Iwama Aikido's founder Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was born at the very end of the Samurai era; by 1952 he had created from its traditional Samurai systems "Iwama Aikido" (the world's strongest Aikido). By accepting Budo culture, Japan's martial etiquette, you can master this martial art. To do so, you must be led through the open handed, sword and staff foundation techniques with precision as only "perfect practice makes perfect."
When you repeat practice a foundation technique slowly, calmly and perfectly, you are creating a neuron loop covered with myelin - a perfect technique! Our studio provides people a safe and friendly place to learn self-defense. It is a non-competitive and non-judgmental place for people to exercise, build confidence and create friendships.
When you repeat practice a foundation technique slowly, calmly and perfectly, you are creating a neuron loop covered with myelin - a perfect technique! Our studio provides people a safe and friendly place to learn self-defense. It is a non-competitive and non-judgmental place for people to exercise, build confidence and create friendships.
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Being an absolute beginner is an absolutely great way to stay sharp and strong. Several adult students began martial arts training in their 40s, 50s and beyond. With consistent and regular practice, they mastered new skills, and some have even earned their black belt in Aikido.
In addition to building resilience and physical strength, learning a martial art such as Aikido fosters mental agility, it can help improve memory, increase focus, and sharpen the mind.Up to the mid-1990s, it was believed that brain cells died over time, never to be replaced. But medical research has proven otherwise, the brain remains plastic throughout life and can rewire itself in response to our experiences.
In addition to building resilience and physical strength, learning a martial art such as Aikido fosters mental agility, it can help improve memory, increase focus, and sharpen the mind.Up to the mid-1990s, it was believed that brain cells died over time, never to be replaced. But medical research has proven otherwise, the brain remains plastic throughout life and can rewire itself in response to our experiences.
Children and smaller people do not possess the physical attributes to defend against larger and stronger attackers. The Aikido founder developed Iwama Aikido by modifying techniques that he learned from Aiki Jiu Jitsu and other traditional Japanese martial arts; he reduced the amount of strain, power and explosiveness necessary to make techniques work by incorporating more leverage, timing and efficiency.
Our studio is the perfect space for any type of gathering. Whether it's a corporate, family, or social event amongst friends, our space is a great environment for gathering. We have everything you need with tables and chairs, with tons of catering options available within walking distance, Downtown San Mateo!
Reviews (19)
Joy H.
Dec 02, 2021
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Philip L.
Nov 10, 2020
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Our kid really looks forward to the classes here. Because of COVID he's actually done all of them remote (via computer hooked up to TV) and learned an impressive amount.
We've also been to the dojo a few times for a belt ceremony and to pick up a few things, and the facility looks great too.
We love the concept of Aikido (defense only, redirecting energy, etc) which stands out compared to other martial arts.
Sensei is great with kids and takes the time to provide individual feedback in a group lesson. We love it here!
We've also been to the dojo a few times for a belt ceremony and to pick up a few things, and the facility looks great too.
We love the concept of Aikido (defense only, redirecting energy, etc) which stands out compared to other martial arts.
Sensei is great with kids and takes the time to provide individual feedback in a group lesson. We love it here!
Anton Matosov
Jun 23, 2020
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Very clean and safe place to practice Aikido.
Great and respectful teachers with attention to details.
Sensei is passionate about Aikido and knows how to work with kids and adults. He sees level of every student well, and provides continuous feedback to them during training. This helps every student to practice at their ability and grow their skills as fast as they can.
This dojo is very spacious. This allows students to practice at a safe distance during pandemic.
Highly recommend to everyone.
Great and respectful teachers with attention to details.
Sensei is passionate about Aikido and knows how to work with kids and adults. He sees level of every student well, and provides continuous feedback to them during training. This helps every student to practice at their ability and grow their skills as fast as they can.
This dojo is very spacious. This allows students to practice at a safe distance during pandemic.
Highly recommend to everyone.
Vy N.
May 22, 2020
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I've been a student at Aikido By The Bay for a little over a year now. Really enjoy the classes, my health and mind have definitely benefited from Aikido. Sensei Daniel has a dynamic and engaging way of teaching that just makes the art fun and worthwhile. The teammates are wonderful as well, everyone is very friendly, relaxed but also dedicated to the dojo. I'm happy that I discovered Aikido By the Bay, would definitely recommend to anyone interested in martial arts.
Tina P.
Feb 18, 2020
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Prior to attending Aikido class here, my son had challenges in many areas such as: social skills, focus, body regulation and confidence.
After only a few months we began to see a noticeable improvement in all these areas. In fact, our son's Kindergarten teacher reported he was much more calm, focused, self assured and respectful in class. His Occupational Therapist reported incredible progress in his body strength, coordination and balance.
My husband and I are beyond grateful for the incredibly talented teachers at this dojo!
After only a few months we began to see a noticeable improvement in all these areas. In fact, our son's Kindergarten teacher reported he was much more calm, focused, self assured and respectful in class. His Occupational Therapist reported incredible progress in his body strength, coordination and balance.
My husband and I are beyond grateful for the incredibly talented teachers at this dojo!
Michael B.
Dec 19, 2019
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Aikido By The Bay Dojo is close to the freeway travel is convenient for my lessons. The committed instructor at Aikido By The Bay provides "excellent" training for me and all students. I receive thorough to the point lessons, covering meaningful useful training development and variations.
