Aikido Kenkyukai Koreatown
About
Aikido Kenkyukai Koreatown offers training in MMA and karate, providing a comprehensive martial arts experience in the heart of Los Angeles. The gym is led by a team of dedicated instructors including Sensei Lia Suzuki, a 6th Dan black belt, alongside instructors Ikeda, Suzuki, and Gonzalez. Their coaching style is frequently described as patient, knowledgeable, and adaptive, meeting students at their individual skill levels to help them progress effectively.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members praise Sensei Lia Suzuki as an incredibly skilled, patient, and knowledgeable instructor who teaches in a freeing, exploratory way and helps students progress at their own pace. They consistently highlight the warm, welcoming, and diverse community where students feel at home quickly and often socialize after class. Reviewers describe the training as transformative, challenging both body and mind while building confidence through movement, with many noting they leave classes feeling exhilarated and mentally energized. Specific praise mentions the dojo's ability to accommodate all skill levels and physical limitations while maintaining a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Rae Dawn Chong
2 years ago
Aikido has changed my body mind and soul. It has challenged me to surrender and learn how to be truly flexible. The trust I have in my Sensai Lia Suzuki (6 Dan) and the joy I have in my fellow Dojo family. I cannot express how sweet and wonderful this Aikido adventure has been. Treat yourself to another plane of movement. The upside down is thrilling the rolls and the new confidence you gain from the form. This is a confidence that is most welcome.
Benji Hyclak
4 years ago
Aikido has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever pursued and AKI Koreatown is one of the best places to do it. Lia Suzuki Sensei teaches aikido in a way that feels freeing and exploratory. She is able to pinpoint exactly what you need to get to the next level and help you on the path to get there. I've also never been to a dojo with such a warm, welcoming community. The group is very diverse and often stays after class to hang out. So it's the perfect place to go for a great workout, to learn a beautiful Japanese martial art, and/or to make some good friends!
Minji “Lauren” Ko
4 years ago
Have been going to this dojo for a little over 4-5 months. Suzuki Sensei is very patience (I'm slow learner) and knowledgeable, and I learned a lot. Students are very friendly and helpful too. If you're LA residents and looking for traditional Japanese martial art, this is the place for you.
Julie Menken
4 years ago
Suzuki Sensei is an incredibly skilled instructor. She meets students (adults and kids) where they are to help them progress. She is a rare teacher and one of the best in the United States. The community in this dojo is amazing as well. Students made me feel welcome and I can't wait to come back and train again.
K V
2 years ago
I have nothing but good things to say about this dojo and Suzuki Sensei. I leave every class feeling exhilarated, challenged, and full of joy. If you’re looking to try aikido, already train and want to see if the dojo is a good fit, or just curious about martial arts, I can’t recommend AKI Koreatown enough. I had zero martial arts experience when I started and was a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. Suzuki Sensei and the other students were incredibly welcoming, kind, and helpful and I felt at home in no time. I have watched the same thing happen again and again when new students join. I’m proud to be a member of this community. You can be challenged here and push yourself to the limit (I have often left class physically exhausted yet mentally energized), but no one is ever made to do anything they’re not comfortable with or that causes pain, or shamed if they have physical limitations. There is always some way to train and something to learn and I think that is beautiful. Highly recommended!
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Lia Suzuki
Instructor / Sensei
Sensei (likely black belt)
Passionate instructor with a direct lineage to Aikido's source. Known for intense, dynamic, and thoughtful Japanese-style teaching.
Ikeda
Instructor
Suzuki
Instructor
Gonzalez
Instructor