Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan

I haven’t been able to stay away from this dojo since my first class, about a month ago! All the advanced students have been so incredibly supportive and Sensei Wagener is an inspirational teacher.
There is a strong sense of community here, and I always find myself looking forward to seeing the people here, as much as practicing aikido itself. They make me laugh, they teach me things, and they expand my life space. By the way, when someone loves what they do, YOU CAN TELL. Every single person here, whether student or teacher, *exudes* love for aikido. I literally can’t stop smiling even when I’m being thrown down onto to the mat, and I’m definitely not the only one.
I’m so grateful that I found this place, and I only wish Unilocal would let me give it more stars. It’s a not-​so-​hidden gem. :)

Zenshinkai Aikido is a real gem in this sometimes overwhelming city. I joined a couple of months ago, hoping to do something active that felt more purposeful, exercising for a reason, rather than hopping on yet another treadmill or lifting another pointless dumbbell. And that’s exactly what I’ve found.
First of all, as a beginner and complete (I mean complete) novice to Aikido, or any martial art, I felt incredibly welcomed. Of course, as a newbie, I feared — not so much looking ridiculous, ‘cos that’s sort of expected — but dragging down more advanced students with my lack of knowledge, slowing down their practice, or annoying them with incorrect technique. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Advanced students genuinely enjoy practicing with new students, both in terms of helping teach them techniques, but also for the chance to learn new things from a fresh perspective. Sensei Wagener really embraces the idea of keeping a «beginner’s mind» throughout the journey that is this martial art, learning new things from even the most basic techniques no matter how long one has practiced, or with whom one is practicing. I can honestly say, I feel welcomed by everyone. As sensei says, it’s really a collection of sweet individuals that makes up this dojo. There’s none of the aggression you might find in other martial arts. Instead it’s replaced with a really mindful/​thoughtful approach to the discipline.
In addition, I’m one of those people that likes to take things slowly when I begin something new. And that, coupled with a busy schedule, has kept me from committing myself to every single session of practice. I have, however, committed to a certain number of practices each week, and make sure to get there for them. I feel completely supported by the dojo in this decision. Of course, commitment and dedication is important, but the dojo respects that everyone has to find a balance in their lives too.
All in all, I’m lucky to have found great teachers, from Sensei on, in a welcoming, friendly dojo.

I cannot speak highly enough about Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan.
I joined on my Birthday (2 month ago) and it has by far been the best gift I have ever gotten for myself. I was a bit skeptical at first as I did not know much about Aikido; however my skepticism quickly turned to excitement once my feet hit the mat.
I’ve been tossed and twisted more during this time then I ever have in my life… And you know what… I LIKE IT!!!
You learn real life skills from day one and it just gets better from there. I truly feel that I am apart of an extended family. Everyone here is super encouraging, even as they are tossing you to and fro. It’s such a phenomenal and well kept Dojo; you really have to experience it for yourself.
My focus and balance has never been so sharp. My body and mind are being challenged in ways I never thought possible. I am truly on course to becoming the better Me.
The instructors are hands on and super attentive; I always feel that I am in good hands. And it is because of all of these reasons have made Aikido my art of choice and Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan the Dojo for me.
I look forward to seeing you there… I will be the guy being tossed around :-)
Peace and Blessings,
Carlton

I am a new student in our dojo Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan. During this first month I have great experience and I would like to share it. Joining the mat has become one of the great thing for me every week. I am very happy and grateful to become one of the team.
During the classes I find out it’s great to understand and find my body balance and my center. Right now I’m still struggling about how to make a ukemi. But I am on my way. I know that after more and more practice I will get the feeling of it. Everyone in the dojo are truly friendly and they’ve expressed enthusiastic interest in helping me overcome the basic obstacles in the early training.
The zen meditation is also my favorite part every Sunday. During the training, I find out Aikido is an art of peace, balance, zen and yinyang. Everyone takes their own time in the training, there’s no competition. Be patient, be aware of our bodies and it’s current limitations.
I want to thank Gary Sensei, Hoff Sensei and all the other students in our dojo. I’m very happy and grateful to be practicing in Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan.

I have been coming to the dojo for a month. I enjoy every minute in the dojo!
Everyone is super friendly and always willing to help. Also, because of the Aikido culture, everyone in the dojo is humble, and not coming here for fight you.
I’m a slow learner, but it is fine here. Sensei and other students help me all the time with lots of patience.
I didn’t think I would be keep coming to the dojo, because the dojo is super far away from where I live, and Sundays’ classes are super early. However, nothing is a problem any more because I love practicing Aikido with these lovely people so much!

