Heart of San Francisco Aikido

Super people, wonderful space.

I started coming here about six months ago. I’ve only been to one other dojo, and I like ours better. It’s homey, friendly and relaxed, and aikido is a great form of exercise. I do yoga, commute by bicycle, and I was swimming, but nothing has gotten me in shape like these classes.
Aikido is really a way of life (path of life harmony is how it translates), and this dojo wants to share that with as many people as possible. They run a bloomspot deal ($ 50 for the first two months) at least once a year, and that’s how I got started. Even if you only come for two months, it’s worth the experience of trying something new in a supportive, environment. And you never know, you might really fall in love with it, and with the people here. I did.

I have two friends, and three Unilocalers tell me this place is always getting better. I am giving it 4 stars cos it probably deserves it just for the community following and loyalty it engenders alone.
I haven’t gone in years, so it is not from any more recent experience, just several people telling me how great it is. That warrants at least checking back into.

I joined this dojo after taking a three-​year break from Aikido. It’s a very nice place, great big high room (warehouse meets japanese pagoda). The style feels generally pretty soft, but that’s mostly because of the people’s mindsets. Nobody here really wants to force their technique on you (something I have experienced in other dojos sometimes). That’s not to say we’re not doing strong or direct techniques sometimes — there is enough mat-​slapping action available with the more advanced students if you’re so inclined.

When I found this Dojo, I knew that I wanted to try a martial art for the first time, but I wasn’t really sure which one was right for me. Heart of San Francisco ended up being exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for a more gentle, mentally challenging practice and had no interest in being a trained killer. It is such a warm and open place to learn. I am incredibly impressed by the patience of the instructors, and to the art of aikido itself, which really nurtures the growth and learning process to each individual. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try a less aggressive, less competitive martial art. And they don’t make you buy the outfit for the beginner classes, which is nice if you aren’t sure if you want to commit.

So I remember when I first decided to try Aikido, I was really worried about funny little things, like «are they going to make me yell those funny shouts a lot?» «What if someone kicks me in the head?”“am I going to get my butt kicked?»
Well worry not, should you decide to try out this dojo (school). The spacious interior (the mat space is massive compared to many places in the city) is warmly filled with the members of this delightful school. There is truly a supportive community attitude in this place. The interior of the room was designed and built by the members of the dojo and their spirit shows.
Instruction is accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The instructors foster an expectation that more experienced practitioners help the newer members along. This is done in a respectful manner and is never condescending.
Aikido is a dynamic, fluid, and sometimes baffling complex martial art. It probably doesn’t look like stuff you saw in the movies. That said, some people are put off by what appears to be «gentleness.» While aikido can be remarkably soft, it can also be quite effective. One trains as hard or as soft as one chooses, and this for many people, makes this dojo, and this art, quite accessible.

I have started, stopped and re-​started Aikido a few too many times, but no more. I have truly found a home at Heart of San Francisco Aikido and have had many great experiences there. It’s been a very positive force in my life and I see its effects both in and out of the physical realm.
I can sort of understand why one of the other Unilocalers here judged this place as «too gentle,» as something like this is very subjective. I have had experience with stricter dojos and don’t think one style is right or wrong. For me, I feel that I have blossomed at a place where I am less anxious and intimidated about making an etiquette blunder or not getting something right.
I prefer being in a place that fosters exploration, enjoying the experience, and connecting with my training partners.
I still wouldn’t call it gentle– one’s practice is as vigorous as one makes it! I am tired at the end of every class– happily so.
The instructors are excellent. If you ever wanted to try Aikido– or any other martial art and might just be curious– I can’t imagine a better place for a beginner. I really look forward to it being an integral part of my life from here on.

I should offer a full disclosure here and say that I currently teach the beginning class at the dojo, where I have been a student for almost ten years. As to whether that biases my review, I’ll let you all decide.
I have been training at Heart of San Francisco Aikido, formerly Heart of the Mission Aikido, since 1997. When I walked into my first beginning class I really had no idea what to expect. I had seen a flier hanging in the Haight and as my, ahem, «husky» sysadmin frame was in need of an exercise injection I spontaneously decided to try it out. I fell in love with Aikido almost immediately after I started the beginning class.
One of the factors that piqued my interest in the dojo was the fact that the chief instructor, Penny Sablove Sensei 3^rd Dan, was female. I had trained in a number of other arts including shotokan karate, ju-​jitsu, and a bit of tai-​chi, but none of my senseis had ever been women. I brought the flier home and convinced my girlfriend to take the class with me. Ten years and many tests later, we are both still active members of the dojo.
My beginning class was well paced and covered the basics of aikido. These 6 to 8 week beginning courses cover striking, throwing, falling, rolling and generally learning to become more aware of one’s movements. Our current beginning classes are held about ever 2 months. The dojo was then and is now very committed to fostering an environment that encourages women to train. At least once a year the dojo holds a women’s only beginning class. Penny Sensei is also one of the Instructors at the annual Women’s Aikido seminar, now held at Aikido of Santa Cruz.
The dojo (literally in Japanese «the place of the way») is a space where people can train and develop together. As aikido emphasizes harmony and collaboration, the dojo environment does not invite an atmosphere of competition or posturing. Although the practice of aikido does not end up suiting everyone’s tastes, Heart of San Francisco Aikido is a fantastic place to try it out.

I am a new student at the dojo, and a newcomer to Aikido. Heart of San Francisco Aikido has been a great place for me to learn. I started in the six week class for beginners, and have been practicing in the general class for two months now. The experienced students and instructors are very supportive and welcoming.