Aikido Center of Los Angeles

I would highly recommend this dojo to anyone looking to train in aikido, whether a beginner or a more experienced student. I visited while on a trip to LA and was given a really warm welcome. Instruction was very clear and suited for all levels, and the students and teachers were helpful, open and friendly. Thank you to everyone at this dojo for a fantastic evening and I hope to visit again some day.

Finding a dojo to practice martial arts is easy. Finding a unique, traditional and first class dojo that teaches to the very highest standard is nearly impossible. But that is exactly what you will find at the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. If you want an easy time and quick black belt then look elsewhere. But if you truly want to become an exceptional martial artist, in both body and spirit, then your commitment and dedication will be highly rewarded at ACLA.

Nowadays, those who seek martial arts training as well as those who offer it make a choice about their approach: either the school is a business and thus those who use it become customers, or the school offers a more traditional focus on training and its members are students, who follow the way promulgated by the teacher or leave. Both options can hide traps and extend benefits. ACLA has held steadfast to its founder's choice more than 40 years ago to abide by tradition, and the atmosphere of focus and discipline that pervades the dojo feels palpable almost from the moment you enter the high-ceilinged space, designed to replicate an Edo-period samurai mansion. The dojo enjoys a sizeable mat area, as well as dressing rooms and rest rooms. The facility, impressive as it is, pales in comparison to the training in Aikido and Iaido which ACLA students receive. Aikido Chief Instructor David Ito and Iaido Chief Instructor Ken Watanabe (along with senior instructors such as James Doi) were direct students of Rev. Kensho Furuya Sensei (Aikido 6th Dan, Iaido 6th Dan Kyoshi) for at least 20 years each. Their expertise gets shared daily; the dojo keeps hours every day of the week. What's more, the style and level of training ensures that those who commit themselves to learning the ACLA way will develop into very strong practitioners of these arts. However, as I said, it's traditional training. That means: you pay dues not for services rendered but for the chance to learn. You clean up every class after you train. You are not a customer and you are never right. There is no talking during practice and very little tolerated at other times; everyone faces the common expectation that for the next 60 minutes (the length of each class), they will keep their eyes, ears, and hearts open -- and their mouths and egos shut. Many will find this method trying, and that's because it is. One cannot help but bump into one's issues practicing in this manner. No one talks about Ki or energy; rather, they focus on technical execution because they have learned that by doing so, you'll encounter your demons as well as the angels of your better nature, and every class you make the choice either to come back again and build upon lessons learned or decide you've had enough. If this sounds Spartan, it can feel that way. That said, though, the people who come here (teachers and students) have created a place where goodwill and camaraderie abound. They train seriously, but never maliciously. Beginners will work up a sweat, but their seniors take pains to keep everyone safe. And from my experience there I can say that the culture of strict discipline has allowed for deep learning to flourish for those who want it. The only way to find out if you want it, though, is to come and try it yourself. I urge you to do so. Other relevant facts about the place: plenty of chances to train (open 7 days - weekday mornings and evenings, as well as weekend mornings), plenty of street parking, and competitively priced monthly dues instead of a per-class fee. Children's classes offered Sunday mornings only; all other classes for ages 16 and above. Weapons training offered to senior students. Interested prospective students may watch certain classes; consult schedule for details.

Training at the Aikido Center of LA over the last few years has been a joy and a testament to the power of traditional methods and amazing people. I have been training in Aikido over many decades and trained at many dojos over the years. This dojo has a wealth of both deep cultural teachings and a strong foundation in Aikido principles that help guide people no matter their level and dedication. I would recommend you to try them out and experience the joy and community around this amazing dojo/school.

I absolutely treasure my experience at this dojo. It is THE dojo to be at if you want to do Aikido in Los Angeles. Sensei Ito is amazing, other teachers are also wonderful, the community is extraordinary and the dojo itself is beautiful, clean and traditional. As a new student to martial arts and Aikido, I felt very welcomed and cared for as I started to learn the practice. As I began improving, I felt challenged the right amount to practice with eagerness and getting out of my head. Aikido practice has been an amazing workout for my body, mind and spirit. I always leave energized and feeling great. I can't recommend this dojo enough.