Lots of good things to be said about Aikido By The Bay Aikido Instructor and his Aikido Dojo.
Give it at least a year, you'll thank yourself and you'll train for years to come...
Lots of good things to be said about Aikido By The Bay Aikido Instructor and his Aikido Dojo.
Give it at least a year, you'll thank yourself and you'll train for years to come...
Tasos K.
Dec 18, 2019
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Barret Lippey
Nov 29, 2019
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I’ve practiced Aikido off and on at four dojos over the past 37 years and have never before seen such an effective and caring Aikido teacher. Daniel-sensei, along with help from his senior students, has created a dojo that encourages all types of people to explore and develop with a safe, family-like atmosphere. It doesn’t matter if you’re 7 or 70, an athlete or a couch potato, Aikido by the Bay is a welcoming environment for everybody. As an example, my daughter tried Aikido for the first time recently and really had a blast. She was talking about it for days afterwards and making plans
Tara C.
Nov 20, 2019
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Orit Shilon
Sep 25, 2019
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My two daughters and I have been training with Daniel Brasse since 2013. He's a passionate, gifted and charismatic instructor. The place has a warm, friendly, family-like atmosphere for both kids and adult classes. Without being competitive or aggressive Aikido has boosted my daughters' self confidence and awareness. The adult classes are great for all ages (our newest member is 70yo) and backgrounds (I danced ballet for 26 years), no previous martial arts experience required. Aikido has something for everyone - self-defence skills, physical fitness, self-confidence, self-awareness, and more -
Marcel Barraza
Jul 20, 2019
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Yoichi H.
Jul 10, 2019
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I was supposed to just try this Aikido by the bay and was going to check another dojo for Karate class. But I came here at first and decided I don't need to go other places. You can learn many things not only Aikido but also other too. For JAPANESE police men, Judo, Kendo are mandatory. You can learn better essence of both by Aikido. Let's join us.
Michel Vidal-Naquet
Jul 03, 2019
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Mike L.
Jun 06, 2019
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This is an excellent Aikido school with a strong emphasis on technically correct technique and safety. New students are welcomed regardless of prior martial arts experience, age, gender, or fitness level. The teacher here is skilled at making the lessons relevant for each student and the other students at the school leave their ego at the door.
Kevin K.
May 30, 2019
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I've been involved with martial arts most of my life. I am now 60, but still on my bucket list is Aikidō. This dōjō is near where I live, so the first place to check out even if convenient commute should not be a decisive factor. I found the Iwama style to be of my liking. But even more compelling was the Sensei. Brasse-sensei is cordial, intelligent, and very well-versed in the art at hand. I decided to look no further, and after my first month of training found this to the right decision. The frequency of classes is also a big plus, making it quite easy to fit to almost any schedule.
Sebastian S.
May 10, 2019
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I've trained Karate, Ninjutsu and tried different styles of Aikido.
I decided to stick with Iwama Aikido, and particularly with this dojo.
Daniel Brasse Sensei is deeply committed to his students' growth and development.
His teaching strikes a wonderful balance between tradition, form and emphasizing the spiritual essence of Aikido with effectiveness and applicability.
The sheer amount of classes available is amazing and accommodates even the busiest times.
The atmosphere in the dojo is always cordial, focused, and sincere.
The Aikido by the Bay community has become part of my chosen
I decided to stick with Iwama Aikido, and particularly with this dojo.
Daniel Brasse Sensei is deeply committed to his students' growth and development.
His teaching strikes a wonderful balance between tradition, form and emphasizing the spiritual essence of Aikido with effectiveness and applicability.
The sheer amount of classes available is amazing and accommodates even the busiest times.
The atmosphere in the dojo is always cordial, focused, and sincere.
The Aikido by the Bay community has become part of my chosen
Pavel
Jun 21, 2018
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I simply love this place - and I barely put 5 stars in my reviews.
I was hesitant to start at the middle age and was impressed by the warmth atmosphere. Daniel Sensei has a unique mix of professionalism (in fact, he came from a corporate world) and a great personality. He attracted a crowd of black belts who help to teach and do their best to accommodate new people. That is why I think this place is especially good for new comers.
Besides classical martial arts Aikido, Daniel also teaches the self defense classes (like the one he gave to my daughter through girl scouts) and the real world core
I was hesitant to start at the middle age and was impressed by the warmth atmosphere. Daniel Sensei has a unique mix of professionalism (in fact, he came from a corporate world) and a great personality. He attracted a crowd of black belts who help to teach and do their best to accommodate new people. That is why I think this place is especially good for new comers.
Besides classical martial arts Aikido, Daniel also teaches the self defense classes (like the one he gave to my daughter through girl scouts) and the real world core
Leslie C.
Apr 27, 2014
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My husband and I have been training in Aikido for 11years. We are very happy with the training that Sensei Daniel Brasse provides at Aikido By The Bay. He always incorporates real world situations into our training, which I find to be very useful and what sets Aikido By The Bay apart from other martial art schools.
Angie K.
Apr 14, 2014
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My 8 year daughter and I have been part of Aikido by the Bay for about 10 months now. We have found it to be very rewarding thus far. Brasse Sensei is an amazing teacher that has the perfect blend of power, grace, and patience. We both have enjoyed learning the art of Aikido and all the perks that come with it including exercise and getting to know a wonderful group of people. We highly recommend Aikido by the Bay!!!
