Located in a very nice part of the city near historic Rittenhouse Square, Aikikai of Philadelphia…read moreis an extraordinary dojo with an amazing array of instructors. Sensei Roderick Johnson is very patient, precise, and detail-oriented in explaining all of the techniques. He is big and strong, yet fluid and graceful in all of his movements. Dr. John Porter's classes pack a plethora of techniques in a short period of time. He incorporates fun exercises in our training to allow us to think outside the box. Carlton Harris' classes, like Sensei's, are also very structured and blend power and precision in all of the techniques. I wish I could take more of Carlton's classes, but the day of the week doesn't work for me. Ed Shockley is a weapons master. He is so very humble in person, but when he's on the mat, he radiates energy. His Aiki weapons classes feel very much like yoga, linking the mind and body as one. John Holt teaches the weekend children's classes. His classes always blend fun activities with the serious stuff like movement and ukemi. The dojo community includes a rich blend of people of all ages and ethnicities. Everyone here is very kind and passionate about Aikido and the senior students are all very approachable and willing to explain the techniques to the junior students. I think that fosters the best kind of learning environment when both teachers and senior students help the junior students grow. If you are thinking about studying Aikido, you can sit and watch our classes to see if it looks like something that resonates with you. However, once you begin, you must understand that your training will take time and patience on your part. Everyone progresses at different speeds and understand that you are placing your trust in people who've experienced what you are about to experience in your training. This is not like many forms of karate where you train to achieve a black belt in a short period of time. Aikido takes a long time to get to an advanced level and even when you get there, you realize there is much more to learn.

I took my 6 year old here for kid's Aikdo at her request (they have Saturday morning classes. The…read moreSensai is very nice and the instructor Suleman, is funny and a skilled martial artist. My child, however, is a little too young still - so we'll be back again when she's older. Meanwhile there is also a Karate Studio (unafilliated) next door that teaches Shotokan. The Dojo is well used and well appointed with plants along the windows. If you or your child want to study Aikido, this is a great place to go.

Cecilia is a very good teacher and very talented…read more I trained about 15 years ago with Cecilia back when the dojo was near my house in Germantown. I quit once they moved the dojo, due to my own laziness/apathy. I was 17 years old at the time and I only got to blue belt level. I never thought I would actually use Aikido in real life, especially because it seemed like it would be of limited utility against a real attacker. I don't think that Aikido is a very powerful marshal art if you are up against someone who really knows how to fight. But on the few occasions in my life so far where I've had to use it, it has literally saved my life. About 7 years ago, I was on the ground with three attackers about to kick my head in. Without even thinking, I naturally got into a lying-down defensive posture with legs poised to grab someone's neck. These thugs screamed "He knows how to fight! Run!" If they had not gotten scared, I am quite sure I would not have been able to withstand the attack. About 3 years ago, my wife was choking me to death, and at the last moment, when I realized I had only seconds to act, I instinctively put her wrist in a "nikyo" lock that broke me free. I was so glad that Cecilia had us practice being choked! And yes, I did press charges on my wife. Because I did not fight back while she was abusing me, she had no injuries, and therefore she went to jail, not me. Had my training been in a more "offense" based marshal art, I might have inflicted visible injuries on her, or even broken her bones, out of instinct, and then I might have been the one in jail. As a person who is not at all the fighter type, Aikido was perfect for me. And it was really fun training.

There are so many fifth-third dan at Aikido of Philadelphia it is difficult for me to visit the…read moreother great aikido teachers past Center City. (Old City, Donovan Shihan then West PA, Delaware, Yamada Camp, New Jersey (Zimmerman) and always at least Shihan Faust for Shihan Henry Smith's day. I met sensei Cecelia Ricciotti back when she was still in east/north center city. I'll have to somehow find time to get there again.