I’ve been attending classes at the dojo for around a month.
The most fascinating thing for me when I entered the dojo — and since — has been the laughter during classes; there’s a constant sense of joy in the dojo as we learn and practice, and occasionally realize how effective some techniques are (particularly on seeing expressions of surprise from uke — or managing a completely painless roll by actually doing it properly). There’s also a constant undercurrent of humour throughout, with several jokes by Wagener Sensei to make everyone less tense — and to remember to breathe and not just stiffen up.
Another aspect I appreciate a lot is the constant encouragement to do as much as you can — and pragmatism around the fact that life outside the dojo has a tendency to encroach on classes; we’re constantly encouraged to get in as much practice as we can even if we can’t arrive on time or must leave early.
Last but by no means least, everyone at the dojo is ridiculously helpful and nice; from helping practice /​understand techniques before, during and after class to etiquette to repeatedly helping me in tying my shiny new belt.
I’d strongly recommend dropping in for a class if you’re curious, it’s easily more than worth the time and effort.

I finally decided to attend a class at the dojo after being highly recommended a few times by a friend who used to practice there. I showed up outside the dojo building and was a little lost trying to figure out where the class was when Wagener Sensei (I did not know him then) walked by, he asked me what I was looking for and then told me to follow him.
On entering the dojo, I was greeted by a fellow student and asked to join the lineup on the mat. Class started with some warm-​up movements and stretches. Sensei immediately asked a senior student to be next to me and help with the stretches. Then, we moved on to the aikido techniques (I was really in awe of the demonstration as I had never been to a martial arts class before). A technique was demonstrated a few times and then students split into groups (mostly of 2) to practices the technique. I was again paired with a senior student who was really helpful in taking it slow and explaining me nuances of the technique. Sensei was also very involved throughout the class. He kept walking by and explained things as needed.
There was a small break after the first hour and all the students came up to me, introduced themselves and asked me about how I felt. It was really heartwarming to see everyone genuinely interested and I felt very welcomed. At the end of the class, I asked Sensei about payment for the class, he told me to just keep coming back. I was really surprised by this especially in a place like manhattan where a lot of places first want your money and commitment. But, the best part about the whole experience was this hard to explain feeling of calm I felt after leaving the class.
I had been looking for a practice which was not just a physical exercise but also worked on the mental aspect. The feeling that got after leaving my first class gave me a sense that aikido might be that practice. And, I was totally convinced after a few weeks of postponing I showed up to the morning class on Sunday. The Sunday class started of with Zazen meditation and it felt amazing (I regretted not coming earlier). There is a strong focus during all classes on breathing and being a good Uke (the person who receives the technique or takes the fall). Sensei always keeps mentioning that one needs to be good at receiving the technique to be able to apply it to others.
I am glad I took my friend’s recommendation. The dojo has a great atmosphere for learning, all the students are very supportive of each other and there is common desire to learn. The head instructor, Gary Wagener Sensei has created an environment which is fun (you will often see Sensei making funny and witty comments) and enjoyable but also very serious and focused at the core. I would highly recommended this school to anyone looking to get into martial arts or just looking for a way to re-​energize their mind and body.

Cannot stress how important Aikido and this dojo has become, a grounding force that has nurtured growth on multiple levels. A beacon of calm in a bustling concrete environment.
This school is built on encouragement and camaraderie, and the sincere energy emenating from all the practitioners. This is a Zen practice. The intensity and grace of this art still allots for a learn by doing approach, where anyone can «jump in» and participate.
Highly recommended. Come visit ZAM, and bring some sweats, you’ll want to participate.

Today, as corny as I sound, I saw something beautiful.
After a brief exchange of words, l saw two budokas embrace each other. A moment later, one was in a pin. To me it was compassion, love, and respect.
Funny thing, I took a leave of absence for several months for personal reasons. What brought me back was an email reminding me to live.
Then I packed my gi, climbed that four (is it four?) flight of stairs, sat at the door, sensei nodded, next thing I remember was my face was against the tatami.
Last time I took a leave of absence was at a different dojo because I hurt my back falling from a koshi nage from one of the uchi deshi.
Sensei would not let that happen. Your practice partners would not let that happen.
What would happen is you’ll find a bunch of people dressed in white (and black skirts), moving around on a tatami, all practicing the same moves.
Then when you read the first page (technically pg 14) of the Art of Peace, you kind of get why you have to climb those set of stairs.

