When I just moved from Japan, I was looking for the place where I can keep practice Kendo, since I…read morehave practiced Kendo more than 10 years and it is my life-sport. I got the recommendation to visit this dojo from my friend who knows well about Kendo in the US. I was very impressed by the way how kendo is practiced and taught in this dojo with respects to the tradition of kendo. I cannot find the more friendly, inclusive culture and authentic kendo learning place like here.

If you are interested in Kendo and Iaido - the Japanese Budo and Martial Arts - this is a genuine…read moreDojo you can find in Philly area. Come and give it a try - hopefully you will enjoy and join this lovely family here.

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.

From the owner: The ISKF is a traditional Shotokan Karate organization, founded by Master Teruyuki Okazaki, who…read morestudied directly under Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. The ISKF is rich in tradition, but continuously moves forward to bring all countries together to follow these same guidelines. We specialize in the instruction of both children and adults. No prior Karate experience is required.

If you live in the Philly area and want an inclusive and fun gym to build strength I would…read morerecommend 8 Limbs. Unfortunately I didn't get to work with them long but the intro class was great. Seems like folks who frequent there really enjoy it. I didn't feel too overwhelmed by the class size. They do ask you to take your shoes off so make sure to wear socks if that's a thing for you...

really nice and super knowledgeable coaches. they really care for your progress as a student. I…read moreespecially appreciate how much effort Charlie and Kate put into creating a strong sense of community there.

Best Bjj Gym in Philly! Doesn't matter if your experienced or a beginner, this is the spot!!read more

Took the free self defense class- I'd recommend it. It was very basic so you don't need any…read moreexperience. The instructor went slow, and was very clear. I couldn't get all the moves and he didn't make me feel at all bad about it. We just moved on. The place was clean, and looked new.

I've been taking the adult Monday/Thursday class offered by Guy for several years. I highly…read morerecommend our class for adult learners of all skill levels. I started as a white belt and am now working toward yellow.

This is such a great class. We started by sending our kids only, and then realized it would be…read moregreat for the whole family. Guy manages to teach to all levels in the class at the same time. I see progress every class, across our whole family. It's a bright spot of our week!

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.

I am proud to be a member with this club and its community. The discipline, confidence and…read moreconnection I find in this club extends out through every aspect of my life on a daily basis. We have a lot of fun and congregate a lot of respect for these arts so far that it feels like I have joined an international and historically rich family.

I'm still a beginner, but despite this, my confidence level with defending myself, has already…read moregreatly improved. I highly recommend this club.