops precision, timing, and spatial awareness while deepening understanding of empty-hand techniques.
Beginner Sessions
New practitioner orientation includes fundamental techniques, safety protocols, and basic etiquette instruction. First-time students receive personalized guidance while learning core principles of Aikido movement and partner interaction.
Membership Plans
Flexible membership options provide unlimited class access with progressive skill development opportunities. Members benefit from consistent training schedules, community engagement, and access to special workshops and events.
People
Nick Walker Sensei
Senior Instructor
7th dan Aikido master with 45 years experience, influenced by zen and somatic psychology. Professor of Psychology and Psychedelic Studies, combining martial arts with academic expertise in human behavior.
Azzia Walker Sensei
Dojo Manager
5th dan co-founder managing daily operations and Friday evening classes. UC Berkeley philosophy graduate with environmental advocacy background, balancing technical precision with philosophical depth in teaching.
Alan Hodges Sensei
Instructor
4th dan practitioner emphasizing joyful training principles. Environmental engineer applying systematic problem-solving to Aikido instruction, with expertise in pollution remediation and technical analysis.
Steve Tomich Sensei
Instructor
4th dan specialist in nonviolent conflict resolution approaches. Experienced TV producer integrating media skills with martial arts documentation, focusing on community-building through collaborative practice.
Questions
What Aikido styles do you teach?
We teach a unique Aikido approach combining traditional techniques with influences from zen, somatic psychology, and modern conflict resolution principles.
Are there age requirements for classes?
We accept children aged 7-12 in our youth program, mature teens on a case-by-case basis, and adults of all ages in regular classes.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes like sweatpants. No special uniform required for beginners - we provide loaner equipment for weapons training.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, your first class is free with no obligation. Arrive 30 minutes early for orientation and paperwork before your selected session.
How often should I attend classes?
We recommend twice weekly attendance for optimal progress, though once weekly participation still provides meaningful benefits through our structured curriculum.
