Aikido Aikikai of Phila

This is a nice place to learn and train under several wonderful Aikido instructors. There are basic and advanced classes. Basic classes are not always basic. You can learn anything from stances and strikes to 3^rd kyu techniques. I find the teaching philosophy of an Aikido class to be similar to giving a first-​grader a novel meant for third-​graders. You will grasp some of the concepts initially, but you won’t discover the subtle nuances of certain techniques until you become a more experienced Aikido student. Usually a teacher will cater a class to the level of the students, so if most of the students are pretty advanced, the beginning students are forced to come up to speed pretty quickly. The advanced classes are mostly hakama-​wearing black belts. People are literally flying all over the place! It’s great to be able to observe these classes to see the possibilities of what you can someday do once you become proficient in this art.
The teachers at Aikikai of Philadelphia are all excellent. Every one of them is very patient and detail-​oriented. If you have trouble understanding a technique, any one of the teachers will break down the technique into step-​by-​step movements so you can see where to place your body parts and how your center and energy is supposed to move. The beginner classes at Aikikai of Philadelphia are very special in that they are 90 minutes long. Many Aikido schools only offer 60 minute classes. The extra time enables the beginning student the ability to understand difficult concepts. Aikikai of Philadelphia also has more beginner classes and children’s classes per week than any other school in the Philadelphia area. There is an introductory offer where you can sit, observe, or even participate in three free classes before you decide if Aikido is right for you. Check this place out. You’ll be glad you did.

I took my 6 year old here for kid’s Aikdo at her request (they have Saturday morning classes. The Sensai is very nice and the instructor Suleman, is funny and a skilled martial artist.
My child, however, is a little too young still — so we’ll be back again when she’s older.
Meanwhile there is also a Karate Studio (unafilliated) next door that teaches Shotokan.
The Dojo is well used and well appointed with plants along the windows.
If you or your child want to study Aikido, this is a great place to go.