I stumbled upon the Mountain View Aiki school about 3 years ago, somewhat unexpectedly. I had been feeling like I was out of touch with my body, and after trying a class and meeting the rather unusual Lunia Sensei, I decided to embark on this martial arts journey with the goal of 'moving my body and becoming stronger'. Right away Lunia Sensei told me that, if I'm just looking to build physical strength / muscle, I might want to look at local gyms or some place else. But I was actually looking to build both inner and outer strength and to get to know myself better on all levels - body, mind, spirit. And as it turns out, that was exactly the kind of training and education that this school offered. 'Aiki' means 'harmony', and that is what we try to embody in everything we do - techniques, strikes, the way we walk and move. Sometimes the things that Sensei (or the students, with the right guidance) can pull off look like magic, as they can be so effortless. For example, I am a very slim woman with not a lot of arm strength, but with an accurate targeting of certain anatomical points and visualization of energy flow, and movement of my own body in support of that, I can unbalance a guy much bigger than me without using too much force. Each body type - big, small, slim, tall, muscular, etc. - has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's about each person developing a deep understanding of their own body and finding harmony within themselves and with others. As in dojo, so in life. The learnings go much beyond martial applications and carry over to daily life, should one choose so. There is a big focus on personal development mentally, psychologically and spiritually, as we incorporate reading and discussions, as well as a unique blend of traditional Asian philosophies / practices into our training. As much as the student is willing to invest, the school provides guidance and opens appropriate doors. That being said, I think even if someone just wanted a weekly workout or a simple self-defense training, they would find value in this very unique school. Class sizes are pretty small (2 - 6 students), so there is plenty of opportunity to work directly with the instructor and ask questions. We do a lot of partner work and get to experience how the concepts and techniques work on different bodies. We explore grabs, strikes, locks, throws, weapons, multi-person combat, etc, and also do breathing exercises, rolls, core strengthening, leg workouts, etc. Overall, so much amazing knowledge is available at your disposal, and it's a matter of asking for it and choosing one's own path. I think there is something here for everyone who is truly seeking. read more

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I have been training at Mountain View Aiki Kai for one year now and it is an understatement to say that I feel extremely fortunate to have found this school, it's students, and Sensei Lunia. This is not an ordinary school for ordinary people and there is something very special about that. The culture that Sensei Lunia has created is one of community and collaboration. Not only is Sensei Lunia a master at his craft and an excellent teacher that cares for his students, he also shares the opportunity to be exposed to various types of martial arts at a high level which is a very unique feature of this school. I 100% recommend Mountain View Aiki Kai to anyone who is interested in learning a martial art. Give it a try! read more

I have been training w/Sensei Lunia for many, many years. He is a true polymath, a master of his craft, & a genuinely good & open-minded teacher. He is truly a martial artist's martial artist. He can teach wonders. read more

It is hard to overstate what Mahipal (Sensei Lunia) is doing at this school, and the impact on his students is always literally and without exaggeration, life changing. First off, Mahipal, the primary instructor, is a very unusual man in almost anything he does. I think it's his credo in life to redefine the normal. He learns as ferociously as he can fight, tucking more and more arts and achievements under his belt over the years. At the same time, he's one of the most generous people I've ever met. He teaches very old and very traditional arts, yet he breaks every rule and tradition that stands in his way. You can't bullshit in his presence, he will call you on it, sometimes before you open your mouth. He can be very intense at times, yet people tend to open up to him, often unprompted, with their most vulnerable stories. He teaches his students the skills of a battlefield, and ends up with a tight-knit family-like community who deeply care for each other. I literally don't know or heard of any other person who can embody so many paradoxes so organically, and use them so effectively to bring positive change in people's lives. This dojo is unique. Whatever art you get to learn here (and there are more than one), it will be anything but usual, and it will be effective. It will spoil you by forever redefining what a quality martial art school is supposed to look like. When I first joined this dojo as an Aiki student in 2007, I was already finishing my black belt from another Korean art. In the first few months I learned more practical skills than in my previous 4 years at the other school. In the following year I've obviously learned lots more techniques and new concepts, but most importantly, I was learning about myself - who I really am, how I want to approach life, and many things in between. My special focus was discipline, the ability to set my mind on something and stick to it with intensity and dedication, no matter what, for as long as it made sense. Which is exactly what I did for about a year before realizing that martial arts is not really my true path, and switched to something else in 2008: filmmaking (of all things!). But the general concepts and skills (and occasionally even the specific techniques) I learned at the dojo translated directly into my new passion, and helped me complete a few cool films of my own. Years went by. I no longer think of myself as a martial artist (or a filmmaker, for that matter), I left that path years ago. But as the fate had it, I ended up with a personal situation that required serious changes in my life, and Mahipal was there to suggest learning a form of Qigong that may help me in the long run. So there I was, back at the dojo :-) I'm no longer punching people or being thrown on the grass, but the dedication, intensity and effectiveness are still there stronger than ever. Needless to say that this new practice helped me find my new balance (both metaphorically and quite literally - physical balance was one of the things I began to struggle with). It's not a miracle cure for everything, but it surely became a solid part of the structure for my new lifestyle that steadied me while going through the rough times. I'm also now learning the basics of Tai Chi with Douglas H., another student at the dojo. (Though I still don't think of myself as a martial artist. How ironic.) All in all, this dojo is a weird place, but it's a real deal. If you feel your life needs a kick for the better, and you're ready to work on it, this is a great place to start. You'll learn to defend yourself, sure. But more than that, you'll learn yourself. This place is about learning, about becoming tough and vulnerable at the same time, about discipline and dedication. About feeling alive. And above all, it's about love. For the art, and more importantly, for the people around you. You feel it the moment you arrive. As everyone else is saying, not your usual dojo. read more

