AIKIDO is a martial art focused on acting with fluid grace and calm clarity in the midst of any challenge, from physical conflict to the daily work of cultivating harmony in one's life and relationships. The Aiki Arts Center is a community-oriented Aikido dojo in Berkeley, California, founded by Nick Walker Sensei and Azzia Walker Sensei.
We're committed to maintaining a training environment that's inclusive, joyful, and grounded in the best martial arts traditions of respect and mindfulness. We are an LGBTQ-friendly dojo. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or register here and show up at any class if you're ready to begin training!
We're committed to maintaining a training environment that's inclusive, joyful, and grounded in the best martial arts traditions of respect and mindfulness. We are an LGBTQ-friendly dojo. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or register here and show up at any class if you're ready to begin training!
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NICK WALKER SENSEI, 7th dan, co-founder and senior instructor of the Aiki Arts Center, has been practicing and teaching Aikido for four decades. Nick Sensei's approach to the art draws upon many years of training in several styles of Aikido and a variety of other transformative disciplines and practices, including zen, physical theatre, and somatic psychology.
Our daughter has been training with Azzia Walker Sensei since last summer, and it's hard to overstate how beneficial the experience has been for her. The confidence in and enthusiasm for the art that she communicates is wonderful to see in terms of her development as a human being, and is deeply moving from the more specific perspective of a parent watching his child discover a practice that brings her such joy.
Reviews (22)
Jana P.
Apr 13, 2019
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Erika E.
May 17, 2018
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Our daughter has been practicing Aikido with the kids program for a year and a half and we're pretty thrilled with the quality and value. Azzia Sensei is very dedicated to this program and expects commitment from kids and families. She does have particular protocols for student and family behavior. It is an unusually disciplined and structured environment in our current culture of informality and I find that very refreshing and for my daughter, empowering. The kids gain physical strength and confidence and also learn important emotional and psychological skills.
Mike J.
Feb 21, 2017
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Our daughter has been training with Azzia Walker Sensei since last summer, and it's hard to overstate how beneficial the experience has been for her. The confidence in and enthusiasm for the art that she communicates is wonderful to see in terms of her development as a human being, and is deeply moving from the more specific perspective of a parent watching his child discover a practice that brings her such joy. Our daughter's affection and respect for her sensei is unmistakable, and it's obvious how much joy she takes in the training itself. Azzia truly, fully sees our daughter
Mama G.
Feb 18, 2017
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Our daughter studied with Azzia Walker for about six months. She came away from Shusekai with a love of the practice and very good discipline as a student. However, she is no longer at Shusekai and I do not recommend Azzia Walker as an instructor.
The set-up is excellent; students support and teach other students during sessions which creates a community of learners.
But Azzia is not creating a community around Shusekai. She wants followers of her. Families are not allowed to observe, linger or come in early to pick up (but god help you if you're late!). Children are discouraged from having
The set-up is excellent; students support and teach other students during sessions which creates a community of learners.
But Azzia is not creating a community around Shusekai. She wants followers of her. Families are not allowed to observe, linger or come in early to pick up (but god help you if you're late!). Children are discouraged from having
Michael K.
Dec 02, 2016
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Aikido Shusekai is by far and away one of the best places that I have ever found myself in my life. The environment of the dojo and the structure of the training are mindfully engineered to foster learning and growth. Not having decades of experience or claiming any vast well of wisdom to draw upon myself, I cannot qualify, thusly, claims that I have heard stated by others who DO possess more experience. Sitting on the bench outside before class one day, I remember a senior student - a black belt herself, who has been studying Aikido for many years - telling me how lucky SHE felt to be able to
Kristyn J.
May 26, 2016
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If you are looking for a dojo for yourself Akido Shusekai may meet your needs. However if you are looking for an after school activity for your child this dojo might not be a good choice. Sessions are one and a half hours long and children are required to to go to no less than two sessions per week. I found the teacher to be inflexible and unclear about her expectations for student progress The website did not provide much clarification on belt progression. When I asked to speak with her she didn't respond to my email. My daughter liked the class, but thought that the sensei showed favoritism
Leaf N.
