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.

My 9 year old son has been enjoying taking lessons at this academy for a few months. This is my…read moreonly exposure to martial arts, so I can not compare my experience. However, I can tell you that my son loves it. He is focused and engaged for the entire lesson and retains what he is learning. The staff members are extremely friendly and helpful. What I love the most so far is that respect is expected, discipline is required, the students are to do their best. The instructors will hold firm to the manner in which things are done. If the student is wrong in form or discipline then correction will follow. The student will correct himself and then there is always a smile and a good job or some kind of encouragement to the student. I see more jovial smiles in the two days that I am here a week than I do collectively during the rest of the week. In this manner the student is learning correctly in a positive and encouraging environment. I truly believe that the Brnich ' s have the students best interest at heart. I pass several other karate studios to take my son to this academy. I feel that the quality of skills and the character of the instructors are well worth the drive.

Nice space, good atmosphere, and Bobby is a great teacher, extremely welcoming and very patient, I…read morehighly recommend.

He is a great trainer!! He is always come to teach the class with high energy and motivation…read moreeveryone either group training or private training. If you think you can do 100% in his class you will reach over your limit and enjoy his sense of humor when he is teaching. Knowledgeable and real workout!!

I have been working for Devon for the past 9 months. He has been nothing but professional and a…read morepleasure to work with. His wealth of knowledge and skills will help you meet any goals that you set. The weight and inches have been melting off. Whether you attend his kickboxing class or personal training, you will not be disappointed.

At the recommendation of two friends, I took my son to try an introduction to karate at Phoenix…read more His first two lessons were free. After the first lesson, he was given his white belt and beamed from ear to ear. Now it is a few months later and he still loves going there. Next month he will graduate to his yellow belt! The environment is friendly and casual. This is very much a family business. There are often three or four instructors for each class, which is great for the younger students. The class splits into various belt colors (white, yellow, orange) to suit their different skill levels. They play, exercise and practice respect and self defense. They also offer classes for adults, kids summer camp, host patents' nights out and birthday parties. They are pretty awesome.

Owner is a wonderful person! Would recommend patronizing. Have only heard great things about this…read moreplace and the owner himself.

I've been studying Tae Kwon Do here for over a year now, and it's high time I wrote a review!…read more I've always been a very slow, awkward, unathletic person. I can't dance, and I'm all thumbs and right feet. If this is you too, I guarantee karate will do you wonders. (Thanks too to Josephine M @Traineo for inspiring me over two years to get into Martial Arts!) I found Bobby Leach's Olympic Karate through my son, who attended an amazing birthday party in kindergarden here. Bobby Leach, his wife Andrea, and their instructors were very good with the children and I was highly impressed. It took me two years to get back in and sign up for a free month of karate though. (Shame on me!) I was only going to sign my son up initially, but decided at the last minute that I may as well try a free month too and keep him company. The first thing I really appreciated was the honest enthusiasm. There was no high pressure sales - they let the free month speak for itself! I've been to gyms where the salesperson fakes it for the 30 minutes it takes to get you to sign a contract, but how can you fake it for a full four weeks? The positive atmosphere, encouragement, enthusiasm, camaraderie, and friendly competitiveness are real. The other major selling point was: No contract! You pay each month and can cancel any time - no signup fees, no other expense other than the uniform and belt. The rates are extremely competitive - I paid $100 for my son, and $80 for myself (discounted rates for multiple students). Best of all was the positive and nurturing atmosphere that the instructors and senior students provided. Mr. Bob, Andrea, and the other instructors are really top notch not just in teaching you the basics, but making you feel good about yourself and making you WANT to give it your all. Senior students like Ms. Susan, Ms. Meredith, Ms. Jackie, and many others also constantly pitch in to help fellow students with forms and tips and keep morale and energy high all throughout.

I attended this school as a child, and now 20+ years later, I am happy to say that I am back at the…read moreschool with my own daughter! Great place for families, as the name implies. Did not appreciate Bobby's gift with connecting with children, until I had my own. Also, as a female, I am equally proud that this school has some pretty bad ass women like Meredith and Dee helping run the show - whether it's teaching karate or kickboxing!!!

This school rocks. My kiddo has been there for 5 years and I am super sad to leave. The management…read moreteam is friendly and communicative. The staff is always friendly and helpful, my kiddo Dwight absolutely loves his teacher Mr. Bryan and he gives the hardest time having to go home from school because he wants to stay. I have no doubts that my child's mental and emotional needs are being met and I couldn't be in more awe that a school and its staff is able to pull off so much.

We could not be happier with not only the education, but also the love and care that our son…read morereceives at Chesterbrook. We've sent him there since he was an infant; his love for his school, his teachers, and his friends has grown over these past few years. I love reading and seeing what he did each day through the detailed summaries on the Links 2 Home app, and we discuss his activities on the way home. Additionally, the photos sent of my little guy really help me get through the day. Each staff member, whether my son's teacher or not, knows who he is. It's a wonderful community and we are so grateful that we found such a wonderful place for our son to go during the day. It's hard to leave him each day, but I am thrilled that he is so happy to be there. We couldn't recommend Chesterbrook Academy in Newtown Square more highly!

I trained there quite some time ago and only for a few months before switching to jiujitsu. This is…read moredefinitely the place to go in the area to learn Judo. Just Judo and nothing else. So don't go in expecting to pick up the newest slick MMA techniques. Sensei K is a tough guy to like but I don't think you should like your sensei at first. Anyway, great place, and I hope they're doing well!!! Oh and it was full of kids too, so start your kids here then send them to flashy BJJ school