I trained here for six months and I can firmly say: this is a special place, and ideal for anyone serious about learning Aikido. I eventually decided to stop training here because I felt like I never found myself clicking with the ways of Aikido itself (it is a very unique martial art. Every person is different, not everything is for everyone, and Aikido did not seem to be for me), therefore I wanted to do trials with different martial arts and find one that I connect with better. But that doesn't mean that I didn't recognize what a special place this is, and recognize how many other students truly had their lives enriched here. The fee is on a sliding scale (and I can't find any other martial art school that does that). For $50 a month, I was literally allowed to take two or three classes a day (if I had the time). Can't beat that. This place is very formal in practicing Japanese customs. The Sensei here, Ryugan Savoca, has been to Japan many times, and brought some of what he learned there back to this space in Brooklyn. It is decorated to make a beautiful setting. As soon as you start your first lesson, you truly feel yourself meeting another culture. Additionally, Sensei is constantly running events outside class time (dinners, trips, etc) to bring the students together as a community. He also frequently has guest Senseis from other dojos visiting New York doing lectures here about how they practice Aikido. During training, if Sensei sees you doing something wrong, he will immediately tell you in a firm way without embarrassing you. He is wise, observant, and patient. The classes here are mixed with both newer students and senior students (you can recognize the difference as seniors are given a robe to wear over their gi). If you're a new student having a hard time learning, Sensei will assign a senior student to instruct you one-on-one. All senior students were polite, clear and patient with me. I should warn: if you're expecting Aikido practice to be a light workout, then you're in for a surprise here. By the end of every lesson, I was literally dripping with sweat. Within two weeks of training here, people in my every day life were suddenly saying "Hey, you look like you're getting in better shape" without even knowing that I started Aikido. On a side note, I'll also mention that I have a neighbor who sends his son to the kid classes here, and his son loves it. He mentions how good the kids' instructor, Kate, is with children. It appears to me that Aikido is completely unlike any other martial art that I can find. It doesn't seem to work for everyone, but it works phenomenally for others. If you want to try it, then I can't recommend this place enough. read more

I've only just begun and am only four classes in, but as a beginner I can tell you that the Sensei is very patient and everyone jumps right in to show me proper technique and etiquette. There seems to be a general agreement that this is one of the most challenging dojos in the country. As Scott said, I finished my first class utterly exhausted, my pride beyond bruised. It's a great place to learn and while everybody is serious about Aikido there, they're super-friendly, too. A quick example: I was trying to make my way through a conditioning drill called the scorpion and I was going really slow. One of the more experienced students slowed down to finish with me and encourage me. It was like Forest Gump. read more

When I think of this dojo, the first word that comes to mind is integrity. The art is not watered down, but is taught in a very traditional manner that elevates all the elements of Aikido- from body arts and weapons, to meditation and chanting. Practicing here is demanding, but your time and effort is not wasted.That being said, there is also much joy here and on many an occasion- when the training is intense- we still keep it in perspective and have good laugh. I've been training here for almost 3 years now and feel very lucky to have the opportunity to do this work with a teacher who is as devoted to both the art and his students as Savoca Sensei. People come from around the world to stay at the dojo and study with him as his reputation for being a masterful teacher is known throughout the Aikido world. If you want to work your mind, body and spirit, this is the place to do it. read more

My son has trained here for the past year... they are fantastic! Very authentic and such a wonderful and positive atmosphere for kids as well as adults. Everyone who trains there is extremely dedicated to the practice. read more

This place has a really great spirit. The sensei is highly skilled, sensitive about the capabilities of his students, wise, and kind. The assistant teachers are kind and generous. If you are interested in spiritual and physical development, I would highly recommend this place of learning. read more

A fantastic place to learn a traditional martial art. When I started training here, not that long ago, I was out of shape and without much personal focus. My first class was one of the more enlightening, and exhausting, experiences of my adult life. I was barely able to drag myself off the mat that day - but the spirit of this place makes you want to drag yourself back. I haven't felt this physically and spiritually good in at least 15 years. The chief instructor, Savoca Sensei, is truly committed to his art and instills a strong spirit in the students. Everyone works together to make the school a better place. The traditional aikido is a fantastic martial art and different from the typical kick, block, punch karate class. This is a far cry from some of the cookie cutter martial arts classes you can find at other schools. If you're thinking of starting to train, you should definitely come by to observe a class. read more

Brooklyn Aikikai is a place of respect; a place where the art of Aikido is studied in a serious and diligent manner. Any person who is interested in the development of the self through the art of Aikido, should visit Brooklyn Aikikai. read more

My children both started in the kids class around 5 years ago (when they were about 6 years old) and the experience has been a huge plus. They not only progressed in Aikido but more importantly are better for it in terms of fitness, being able to listen and focus (without talking which is not always easy at their age). One of the reasons I picked this dojo for them is that it's traditional without distractions such as cellphones, electronics, idle chatter and random birthday parties. After a couple of years of watching my kids' classes I decided to start training. While I have always been in very good shape and excelled in many sports, I have found practicing Aikido very challenging and humbling. I have become a lot more flexible physically and mentally and look forward to each time I come to the dojo since it is such a nice change of pace from normal everyday life. The chief instructor, Savoca Sensei, has been truly inspirational and teaches almost every adult class which from what I understand is pretty rare. This is a real plus and I believe gives continuity to one's practice while fostering a strong community. Aikido is definitely not an easy practice, nor should it be, but if you are serious about training hard then you should start by coming to observe a class. read more

What an incredible place to study Aikido. I feel lucky to be a 10 minute bike ride away. It's a beautiful environment to learn in: a very traditional dojo, with plenty of etiquette to follow. That's not something I'm used to, but I've found it helpful to my study. I'm able to leave the rest of the day at the door and to focus while I'm there. It can be exhausting (warning - Sensei works you hard) but really rewarding. If you're interested in a graceful, defensive martial art you should check it out. It's a good community of people and not too big, so you get lots of focused attention from the teachers and senior students. read more

From day one, I've loved coming to Brooklyn Aikikai. Everyone is very kind there, and Sensei Savoca really devotes and immerses himself in his craft. His work ethic is contagious and makes the dojo a wonderful place to practice Aikido, get into better shape, and simply relieve stress and help find a center in your life. read more

I've been training at Brooklyn Aikikai for the past four years. It's hard to overstate my love for this place. I've been to numerous dojos over the years but have yet to come across its equal (in rigor, strength, cleanliness, or spirit). But really, the best way to understand a dojo is to visit. Watch a class, and if you join, plan on training hard! Sensei will always push you past what you think you are capable of. read more

My son has been practicing at Brooklyn Aikikai for close to two years. We have continually been impressed with Kate Sensei and other instructors who patiently and consistently guide the kids each week. The teachers expect a lot of the children, physically and mentally, and they believe that the kids are capable of doing great work. For this reason, the children, too, believe in themselves and in each other, and they feel stronger, more confident, and part of a larger community. For my son, the experience he's gained at the dojo has been wonderful. Physically, he's improved his core strength, gained more control over his body, improved his posture and stamina. Mentally, he can focus over longer periods of time, has better impulse control, and has gained an understanding and respect of the history and practice of aikido. He's really proud to be a part of it. It's fun and it's hard and it's just good, good, good. We can't imagine a better place for him to grow and learn than at Brooklyn Aikikai. read more