Steven S.
Yelp
I've been practicing Kokikai Aikido since 2002 and with Gary Snyder Sensei since 2008 at the previous location of the Aikido Kokikai NYC dojo and now at Warrior Bridge. Warrior Bridge is now the best place in the city to learn the subtle art of aikido. With an instructor who has over 30 years of experience (he's a 7th degree black belt!) as well as a supporting group of other experienced people all with 15+ years each, you will not easily find a better source of martial arts wisdom in New York. This dojo is also friendly and welcoming. Kokikai Aikido combines the seriousness of martial arts practice with a casual, good-natured approach to a practice that is really all about making your life and even the world better, not just more disciplined. If you haven't experienced aikido, you must come try it! New students of all kinds are dropping in all the time and discovering how much they love it, and aikido is great for people of all ages and body types. If you think that martial arts is not for you, I think you'll be especially surprised by what you find, by the power you are capable of manifesting even if you aren't a big, strong, scary guy. I came to aikido through yoga, which I also continue to practice, and in my experience yoga and aikido complement each other very well! Both entail mind-body coordination, relaxation, consciousness, and community. In the case of aikido, we just happen to work on our "techniques" (as opposed to "asanas") with other people. And how often in our adult lives these days do we get to train physically with other people? It's a privilege! And since Warrior Bridge also offers yoga classes, you'll be coming to the best place to experience the unique benefits of cross-training in these various arts. Also, we have the distinct honor of hosting Sensei Shuji Maruyama, the founder of Kokikai Aikido and a former student of the inventor of aikido itself, three times a year at Warrior Bridge. So not only will you train here at the highest level available in the aikido community today, but you'll be able to see it performed on a regular basis by one of the world's greatest living martial artists. Come and explore your boundaries and push the boundaries of human potential itself with Aikido Kokikai at Warrior Bridge!