After retiring, I wanted to return to martial arts, building on my initial foundation in Aikido…read more Albuquerque Aikikai offers great benefits: classes that help maintain mobility without impact, traditional etiquette, and a low‑ego culture that attracts mature practitioners. Plus, the weapons training perfectly complements my previous experience in Karate.

I have been attending this Aikido dojo for over four years now. As someone with no previous martial…read morearts experience, I hadn't originally known what to expect when I signed up for my first basics class. What I found was a welcoming environment and friendly people. This school focuses on traditional Japanese Aikido and doesn't lose sight of the martial aspects of the art. The dojo itself is a calm and well-kept space, ideal for focusing on training. Okuyama Sensei is a constant source of inspiration, the kind of person you want to work hard for. There are a wide range of ages present (as well as quite a few families), but the common thread is that it's a group of caring and respectful people. I never enjoyed gym environments (which I find boring), so this dojo has been the perfect blend of mental and physical exercise.

In a town that is the home of the famous Jackson's Gym and also other legends like Johnny Tapia,…read morealong with so many other gym options of every kind. Beau Velasquez has found a way to stand out among the crowd. He is a real deal Wushu warrior and trainer. From what I understand his location has been open for a year now. In my book it should get top billing here in Albuquerque. The kid's class is very enthusiastic and each training session ends with the mantra "when should you fight--never! When should you defend yourself--always!" I would definitely want my kids in Beau's class. The adult classes attract martial artist from other arts as well as those based in Kung Fu. Students range from beginners to advanced (white belt on up) and all are always welcome. If you want to shed some pounds and tone up, or just get ready for your Wushu training--join the cardio classes that go on all morning Satuday starting at 9:30 AM. Don't be surprised if Street Kung Fu is the next big thing here in Albuquerque.

Takai Mine Taekwondo is a wonderful school and environment for young, middle age, and older…read morestudents. My personal experience has been nothing but full satisfaction and outstanding leadership and quality of teaching. I can only say, Grandmaster is such a kind hearted individual who loves and cares for her students. Her integrity and experience only speaks for itself. I have known and been a student of Takai Mine Taekwondo and have learned so much and given assistance with anything I every needed. I love this school and will always be part of their family and teachings. Ruby Red New Mexico Award Winning Artist and Student

There is a lack of adequate leadership. Disrespect from staff and students that's tolerated which…read moreperpetuates problems. Students don't learn motivation or respect and what could be a great school, is now lacking in integrity.

I went here as someone who is very overweight, out of shape, with a hip replacement. I was nervous…read moreas heck to workout anywhere because, lets face it, we don't want to be judged even if we are trying to better ourselves. As soon as I walked in I felt welcomed. Everyone was so kind and supportive. You go at your own pace and they encourage you non stop. Krav Maga is now my favorite and I look forward to the classes. Your first two classes are free.... So check it out at least! You wont regret it.

I have been on this crazy journey to find a good place to teach me to fight. ( I secretly have…read moreambitions to be the next Holly Holmes :) What you get here is down and dirty and practical. From my very first class I got a workout and left with applicable skills, which is extremely hard to do! The first class I took was the Krav Maga. I was a little intimidated at first, being the only one in the class that didn't have some kind of belt, but the other students and Zane, the owner and instructor, made me feel really welcome. Just to be clear, what I am looking for is to be actually able to deploy moves, not just run through drills, and Zane gives you that right from the beginning. We worked on disarming a knife, two person attack, and kicking drills. The other class I have attended is the Women's Self Defense class. This is taught by Michelle, Zane's wife. I think every woman needs to take this class! We learned that pony tail grabs are a common attack point and how to disable someone that attacks in this manner. Repetition makes perfect but what I like is that after one class you have enough grip on the fundamentals that I feel like I could deploy some version of it. Great place!!

We had a very unfortunate experience here. My kiddo was in the beginner class and hardly learned…read moreany real karate skills in the months she attended. The teacher seemed unable to manage kids in this age group. 90% of the classes ended up being split into groups where some slightly older kids were teaching the younger kids. The older kids aren't trained to coach and help with techniques. I feel with the amount you pay each month, your child should be taught by someone with coaching experience and help them to become comfortable and familiar with at least some skills. On top of that, Buyer Beware, they charge you a $200 fee to cancel your child's classes regardless of how long he or she attended classes at this dojo. They also charge you for classes even when the dojo is closed for repairs like floor installation or A/C outage. I would not recommend or return.

Best Martial Arts school out there. Sensi Brewer has taught us a lot in our time being there. He…read moretrains in all aspects of the Martial Arts style for karate, BJJ,Judo, CSW kick boxing, and self defense. My kids have learned so much their focused is better at school and home and they have learned respect and their confidence has gone way up. Would highly recommend this school. Everyone there has become like a family. If your looking for a good school phoenix Martial Arts is the place to go!!!! And it was voted Best Martial Arts school for 2024 in Albuquerque The Magazine!!!!

This is a school for kids not adults. I was a member for years. I was rarely promoted while 12…read moreyear olds were black belts. I started sparring black belts and made them look like fools. Sensei Anna hated me so much, she strangled me unconscious-- an illegal move in karate -- and tried to kill me. I'm lucky to be alive. If you value your life, you will avoid this school. If they don't like you, they will try to kill you. They say "karate is a dangerous sport and you signed a waiver." It doesn't matter that the instructor killed you with an illegal tactic. This is the most dangerous karate school in existence. If you walk out there alive, count yourself lucky. They also used to have a sadistic monster there named Clarence who would fight new white belts at full force using every illegal tactic in the book. Run from this school. The irony is that I caught one of Sensei Anna's kicks. I could have kicked her remaining leg out from underneath her, but I was trying to be kind, sportsman like. My reward for kindness was that she tried to kill me. I look over all of these five star reviews from parents. None of these people have had to spar Anna. She's a dirty fighter. If she can't win fair and square, she will cheat.

I can't say enough positive comments about this dojo. My son has been coming here since May when he…read morewas 3. He is 4 now and has learned so much. Not only has he learned skills in karate that enhance his core strength and dexterity, he is also learning responsibility and commitment. The senseis here are very patient with my son and have worked with him at his level. They encourage him and even check up on him if he is absent. They are truthful about his skills, yet kind. They have several different levels of classes and each student must work on a homework sheet each month as well as a Self Discipline card that the students return before they are allowed to test up in belts. The Self Discipline cards have a reading section, a karate practice section, and a chores section. MEKA also bring in senpais at times to work with the students one on one or in small groups to help them be more successful. I'm so very glad that we found this dojo. My son's dexterity as well as self esteem has tremendously improved! Thank you, MEKA and cheers!

Family-friendly atmosphere, excellent instructors. A long-standing aikido school in Albuquerque…read more Highly recommended for those curious about learning aikido and for advanced students.

Mr. Cole is a great instructor. His passion for teaching and patience with students is superb. He…read moreteaches discipline, respect and infuses confidence to the students ( by investing in his knowledge and skills) to his students providing the needed boost for their success.

A am a green belt (at least when I made this) the classes do more then just karate. These classes…read morewill change your life. I like going to these classes they celebrate birthdays. Over all this place is amazing (would recommend). Mr.Cole is the best