I started coming to ZAM about two months ago. I’d never done any kind of martial art before, but had always wanted to try. I’d been searching for a while for a dojo, but had never found one that felt right.
Basically as soon as I walked in, I noticed the atmosphere — friendly, relaxed, and welcoming. The guys and girls (yes, the dojo is roughly 50% women!!) I met are all very kind and eager to share the art of Aikido. I’ve found that it’s a wonderful place to learn and to make mistakes, as everyone is very supportive and will help walk you through the tricky movements, no matter if they are an instructor, high ranking student, or a fellow beginner.
Though everyone is so friendly and there may be a lot of joking around in the downtime before or after class, the actual instruction and practice is taken very seriously. Proper etiquette is emphasized, as is the real risk of injury that comes with improperly performed technique. Wagener Sensei will often remind the students to «take care of each other,» as overly eager or overly aggressive movements might result in injury. There is a great respect for the art and for those who practice it in the dojo.
Aikido itself is a challenging discipline. The challenge doesn’t come from competition, as Aikido is not about besting or defeating an opponent. It comes from learning to link your mind and body through movement and breath… while someone is coming at you. Aikido is as much a challenge for the mind as it is for the body. I have found that increasingly its principles and theories are blending over into my non-​dojo life; I am more patient but more confident, for starters.
Wagener Sensei has created a supportive and caring, but at the same time, serious and hard-​working community. I consider myself very lucky to have found this dojo.

This is an excellent dojo, and I highly recommend it. I had been studying karate at a large dojo for a while, and was looking for a martial art that relied more on technique and less on physical strength, as I am not a large person. From the first class at Zenshinkai, I knew this was a place I wanted to be. Everyone was very welcoming, and there was no pressure to instantly join. In fact I was encouraged to come back for more classes if I wasn’t sure. The skill level of the students, even those who had been studying only a short time, was quite high, which reflects on Wagener Sensei’s skill as a teacher. It is a non-​competitive but serious dojo, with a great vibe. Watching the Sensei and senior students demonstrate techniques is awe-​inspiring. The method of teaching is very cool. You watch the technique demonstrated, then you partner up and do it. So even as a beginner I have an idea of what I’m aiming for. If you are looking to study aikido, this is a dojo driven by a love for the art and desire to impart knowledge, rather than ego or plans to make piles of money. A real find!

Practicing at Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan is consistently one of the highlights of my week. All of the students who practice at the dojo are very welcoming and make beginners and more experienced students alike feel comfortable learning in a judgment-​free environment.
Classes are run very traditionally, emphasizing etiquette and respect for the art form, which I can relate to very well as a classically trained dancer. It’s also wonderful to practice in a school that incorporates Zen meditation. Life in New York City can get so crazy, it’s nice to balance it out with such a rewarding routine. Because it is a small school (about 25 students), the instructors are able to give corrections to all the students. Wagener Sensei, the head instructor, is very invested in every students’ development. While the atmosphere is very focused throughout class, everyone is encouraged to practice with joy and take good care of each other.
What really spoke to me from the very start is how much importance is laid on the connection between the philosophy of Aikido and the physical techniques involved. Class isn’t just about learning movements for self-​defense purposes. The spirit of harmony and compassion in Aikido is always a major component of the instruction.
I’m so happy to be practicing at such a wonderful school!

I can’t say enough good things about this dojo!
Wagener Sensei is incredibly knowledgable, kind, generous, positive and clearly passionate about aikido. He made me feel so welcomed and his good energy is also present in all the students that attend.
Everyone at ZAM makes it easy to learn and really encourages you to do your best without creating a competitive environment. You will learn a lot about yourself and get a really great workout.
If you are thinking of trying out aikido, I can’t recommend a better place.
Do yourself a favor and sign up today!!!

I practiced here for a while and really enjoyed the atmosphere. All the students are very warm and welcoming. There’s no competitive or macho attitudes, which can be very refreshing in the martial arts context. Classes are well structured and the instruction strikes a really unique balance between deep respect for the art and genuine laughter in practice.
One thing that really sticks out about the spirit of this school is the emphasis on connecting the philosophy of harmony and compassion behind Aikido with the physical movements and techniques themselves. It’s a lot more than just a workout for your body. Your mind and soul get a good workout too, to be honest. The head instructor invests considerable focus on how what happens in the dojo directly applies to the world outside, both physically and (for lack of a better term) spiritually.
Another cool part of attending classes here is that every Sunday morning class starts with Zen meditation, which adds a lot to one’s understanding of the Art.
DEFINITELY worth visiting and taking some trial classes if you’re interested in studying martial arts or self-​defense in NYC!

