Midwest Aikido Center

I've been practicing here for about 3 years, and am so glad I had the courage to start. I didn't know anything about martial arts, but found a welcoming, supportive, and fun community of genuinely kind and cool people. Before my first class, I was nervous about how I would feel practicing a martial art with men I didn't know. As it turned out, I didn't need to worry - there are a lot of women who practice here, and everyone at the dojo (men, women, everyone) is respectful and welcoming.

The MAC is very welcoming to new members! I joined knowing absolutely nothing about martial arts and I feel I've learned a lot in several months. Senseis and fellow students have been patient, kind, and supportive. What feels most empowering is the presence of women of all ages here. It does not feel like a place of competition, but one of collaboration.

Practicing Aikido at the MAC offers me an “as needed” break from the unhealthy overstimulation, stress, and grind of daily life. For me, that means going to class and practicing a few days each week. There are lots of class times to choose from, 7 days a week. Learning the basics takes a bit of time and effort, but the reward that comes from developing skills emphasizing movement, balance, and core strength *always* puts me in a good mindset. The dojo facility is world class and kept spotless; MAC instructors are highly skilled and supportive; classes are structured - but self-paced and focused on safety (there’s no competition with others); and the MAC’s non-profit community is the most diverse (by every metric), fun, and most international I’ve ever been involved in. Hope to see you there!

Kind, patient, supportive, and expert instruction. Clean, beautiful, and functional space for practice. Welcoming, friendly, and cooperative community. Open nearly every day of the year! I always feel better after practice. Thank you MAC.

True story, my wife signed me up for the Midwest Aikido Center because she thought I would like it. Guess what, she was right! I've been a member of the MAC for about 4 yrs and started out as a complete novice. I have since advanced a couple ranks thanks to the amazing and personal instruction of the instructors here. The instructors at MAC are incredibly knowledgeable, flexible in their methods and have always made me feel safe during training. The community at this dojo is extraordinarily diverse with people of all sorts of athletic abilities and martial arts experience. Some people have loads of both qualities, others maybe not so much, which is one of the many things that make this dojo such a joy to be a part of. Aikido is endlessly challenging but also endlessly worthwhile. The MAC dojo is an ideal training environment for anyone seeking personal growth and self-defense skills through both physical and moral challenges.