Sep 04, 2015
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Martial arts dojos can be intimidating, competitive environments. This Dojo is the antithesis of that and embodies the lessons of peace, improvement of self and others, and care for the well-being of all involved.
I highly recommend this studio for anyone wishing for a supportive, challenging, nurturing environment in which to learn physical techniques and philosophy for creating harmony out of situations that may seem to offer none.
I highly recommend this studio for anyone wishing for a supportive, challenging, nurturing environment in which to learn physical techniques and philosophy for creating harmony out of situations that may seem to offer none.
Dawn H.
Aug 05, 2015
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If you've got kids that are curious about aikido, Aikido Shusekai's free trial months are a great opportunity--it's an amazing way to get a true taste of the form. Check their website for details--we started when they did a free trial month in May, and they've got another coming up this September.
My two kids--11 and 9--both absolutely love training in aikido at Aikido Shusekai.Their sensei, Azzia, keeps the kids classes focused and serious while still being playful and engaged. The principles of aikido really resonate with our family, and we've had many thoughtful, lively
My two kids--11 and 9--both absolutely love training in aikido at Aikido Shusekai.Their sensei, Azzia, keeps the kids classes focused and serious while still being playful and engaged. The principles of aikido really resonate with our family, and we've had many thoughtful, lively
Steve T.
Jun 29, 2015
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All righty, then. Five years have passed since I wrote my last review, and it's time to update it. I would not change a single word of what I wrote before--Aikido Shusekai is still an amazing dojo, a great community of students and instructors. I would only add that, because it IS so amazing and supportive, it has enabled me and many other students to develop and nurture a long-term relationship with the dojo.
The openness and disciplined-but-fun vibe that people feel on the first visit only gets better over time. The founder, Nick Walker Sensei, has a profound ability to get to the
The openness and disciplined-but-fun vibe that people feel on the first visit only gets better over time. The founder, Nick Walker Sensei, has a profound ability to get to the
Tarun M.
Apr 21, 2015
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After researching and visiting some aikido schools in the area and I decided to attend this school.
The place has a great learning environment. It's subtle but I feel an inner zeal to learn from instructors who have dedicated their lives to the beautiful art of aikido.
Most impressive thing is that Nick sensei sub-communicate a balance between softness(suppleness and yielding) and alertness while teaching aikido techniques, which is pretty rare to find.
Instructors share all their wisdom and years of experience with aikido for you without holding anything back and you can use it anyway
The place has a great learning environment. It's subtle but I feel an inner zeal to learn from instructors who have dedicated their lives to the beautiful art of aikido.
Most impressive thing is that Nick sensei sub-communicate a balance between softness(suppleness and yielding) and alertness while teaching aikido techniques, which is pretty rare to find.
Instructors share all their wisdom and years of experience with aikido for you without holding anything back and you can use it anyway
Ian W.
Jan 23, 2015
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I have been attending classes at Aikido Shusekai for about two months and I'm very happy with it. I am a beginner to aikido and was a bit nervous at first, since most of the classes are mixed, with beginners and advanced students training together. It can be intimidating grappling with a black belt on your very first day! But the vibe at the dojo is extremely supportive and welcoming, and beginners are treated with patience and gentleness. The whole atmosphere of the dojo is comfortable and friendly, and many of the students have been training there for years, so it feels like joining a family
Karin W.
Oct 25, 2014
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I'm going to let you in on a secret. I decided that I wanted my daughter to know a martial art and signed her up for classes here. And even though she didn't choose it, my headstrong young one likes it anyway. *A lot.* She adores Azzia Sensei (and really, with her incredibly kind and open nature, who wouldn't?) and is learning a lot from her as well as the more advanced kids in the class. As others have said, this dojo is warm, welcoming and encouraging - I would highly recommend it to anyone of any age who wants to train in aikido.
Jason L.
Jun 24, 2014
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I'm so happy to be practicing here. If this dojo were only special because of the excellent instruction by Nick Walker Sensei, it would still be a great dojo. Nick Sensei is a gifted and patient communicator and watching the grace with which he demonstrates Aikido is a treat.
