Our family has been part of OC Aikido since 2022, and we couldn't be more grateful to have found this incredible dojo. As someone who has been involved in martial arts for decades, I took the decision of choosing the right school for my son very seriously. After extensive research and careful assessment, OC Aikido stood out--not only for its long-standing legacy as one of the oldest dojos in Southern California since 1964, but also for its practical, thoughtful, and truly unique approach to Aikido. What sets OC Aikido apart is its strong sense of community. The members and instructors are more than just training partners--they've become like a second family. The environment is welcoming, respectful, and deeply rooted in the spirit of traditional martial arts values. My son has grown tremendously, both physically and mentally, under their guidance. The discipline, confidence, and joy he has developed through Aikido training here are beyond what we hoped for. I highly recommend OC Aikido to any family looking for not just a martial arts school, but a place where character, community, and authentic Aikido come together. read more

OC Aikido - OC Aikido - Martial Arts Near Me - Orange, California

Started my son here at age 6. He's now 17. We love the place. A second home away from home. It's a non profit organization with official affiliation to Aikikai of Japan. No McDojo here, a traditional experience and pathway to self improvement. read more

OC Aikido - Friday night family class - Martial Arts Near Me - Orange, California

OC Aikido in Orange is a true rarity and asset to Orange County's martial arts scene. First off, it has a continuous 60-year-history operating in Orange County as a traditional Japanese-style dojo. Secondly the organization is set up as a non-profit organization and all the instructors are volunteers who come because they are dedicated to the art and want to share their love for it - not to churn out belts and make a buck. The dojo space is clean, well-lit, and well-maintained. The dojo has a supportive, family atmosphere, and lasting close friendships have formed between student families. Family and Adult Classes are offered every day of the week with weekday classes in the evenings, and weekend classes in the morning. In addition to Aikido, some classes include Western Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Japanese Weapons. If you're looking for a place to train in Aikido, understand the art, and grow physically and mentally, check them out! read more

Our aikido family journey started a little over a year before COVID. We were looking for a place where our then 7-year-old son could learn discipline and focus, as well as self-defense techniques. Now 6 years later as a blue belt, not only does he continue to learn discipline and focus, but so many other valuable skills such as mindfulness, self-control, situational awareness, maintaining a calm body/mind when faced with stress, and leadership skills. The kids learn responsibility and respect for others and for the dojo through showing those in lower ranks how to do the techniques correctly, being mindful of how to be a good uke (person who attacks an opponent), and cleaning (wiping, dusting, vacuuming, mopping) the dojo area. We enrolled our other son as soon as he was old enough to start as a white belt. What we love about this dojo is that it is family-oriented, and is a fun and safe place to train as a group in the kids and family class. Moving up in rank is no easy task, and it takes a lot of determination and commitment. There are so many wonderful skills to learn and grow in this dojo under the leadership of the most amazing senseis! We are so very blessed to be a part of this amazing aikido family! read more

I went there to check it out in September 2022 great people, my friend and I want to join theirs because it's family friendly and they're good people to train with. I think this is the best Aikido Dojo all over Orange County. read more

If you are looking for a quality martial arts school then look no further! Quality instructors who have been practicing the art for decades and genuinely care about students and their success both on and off the mat. Its a non-profit organization which was a big draw for me...there are just too many commercialized dojos around that are insanely expensive and only care about money rather than passing the art on to others. This place is the exception. The instructors are not paid, they volunteer because of their love for the art. Teaching is done to each individual's level and the instruction is top notch, everyone can learn and do well here!. If you are looking for a traditional martials arts school with great instructors, a fun and cohesive feel, and a genuine love for the art then look no further...you have found THE place in the OC read more

The training, experience and friendships I have made here have changed my life. There wasn't a lesson taught thoughout my 10 years of being with this dojo, that wasn't inspiring, eye opening and fun. There is something very special about this place that you would find hard to find anyplace else. Steve Holley read more

