Aikido of Park Slope

Great space... high ceiling, extra cool for Boken and Jo class... reminiscent of a park with a level surface. Always nice to visit 😊.

I cannot recommend Aikido of Park Slope enough. From the moment you walk in, the staff are incredibly helpful, welcoming, and generous with their time, especially Paul, who consistently goes out of his way to make everyone feel supported and at ease. The space itself is inviting and filled with a calm, positive energy that immediately puts you in the right mindset to learn and train. Each class feels purposeful and engaging, and time truly flies by. I often find myself surprised when class ends and already looking forward to my next visit. The instruction is thoughtful, clear, and deeply rooted in experience, making it accessible for beginners while still offering depth and challenge for more advanced students. If your aim is to learn a non violent martial art that develops both body and mind while training with dedicated and experienced instructors, Aikido of Park Slope delivers a truly rich and rewarding experience. The emphasis is not on competition, but on personal growth, confidence, awareness, and disciplined practice. It is a refreshing and meaningful contrast to more aggressive martial arts classes and fosters a strong sense of community and mutual respect.

I discovered this dojo recently and finally worked up the nerve to go. I’d always wanted to explore Aikido and martial arts, but something always held me back. When I finally went, I expected to feel awkward and out of place but instead, I found a space that was gentle, patient, and genuinely kind. It’s difficult to explain, but within the first hour, they taught me some fundamentals that felt relevant to everyday life. It wasn’t just that they were patient with a beginner; it was like they drew out things I already instinctively knew about and just helped me recognize and trust them. That brief experience alone made me feel more grounded and confident. The dojo itself is incredible. It’s rare to find such a spacious, open area in New York City, a place where you can move freely, fall safely, and feel completely supported. The giant mats are comfortable, the environment is spotless, and there are showers, dressing rooms, and everything you might need. If you’ve been on the fence about trying Aikido, martial arts, or any kind of embodied practice, this dojo is an incredible place to start. You don’t have to be chasing a black belt just go to remember a few things about yourself, your body, and how to move with more awareness.

Awesome place to learn, practice and grow within the Aikido community. One of, if not the largest dojo in the Tri-state area. The head instructor/Sensei is one of the top ranking and senior instructors in the country. On top of all of that, the people there are great to work out with and have a good a strong sense of community. It’s always a pleasure to go and train there.

I’ve been practicing Aikido for over 30 years. The head instructor, Hal Lehrman Sensei, is a student of Yamada Sensei, who is a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Training with Lehrman Sensei we have a direct connection to the origins of Aikido. Lehrman Sensei teaches the ease, power, and effectiveness of Aikido, and also its spirit - that of joy, connection, and peace. All the instructors are welcoming and have the great ability to meet each student where they are, whether a beginner or advanced student. It’s a great community to be part of. An incredible, life changing experience for me and, I believe, for anyone who chooses to practice here.