However, why Shusekai is really special is because the entire community -- from Nick Sensei, to manager Azzia Walker, to the senior students to (my) fellow beginners -- is so remarkably kind and accepting to/of one another. It's a place where a beginner can safely let himself be clumsy while practicing, get a
However, why Shusekai is really special is because the entire community -- from Nick Sensei, to manager Azzia Walker, to the senior students to (my) fellow beginners -- is so remarkably kind and accepting to/of one another. It's a place where a beginner can safely let himself be clumsy while practicing, get a
Anne S.
Feb 26, 2014
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I am so grateful to have found Aikido Shusekai. I am in the process of healing from a scoliosis of the spine, and knew I needed talented instructors if I was to succeed injury-free in a martial art.
Nick Walker-Sensei and Azzia Walker-sensei provide excellent, gentle instruction with a clear focus on maintaining the safety of one's own body and, of course, one's partner's body as well. I am happy to report no injuries since joining the school in September, and the practice has already improved my body awareness and clarity of attention significantly. Every ranking student I have
Nick Walker-Sensei and Azzia Walker-sensei provide excellent, gentle instruction with a clear focus on maintaining the safety of one's own body and, of course, one's partner's body as well. I am happy to report no injuries since joining the school in September, and the practice has already improved my body awareness and clarity of attention significantly. Every ranking student I have
Carolyn J.
Feb 20, 2014
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I showed up on Aikido Shusekai's doorstep about five months ago, just curious to check it out. At age 51, with no previous martial arts experience, and shy, I wasn't sure if I would fit in. From the start, I have been warmly encouraged and welcomed at every turn.
Nick Walker Sensei and Azzia Walker Sensei (dojo manager) have created a very supportive, compassionate environment in which to train mind and body. They and their ranking students have helped me work at my own pace to enter into this fascinating art. I never feel pushed, although I do feel pleasantly "pulled"
Nick Walker Sensei and Azzia Walker Sensei (dojo manager) have created a very supportive, compassionate environment in which to train mind and body. They and their ranking students have helped me work at my own pace to enter into this fascinating art. I never feel pushed, although I do feel pleasantly "pulled"
Jennifer G.
Feb 07, 2014
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Aikido Shusekai offers a friendly, safe and encouraging environment for my 9-yo son to learn this martial art. It has been a joy to see these skills develop within his practice - physical coordination, confidence, mindfulness, responsibility, motivation, respect, and autonomy. He now schedules time to finish homework before practice, is aware of arriving promptly, makes sure that his gi is washed, and deliberately chooses healthy snacks before practice. Now to apply this to his world outside of the dojo . . .
We are grateful to be a part of the Aikido Shusekai community.
We are grateful to be a part of the Aikido Shusekai community.
Monika
Jan 28, 2014
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I have been a student for 3 years. This is a great community of engaged, interesting people who are looking out for each other's learning and growth- I feel like I've found my tribe. Nick Walker Sensei's teaching style is very welcoming to beginners, and he is always encouraging students to be curious about the next layer of insight and transformation that Aikido practice might have in store for us.
Andrew Simpson
Jan 02, 2014
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Steve T.
Jun 13, 2013
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Aikido is great, and the teaching at Shusekai is excellent. Nick Walker sensei balances the beautiful formality of Aikido with practicality, so that you really understand how and why the pieces of a technique fit together. And the mat is a fun place--there's a great combination of lightness and concentration and self-discovery that makes it easy to keep coming back. No matter what mood I'm in when I arrive at the dojo, I always feel better when I leave.
Eric Zuckerman
Jun 28, 2012
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Joy R.
Oct 06, 2011
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I decided to check out Aikido for the first time about six months ago, and the welcome, warmth, and kindness I encountered at Shusekai kept me coming back. From day one I felt allowed -- even encouraged -- to have no clue at all what I was doing. As such, my practice has deepened and improved in a most organic, delightful, and surprising way.
The basics classes I attend emphasize practice, not mastery, so I feel utterly free to take risks and try things countless different ways under the guidance of the extraordinary Nick Walker Sensei. Nick and the other teachers are wonderfully gifted in both
The basics classes I attend emphasize practice, not mastery, so I feel utterly free to take risks and try things countless different ways under the guidance of the extraordinary Nick Walker Sensei. Nick and the other teachers are wonderfully gifted in both
Andrew R.
May 09, 2006
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