I initially felt a calling to train with Mountain View Aiki Kai dojo in the summer of 2012. Three months later, I joined. I would sum up my experience, thus far, as a heroic journey that has allowed me to face and move through my fears in all of life. I had undergone eight major surgeries by the age of ten, and over time became fearful of my condition which resulted in pain, both in the mind and in the body. This also resulted in fear about discussing it, even with friends and family. Through holistic mind, body, spirit training at Mountain View Aiki Kai, I have artfully merged with my former fears, and now live in state of harmony with my body. I am now 100% pain free, and have learned how to relax my mind, body, and spirit, allowing me to move through life free of pain. The information I have synthesized has provided me with the understanding needed to live in harmony with nature. My journey, artfully, and beautifully guided by our Sensei, has led me to embrace a feeling of unity with nature and oneness at every currently observable level in my life. Sensei Lunia treats his dojo with a level of respect that one RARELY sees in everyday life. His deep and unwavering commitment to the art, and to his students, allows me to place my trust in him. This level of trust has previously only been placed in a few close family members, and loved ones in my life. This band of true warriors offers a sacred place to those in search of something greater, something beyond the mundane, and opens the eyes to the beauty of life. Prior to joining, I was afraid of many things - now I am in love with life. read more

I spent 2 years with Mountain View Aiki Kai but am no longer with the school due to distance. Instructor is very well trained and proficient at teaching to individuals strengths and weaknesses. The art is functional for real life combat and thus requires the student be willing to put in work. My training included reading and writing assignments which I found beneficial. My personal experience with Mountain View Aiki Kai was very positive. The instruction was based on natural principles that I have been able to apply to all areas of my life. My time with MVAK occurred during a pivotal time in my life and I truly believe the training benefited me consideribly during this time. read more

I have trained with Sensei Lunia for several years. It's a difficult and challenging art. Personal growth is never easy. It takes insight and dedication. Most of work is done by the student with guidance of a skilled instructor. Sensei Lunia shines in this regard. What type of person are you and what do you to make of yourself. This Sensei wants to find out where you are and what are you going to become. Martial arts are about personal expression. Don't believe me go watch Bruce Lee's earlier interview's. So if you want to learn how to throw a punch or a kick. Well you'll learn that here. If you want to learn are you a puncher or a kicker? Are you a grappler? Are you at peace or in dynamic motion? Does your brain work through sudden insight, or careful examination? Come find out! read more

I searched Jujitsu and Aikido martial art classes in Mountain view few years ago due to my typing / RSI injury. I visited Mountain View Aiki Dojo back in 2010 in Rengstorff park and fell in love. These are the highlights : - organic martial art practice, using grass as mat. - classic jujitsu techniques, using opponent's strength / force to your advantage ( great for women) . - tons of core exercises , great for back and neck. - weapon training. - well experienced Sensei ( teacher ) He reminds me of Bruce Lee , who combined different techniques . - emphasizes mind , body and spirit - quarterly nature immersion training - great camaraderie of Dojo members , senior is always available to help beginners. - Training time is convenient for working folks 5.30 - 7 pm Tues, Wed, Thurs and 7-9.30 Saturday. - affordable tuition - Great results on joint movements , posture and body overall. - Kids are welcome Drawback : - You will need to maintain your gi and hakama. - It is not for faint hearted. - Practice is recommended outside class too . - Some book reading is required. read more

