Aikido of Maine

An absolutely amazing place. Spacious and very well equiped. Learn martial arts and self-defense in a friendly, safe, and clean environment. Inspirational teachers. Built my strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence…though that barely scratches the surface of how training Aikido here has improved my life. If you are thinking of starting or currently practice yoga, marital arts (including MMA, Judo, Jujitsu / BJJ, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Muay Thai, Iaido, and others), Tai Chi, or dance for fitness or exercise like zumba or pole dancing, and even if you are just looking to learn or improve meditation, you should really try Aikido of Maine. It brings together the positive benefits of those activities into one. You can have fun, get a great workout, and improve your body and mind all at once.

I want to thank Sensei Ania Small and the Aikido Of Maine's members great hospitality in welcoming me to their dojo. Also thank you so much for allowing me to share my Aikido views with you. I highly recommend this dojo for Aikido training if you live in the area of Portland.

Totally new to martial arts and completely uncoordinated, I have found the dojo to be welcoming, patient and warm. Gary is a joyful, focused teacher and his kindness seems to be passed onto his students. I always felt at the end of class that no matter if I "got it" or not, I succeeded in some way. What a special place!

Aikido of Maine is the premier dojo of Portland. I’ve known Gary sensei and Anya sensei for 30 years and i’m continually impressed by their dedication to the art and ongoing work to offer high-quality, international caliber training to their community.

After a 20 year break from martial arts I found myself eager to begin again. As with anything meaningful, finding the perfect people to learn from in the perfect location is important. After four weeks of regular classes at Aikido of Maine, I've come to the conclusion that this is a very special place. Ania and Gary Small are the perfect teachers. Patient, attentive, safety conscious and kind, they radiate the spirit of Aikido and their commitment to the art needs no explanation. My six year old daughter and I started at the same time, she loves the classes, is having fun and is learning a lot. The members of the dojo are equally respectful, conscious of safety and eager to help beginners learn. New members will feel very welcome here, guaranteed. Aikido of Maine offers a great mental and physical workout with a purpose. It's brilliant, I love it and I recommend it to most of my patients. If you are looking for exercise with a purpose, mental and physical focus and control, and a wonderful environment to learn a martial art while getting in great shape, Aikido of Maine is the place.