Having practiced the art 25 years ago, I was always interested in returning to it. I had followed OC Aikikai for a couple of years (back before they moved to the current address on Katella), and while the cavalcade of yudansha (senior teachers) has changed over the years, the obvious love of their dojo's history, intense dedication to the art and the level of quality have not diminished over time (the dojo's founder, Harry Ishisaka, opened the doors in 1964). I have been actively involved with the dojo for the last three years, after enrolling my grandson (started at 6 yrs old, now 9 and an advanced student), and now I have resumed my personal practice. This group describes itself as the "family-friendly dojo", and that claim is visible in every class, every day they're open. In all but the most advanced classes, it is not uncommon to have entire families (each member at different levels of expertise) sharing the mat and each taking personal accountability for contributing to a good session, whether as advanced "nage" / defender or "uke" / attacker, or when taking patient steps over and over again to assist fledgling, white belt aikido-ka (aikido practitioners) understand both the physical and mental components of this non-violent, energy-taming art. The teaching has become increasingly more rigorous and disciplined, which I find rewarding and appropriate. When I first practiced, I was "physically reminded" (read: assaulted) when I made a mistake or deviated from the precise movements designed to minimize the possibility of harm to self and attacker while effectively neutralizing a "situation". The instructors are intense, precise, ALWAYS encouraging and in some ways unforgiving - and they should be ALL these things. The goofiness exhibited by kids and adults who come here, expecting to become Steven Segal (a former student!) or Jedi Masters, is not tolerated after the first few polite corrections. To attain any skill requires focus, correct intention and a desire to commit oneself to train as instructed; those who succeed and earn higher ranks demonstrate these and other positive qualities, having realized that EVERY member contributes to the success of every other one. There is a time and place for wholehearted fun, and this DOES occur, whether at the end of a kids' class and a screaming, laughing round of Dojo Dodgeball, or at any of the various public exhibitions, seminars and fund-raising events held throughout the year, all leading up to the annual holiday party that just keeps getting bigger and better every year. So, long story short: OC Aikikai provides the location, Japanese traditions, a lineage of advanced instruction through an ALL-VOLUNTEER corps of excellent instructors (each one vetted and certified by the organization's "hon-bu" or head office in Japan), and the best heart I have experienced in a martial arts program. YOU, the would-be practitioner, must bring a reason to be on the mat (curiosity is good, but a sincere intent to show up and put in the effort a couple of times a week is better), open-mindedness to absorb not just the physical skills but the deeper, philosophical roots that have shaped the art over the past 130+ years, and your own warrior's heart - the one that seeks to demonstrate true victory by first attaining victory over one's self. read more

I came here after 14 years of studying two styles of Kempo and 5-6 years of studying Jeet Kune Do Concepts. I was very skeptical about Aikido but had read great things about the school. It was a difficult transition and still is because my background is so much different from the philosophy of Aikido. The teachers were very respectful of my background and very helpful in getting me acclimated to this very new style of training. I was shocked by how everybody was so friendly and helpful. Nobody seemed to have a chip on their shoulder or was looking for a fight. Just a common love and respect for the arts and each other. Despite numerous injuries I have encountered since joining this school. I intend on being a lifetime member and hopefully getting my Shodan in the coming years. Also it's the best value for your money of any martial arts school I have found. Classes 7 days a week! As for Maria's review on here. I had many classes with her or him. I wasn't their the night you were kicked out of the school or claim this incident happened. However, when I was in class with you. You were rude, angry, and always tried to argue with your training partners and teachers. You smoked a few times in your Gi outside of the school. You were far from the ideal student. read more

Perhaps the bar was set very high when studying at the NY Aikikai, but I found the several classes I attended lacking effective technical expertise and the curriculum scattered. The budo was very light. There are 4th kyu level students teaching improper technique to other students....very dangerous. I hate to say all this stuff about it, because I believe Aikido means different things to different people, however, I feel it's my duty to inform students serious about studying aikido as o'sensei taught it to decide for themselves. If you're looking to get a little work out, then it may be ok, but there is too much talking, philosophy for my tastes. I'm going to try several other dojos to see what the training is like. read more

Finding and being part of this dojo has been a blessing for me and my family. Each of teaching staff (Senseis/ teachers and Sempais/ senior students) are very skilled, warm, welcoming, and has impressive teaching method, not to mention extraordinary patience. The learning atmosphere is safe, family friendly, and most importantly fun. All volunteers staffs each displays dedication of the aikido martial arts; and, this dojo being non-profit is rare traits these days comparing to any type of family activity which often prioritize profit. This aikido dojo has helped bring a fun, healthy, and safe activity to me, my wife and my 2 boys, which in turn has help us become closer together as a family. We are very much looking forward for being part of this dojo family for many years to come. read more