My friend, who summited Mount Everest, told me about Sensei Mahipal Lunia and Mountain View Aiki Kai. I thought, well, if a guy tough enough to meet the challenge of Everest recommends this as an outstanding martial arts class, this must be good. Actually, it is way better than what I had originally thought. I was looking for a class for my teenage son. I told him about this class and he decided to give it a try. It has been an amazing experience for him. My son had not really connected with a single sport or activity prior to this, nor had he been particularly motivated to commit to anything. Sensei Lunia creates a unique martial arts experience where what you learn is far beyond martial arts skills. It is really a class where my son is developing as a person, both physically, mentally and spiritually. He is gaining confidence and strength. For the first time ever, he is self-motivated and taking personal responsibility for attending and progressing in a sport. My son told me that a friend of his was thinking about signing-up and he said to me, "mom, I hope he signs-up, I have gotten so many insights from Sensei Lunia and I would like my friend to have the same opportunity." This class is a gift but it is also a serious commitment. If you are looking for something basic and typical and a chance to get a belt, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a real opportunity to grow and develop through this art, you have found what you are looking for. I would also add that Sensei Lunia runs this school as a non-profit and donates the money he earns to charity. His goal, which I find inspiring, is to provide a true martial arts training to his students and improve the world at large as part of that process. read more

Mountain View Aiki Kai changes my life. I'd say "changed," but the work I've been doing and the development I've accomplished is just beginning. I came to the dojo because I wanted to learn self-defense and I wanted a community. Man, I've gotten that and far more! Recently, I had an insight along the lines of technique. Certainly, the locks and throws and strikes are to be learned and memorized, but the techniques themselves are not the art. They are the expression of a style which at its core examines the relationships between systems-- be that system one's own body, or two people, or whole armies on the field. Right now in my development, I'm looking at how I interact with the world and what effect the world has on me. These questions and more are not typically what one finds in most dojos, it's true. But they are so important to find and wrestle with. If you come to Mountain View Aiki Kai with a humble heart and good intention, the instructors, the students, and the art will take you so far. You'll learn self-defense. You'll also learn who you are. read more

In summer of 2010 a buddy invited me to check out his dojo and explained that it was a "serious" martial art. I had no idea what to expect, but I was interested in learning some real fighting techniques, so I went to check it out. The Sensei interviewed me before I could join the class to find out what I was looking for. I had a casual interest when I joined Mountain View Aiki and there was no way for me to know that studying an ancient art would impact my life to the extent it has. I did get what I was looking for which was an effective self-defense system from an elite instructor, but that was just the beginning. I've developed great friendships within the dojo. I've developed many character values that I didn't previously have. I developed a love for nature during our wilderness backpacking/training trips. Most importantly; I felt encouraged to pursue my purpose, my truth, my path. In my opinion that is the underlying essence that Mahipal Lunia Sensei teaches throughout his four national and international dojos. I highly recommend this art and this particular dojo especially. If you are looking for a unique way to get physically and mentally healthy at the same time; then schedule an interview to find out if this group is right for you. read more

My son is home-schooled, so I was looking for a community where he could learn social and communication skills while developing his physical coordination. Under Sensei Lunia's tutelage at Mountain View Aiki, C.J. got the best of both worlds. My son had structured opportunities to interact with his juniors, peers and seniors in order to develop respect and leadership skills. The physical training incorporated both fine and major muscle control while developing his whole body coordination. I was thrilled that both of my prerequisites were fulfilled, but there were additional benefits he received from his time at the dojo that I didn't expect. This particular art emphasizes the study of natural laws and helps students incorporate those principles into their every day decision making. My son who is now eight years old got exposed to deep philosophy that was taught in a manner that he could relate to and internalize. He will carry those understandings with him for the rest of his life. I cannot recommend this dojo highly enough. They are a principle based organization that is run as a non-profit, so they are never forced to compromise their values for money's sake. The training is rigorous, but they have a supportive community with a diverse following and your children will find that the dojo is a place of appreciation and love where they will be accepted with open arms. read more

I have to admit that when I was picking up a dojo for my son I made a couple of mistakes. Tried two places before I found Mountain View Aiki Kai. The first one guaranteed my son a black belt if I signed up and paid the fees upfront and the second one was close to my son's after school and hence very convenient. However they both did not last long. I then discovered Mountain View Aiki Kai and I have to say I have found a place which my son now really enjoys going to. Some martial arts instructors are in business simply to get your money and could care less about your progress in the art they teach but Sensei Lunia is very passionate about his art and takes a lot of pride in teaching the same. This is the only dojo I found that focuses not only on how to have better technique, but how to be a better person as well. One thing to note about this school is that, they will not give you a belt or let you take a belt test if you are not ready for it. read more