Summit Aikikai - Martial Arts School

I’ve been doing Aikido for over 15 years and I’ve trained all over the world, and Summit is by far my favorite dojo. The teacher is amazing, the community is great, and the training is great. I’ve made fantastic friends here and progressed my Aikido more than ever. This is the best dojo in the city, hands down.

I’ve been going for about a month now and love it so far! Peterson sensei is a skilled practitioner and teacher, and is kind and compassionate toward all students. The school offers basic and advanced aikido classes as well as well as traditional weapons work and meditation. If you’re looking to train safely and seriously together with a small group of people with diverse life experiences, stop in for a class and meet the bunch.

I'm not a coordinated person and I don't have good body awareness, so I was really nervous to start taking any kind of martial arts class. But the teacher (Sensei) is so great and all of the other students were so patient with an absolute beginner. I literally learned from everyone I trained with, not just from Sensei. I've only been training for three months, but I can now fall down without hurting myself and I'm learning how to be more aware of my body movements. I really like how Sensei teaches the philosophy of Aikido and how he incorporates that into practical self defense. I also like how there's no sparring, but pairs of students work together on the techniques, taking turns to "attack" and "defend". Everyone is so nice and I've really enjoyed getting to know Sensei and the other students and learning from them.

One of the best aikido instructors - true martial artist, educator, coach and friend you can always count upon. Alex Peterson will guide you from your first steps on the mat and patiently reveal his martial art secrets as you progress. Whether you are focusing on self-defense, samurai art form, physical fitness or spiritual challenge, Summit Aikikai is the right place for everyone.

If you are looking to build confidence, develop self discipline, or just get a full body workout, definitely stop by and try out a class at Summit Aikikai. I have been training here for 7 months, after a year of training in my first dojo down in New Orleans, and have seen a major transformation in my aikido. Peterson Sensei (6th dan) is one of the best teachers in the nation and deeply committed to each of his student's growth. The training style is rigorous, yet scaleable to all levels and over time you build up your flexibility and coordination and learn to move your body in a relaxed, supple, and efficient manner. In addition to body arts, Summit Aikikai also offers zazen (meditation), weapons, and iaido classes. The pricing is affordable and designed to encourage training. If you're curious, come by and try or observe any class. See you on the mat!