My child has been at the dojo for several years now. He enjoys coming to class and learning from the various instructors. Each offers something different and all are very professional and caring. All the instructors are certified and volunteer their time so you know they really enjoy teaching aikido. We enjoy the family aspect of the dojo and they are welcoming of newcomers. Now that my child has been practicing aikido for a while he is happy to be in the intermediate/advanced kids class as well as learning how to work with the wooden sword and staff, aka "jo" stick. If you are looking for a good aikido school, this is it. read more

I have been training here for 8 months now, and it has been (by far) the best martial arts experience I have had. I have trained in a number of different styles at a number of different dojos, and they all seem to operate like money is all they care about. OCAK is a non-profit organization, and it really feels like they just want to advance the martial art of Aikido. The teachers are great. The price is excellent. The only reason I didn't give this a five star rating is that yelp filtered it out when I did. read more

This place is the best! The sensei's are so wonderful with the kids and very instructional for the adults. Don't waste time or money going anywhere else! read more

Even though I had to stop attending classes, I am recommending this dojo because of the great instructors and atmosphere at the school. Even though I was a large, unflexable beginner, they patiently worked with me and I actually learned a lot! Thanks to OC Aiki Kai! read more

The greatest place to get tossed around by your friends and family, while learning a traditional martial art at the same time.

Solid dojo. Good instructors. Great kids program

An amazing dojo that has taught my kids great self-defense, confidence and responsibility. My family has been coming to this dojo for the past 4 years, and is one of the few after school activities that my kids have dedicated themselves to continue learning. The sensais and sempais are all such a wonderful group of teachers, dedicated to this art, great with kids, and guide in such a way as to make learning the proper and precise techniques in a fun and safe manner. The classes are never repetitive as the teachers oftentimes interject real life situations where kids are practicing what they learn in potentially serious scenarios (we love the van game!). We chose Aikido over other martial arts for our kids as it is focused on flow of movement, balance, and the techniques are effective without strength - Perfect for children and smaller adults who would not be able to overpower their opponent with strength. It's amazing that this is a non-profit organization, where all the sensais & sempais dedicate their time on a volunteer basis after their jobs - it shows a commitment to this art and a love to see and help others develop their own skills. We have met many other wonderful families and my kids have become friends with many of the kids they train with. Give this place a try, you won't be disappointed! read more

OC Aikido has it all: History: The Dojo has been around for 40+ years, with many second generation members. Experience: Chief Instructor Ishisaka Sensei (3rd Degree Black Belt) has been training over 25 years. Family Oriented: A large Children's Program, many Parents train along with their children. Value: Few Dojo's can compare with both the number of classes offered, and level of instruction. Health Benefits/Self Defense: Respect, Discipline, Self Defense, stress relief and and long term Health Benefits. read more

My 12 year old daughter joined Aiki Kai Aikido less than three months ago. She has really enjoyed her training experience and interaction with the instructors, The instructors are genuinely interested in the children and their experience, and they all have a calm and positive manner in which they teach the children's classes. She has participated in classes with all of the instructors, and has had a very consistent excellent experience. The instructors cover skill building in the children's class that is easily applicable to everyday life: how to maintain focus; how to not be overly impacted by someone else's negative energy; how to improve the ability to observe surroundings; how to live with a sense of stewardship towards others and a responsibility to the community. Since they are a non-profit organization, my daughter can earn volunteer hours for her middle school's Honors Society. The instructors have consistently checked in to obtain feedback on our daughter's experience in her early months at the dojo. My husband and I both have a significant amount of martial arts experience, both as students and as instructors. I highly recommend Aiki Kai Aikido to anyone who is looking for a safe and fun environment for their children to build physical, mental/emotional and leadership skills. read more

I practiced at this dojo for many years. The instructors are very helpful and dedicated. They corrected my posture so I don't get injured. I learned not only the move but also the Aikido principles. The Aikido principles help me greatly. I applied them at work. I don't like some of my coworkers but I must work with them in a harmony way. I am so glad I found this place and learn the Aikido. read more