My son has been at Action Karate Mt. Airy since he was in Pre-k. Now, that he is older, they act…read moreas both our after-care program and karate instructors. We're so grateful to have access to both programs. Action Karate Mt. Airy is staffed by people who love children and genuinely care for their well-being. The skills that they're teaching (both physical and emotional) are invaluable. And, if I'm being honest, getting to train on weapons has definitely been a bonus for my kid.

Action karate has molded my daughter into a fierce but gentle young lady if that makes any since to…read moreyou ...she is the friendliest young lady you can meet full of smiles and hugs but she has the ability and know-how to defend herself in many different forms of defense and against multiple Assailants

I've been coming to Osagame for BJJ training for about a year and half. From day one I found it to…read morebe a very welcoming environment--both from the instructors and fellow students. The instructors explain everything well and put a strong focus on making sure you learn the fundamentals (as well as more advanced techniques). BJJ training is difficult, but Osagame is an environment where everyone helps each other learn in a safe manner. Also, unlike many other other gyms, Osagame does not try to lock you into a months-long contract. You get 30 days free and then pay month-to-month with no contract after that.

My son has been coming to Osagame nearly weekly for martial arts training for six years, and I've…read moretrained on and off as well. I can't say enough good things about Osagame. The coaches are knowledgeable, personable, and protective of the students. I can't imagine our weekly routine without this gem.

We've only just started but in a couple of visits we've seen such professionalism and connection…read more Especially in a time when connection and growth is so important for our children it's a blessing that this place is offering safe and clean environment while teaching karate.

I have always wanted to learn Capoeria since I first became aware of the form in the 80's (who…read moreremembers Only The Strong?). For Christmas I received from F a gift of training at Project Capoeria. We have both completed two sessions so far and we really enjoy it. This training is no joke. I consider myself pretty fit, but I am challenged not only physically but mentally as well. Instructors Mestre Doutor and Hannah are really supportive and knowledgeable. I always feel safe but I am encouraged to overcome my own fears. You start working right away and are taken through a warm-up, and flexibility training. I haven't done rolls and backbends for a long time, but I was helped every step of the way. Even doing flips(with assistance) on day one. I never felt pressured to try something I wasn't comfortable with. We also worked on typical Capoeria moves and even "sparred" to live music. After class I always feel accomplished, exhilarated, spent and looking forward to the next class. There are classes for all levels including children's classes.

My Kids love Capoiera. This is a true learn from the master martial art. A vibrant studio in…read moreDowntown Philly. Parking is challenging but I have never walked more than a 1/2 block to the studio. Capoiera is a totally different style of self defense. If you are looking for Tae Kwon Do, Judo or other styles that have you working from a standing position, this is not for you. If you are looking for Whole body/core/spirit this may be what you are looking for. Music, dance, handstands, kicks and self awareness can all be attained through this martial art. Stop by you will be surprised at what is possibly a hidden gem in Philadelphia.

A great way to exercise, gain flexibility, blow off some steam and meet some positive folks, this…read moredojo has been here for over 40 years under the leadership of Sensei Teruyuki Okazaki and now with new blood from his nephew Hiro Okazaki. My dad trains here with my daughters and me. There are classes for kids after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:45-6:00 and Saturdays at 11:00. There are also classes for adults MWFSS at 11:00 AM and evenings M-F at 6:15. They train in and study authentic Japanese Shotokan karate. Some classes are for advanced students. They also sell uniforms, belts, gloves. The wooden floor, tin ceiling, mirrors, ceiling fans and knotty pine paneled walls make for a real old school dojo feel. The roar of your classmates KIA! will give you the energy to finish the class. Better than yoga IMO.

This is a great place and some of the best people you will ever meet! The Krav Maga program is…read moreamazing with some incredible brown and black belt instructors! There are women's only classes and seminars available which are taught by an amazing woman who happens to be one of the brown belt instructors! The aikido classes are not only taught by black belts but have many black belts as students! Whether it is self defense you are looking for or a fitness activity very different from going to a gym, this place should be on your radar!