Tenzan Aikido

Have been training here for a year. Really great and dedicated group of people, for spiritual, physical, and mental improvement and acuity. Sensei is a patient and very skilled instructor and the other teachers all bring something unique to the classes. Plus they bring in elements of other martial arts as well and even offer Brazilian jiujitsu classes as part of the monthly fee as well.

I was looking for a way to get off my rear, do something fun and explore a traditional martial arts program. I was especially interested in committing to something that would keep me active in the winter, when it’s harder to ride my bike.
I didn’t want to study under just anyone– there are so many instructors out there and many make all kinds of claims– and I wanted to do something long-​term, which meant flying kicks were out of the question. The more research I did, the more I realized that Sensei Bookman and Aikido were my best options. Sensei Bookman is the ideal teacher: patient, experienced and sensitive to people with a wide range of Aikido experience. Melissa, the dojo manager, is also fantastic.
Although I’ve only been at Tenzan for a few months now, I love it. The community is supportive, the instructors know their business and I’ve always felt like I was learning and being appropriately challenged to improve (without feeling pressured). Everyone is welcoming. There are plenty of classes and plenty of opportunities to practice the techniques. Tenzan also offers a weapons and a Brazilian Jujitsu class. Black belts work with newbies in a lot of sessions and are often careful to guide the newbie through a technique to ensure it is done correctly and safely. I also like that the dojo is on the more traditional side. There is something to be said about thanking everyone by name after each class.
If you’re looking for a supportive and welcoming dojo where you can learn Aikido no matter your experience with martial arts, give Tenzan Aikido a try.

I have found Aikido to be a fantastic, beautiful art, and it is taught with great passion by Bookman Sensei. I’ve been practicing here for over 12 years, and I’m continually impressed with Bookman Sensei’s skills as practitioner and instructor. He knows his students well enough to know what areas of practice they need to hone, from the basics of a technique to the mental and spiritual approach they are taking to their practice. He is appropriately challenging while being supportive.
The dojo community is strong and vibrant, with many senior members who are happy to assist you in navigating your experience at the dojo. Check it out.

I’ve been practicing at Tenzan Aikido for almost 6 years. Bruce Bookman is a world-​class instructor who brings 40 years of aikido training to every class and interaction. The dojo is extremely welcoming to people of all walks of life (which is clear by the fact that the dojo will be celebrating 30 years of existence next year). The kids program is phenomenal as witnessed by the attendance and energy of the children attending class every day.
I highly recommend taking advantage of the free week-​long dojo pass to try it out and see if it’s right for you.