Aikido Tekkojuku of Boston
About
Aikido Tekkojuku of Boston offers training in MMA and karate disciplines within a non-profit framework under the direction of Chief Instructor Yasumasa Itoh, a 7th Dan Shihan and former student of Kanai-Sensei, who was a direct student of O-Sensei. The gym features a diverse team of experienced instructors, including Senior Instructor Joji Sawa (6th Dan), Instructor Andre Brown (5th Dan with Shodan in Kenpo Karate), and several other ranked instructors, providing guidance across all skill levels. Members appreciate the free off-street parking, which makes access convenient for regular practice.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members praise the gym for its warm, friendly, and inspiring atmosphere, with a fantastic community that makes learning Aikido enjoyable. They highlight the instructors, including Yasumasa Itoh and others, for taking time to help all skill levels and ensuring movements are understood, with beginners always welcome. The practice is described as vigorous, and the varied student levels allow for mutual learning, while rates are noted as affordable and parking is convenient. One review criticizes the gym's vaccination requirements as discriminatory, but overall, members recommend it highly for anyone interested in martial arts.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
G Neves
10 years ago
Non-profit, under the direction of Yasumasa Itoh, 6th Dan, former student of Kanai-Sensei, 8th Dan, who was direct student of O-Sensei. The environment is very friendly, and all students keep a positive attitude towards improving themselves and the quality of their Aikido. Easy parking and easy access.
Phil Chodrow
7 years ago
Tekko is a warm, friendly, and inspiring place to learn Aikido from some of the Boston area's foremost teachers. The community is fantastic, the space is welcoming, and the practice is vigorous! Absolutely recommended for anyone interested in the martial arts.
Christopher
6 years ago
An excellent Aikido Dojo with a friendly community. Instructors take the time to help individuals of all skill levels and make sure the movement is understood. Beginners are always welcome. I always reccomend watching a few classes, if you are thinking about it, they can help put your reservations at ease. A great place to practice.
Nahur Fonseca
14 years ago
This is a friendly and conducive dojo to learn Aikido. The level of the students is very varied, so you can learn with each other a lot. The rates fit any pocket and any schedule. Overall, very good, I would recommend to everyone.
Casey G.
3 years ago
Forbidding people from practicing unless vaxxed is discriminatory. Sadly, like some other groups, this one has fallen under media brainwashing, dubiously choosing to deny practitioners medical freedom under the guise of safety. Their lack of consideration, factual understanding, and common sense is disappointing to say the least.
fitness_centerAmenities
paymentsMembership
$100/mo
Contact
170 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 7:00 – 8:00 AM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 8:00 AM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 5:30 – 7:45 PM
Friday: 7:00 – 8:00 AM, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Gilberto Neves
Instructor
1st Dan
Began Aikido in Brazil in 1986. Student of Kanai Sensei from 1989. Also trained in Judo, Jiu-jitsu, and Taekwondo. Software engineer.
Brian Blancke
Instructor
1st Dan
Began aikido under Kanai Sensei in 2000. Social scientist and conflict resolution specialist. Previously studied Karate.
Yasumasa Itoh
Chief Instructor
7th Dan, Shihan
Began Aikido training in 1973 in Tokyo. Studied under Norihiko Ichihashi and later Mitsunari Kanai Shihan in Boston. A senior instructor continuing Kanai Shihan's style.
Joji Sawa
Senior Instructor
6th Dan
Started Aikido under Kanai Sensei in 1981. A core founding member of Tekkojuku in 2005. Previously worked as a technical translator.
Andre Brown
Instructor
5th Dan, Shodan in Kenpo Karate
Started Aikido training in 1991. Has instructed beginners, advanced students, and children. Also experienced in self-defense courses.
Atsushi Ebata
Instructor
2nd Dan
Began aikido practice in 2004 at Cornell Aikido Club. Also studied Judo and Shotokan Karate. Works as a business systems analyst.
Ken Gareau
Instructor
1st Dan
Began aikido training at ATJB in 2012 under Itoh Sensei. A research scientist. Focuses on balance and center power in teaching.
Gilda Bruckman
Senior Instructor (Emeritus)
6th Dan
Began practicing Aikido in 1972 under Kanai Shihan, his longest-practicing student until his death. Writing tutor at Cambridge College.
Don LaLiberty
Senior Instructor, Chief Iaido Instructor (Emeritus)
4th Dan
Began Aikido in 1988, studied with Kanai Sensei from 1989. Began Iaido study with Kanai Sensei in 1992. Statistical programmer.
Dolita Dannêt Cathcart
Senior Instructor (Emeritus)
5th Dan, Shidoin
Began study of Aikido in 1985 with Kanai-shihan. Associate professor of history at Wheaton College. Experienced instructor.