I stumbled upon this school by sheer serendipity. Sometime ago I was looking to get into Zen, I was recommended by a friend to try out Aikido instead. It was strange that he recommended me to try a martial art when I was primarily looking for something to relax my mind. He asked me to watch out for two main things when considering a school:
— that it’s not commercially driven and teaches the art the traditional way
— that the teacher takes personal interest in the development of his/​her students
A couple of months passed by before I finally googled aikido schools in Manhattan out of curiosity. After looking at a few schools, I stumbled upon the website of this school and right off the bat the first criteria seemed to fit. Something about the zen like minimal website convinced me give Aikido and this school a try. So I made my way to check the school out.
On my very first day, I was welcomed by the students at the dojo and given the option to jump in and try out the class for free! Honestly, seldom have 2 hours passed away faster than the way they did during this class. I felt like a kid again when everything was just so new! Wagener Sensei (the teacher) was very aware of the beginners (there were 2 more), and centered the entire class around us. He also took time to demo us some of the advanced techniques with another teacher later. It felt like I was watching a movie in real life! Right after the class he and the other students came around to ask me about my first experience with Aikido, and answer any questions I had. Second criteria check.
Personally what has spoken to me most over time is the beauty and grace of Aikido, and the depth and quality of the instruction at this school. Not limited to the technique and form, the teachers go at lengths to explain the philosophy behind everything that is taught and Aikido itself. All of the students here are super helpful and accommodating, and take sincere interest in your development. This creates an atmosphere that is fun, supportive, non-​competitive, and yet challenging at the same time.
In summary, it’s been a blessing to discover a school that actually exists to spread this amazing art the traditional way i.e. in a sincere, peaceful, and non-​egocentric environment. I strongly encourage anyone who’s flirted with the idea of trying martial arts or is just looking for an exciting way to unite their body and mind to try a class at this school!

Before my first class at this dojo, I was on the fence about joining, heck, I was on the fence about committing aikido (versus other martial arts like Jujitsu, judo, karate etc.). I was only slightly curious about Aikido, but my first class here gave me a great essence of this art form. The teacher here is humble, light hearted and makes learning enjoyable. His students are warm, welcoming and very supportive to any newcomers.
The teacher here does a great job incorporating the philosophy of aikido with the techniques we learn in the class. Along with self-​defense, we are also taught how to harmonize with our physical and mental state, which I find to be extremely useful practice on and off the mat.

I just started a month ago, with no expectations and no idea how I would take to aikido.
Wagener Sensei makes the class. He has a way of being cheerful and witty while at the same time imparting a deep sense of respect for this martial art form. I was a complete novice, and I was disoriented at watching the instructions at first. The students I was paired up with were more than willing to walk me through the moves slowly, with additional guidance from Wagener Sensei himself.
The students are all, beginners and long-​time attenders alike, dedicated to this Dojo, which speaks volumes about the quality of work put in by all who contribute to the school.

I have been studying Aikido for about three years now in as many countries. When I moved to the city earlier this year, I started looking for dojos in Manhattan. I came up with a list of five places that I wanted to try out and Zenshinkai was the first and last place I visited.
From the get go I was greeted warmly and respectfully which is rare when starting at a new location. The other members were receptive to my questions, helpful and patient as I began learning the new style. Everyone is focused on understanding rather than competing. The Sensei is genuine and considerate. It’s not a business for him, he’s more interested in teaching and passing on his insights than making a profit. There’s a community at Zenshinkai that is rare and wonderful.
Its the perfect dojo for beginners and experienced Aikidoka alike.

An excellent school and I’ve been to a few. Clear teaching, applicable techniques and a positive feel inside the dojo from students and teachers. Wagener Sensei is superb. Highly recommended!

Once you visit this school, you will be greeted warmly and all your questions will be answered.
Watching the class, It was very visible that Wagener Sensei has years of experience as an aikido instructor. He has an incredible ability to give clear instructions to the students. What amazed me more was that he was able to give each student individual feedback during the class, whether they were beginners or advanced.
I found this school to be perfect learning grounds for aikido.
The atmosphere of the school was very energetic and friendly as well. All the students I spoke to (and I spoke to all of them, lol) were very warm and welcoming. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying their time there.
I totally recommend this school. Go visit and see for yourself.