Aikido is a powerful defensive Japanese martial art of joint locks, throws, and pins, emphasizing blending with your opponent's energy, and non-violent conflict resolution. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in the early to mid 1900's in Japan. Although Aikido movements are soft, rational, and smooth in nature, by applying a bit of force these can become devastatingly effective.
The philosophy and gentle quality of Aikido make it appealing to men, women, and children regardless of size, while its power makes it an effective martial art. It unifies the mind, body, and spirit, and exemplifies non-violent connections to others and harmonious resolutions to conflicts.
The philosophy and gentle quality of Aikido make it appealing to men, women, and children regardless of size, while its power makes it an effective martial art. It unifies the mind, body, and spirit, and exemplifies non-violent connections to others and harmonious resolutions to conflicts.
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Jiai Aikido was founded in 2003, and is affiliated with Aikido Shimbokukai which is an Officially Recognized Organization by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. After encouragement from Ikeda Shihan, Jiai Aikido was founded by one of his long time students, Jeff Sodeman Sensei, in 2003.
I started Aikido at Jiai in 2007 under Jeff Sodeman Sensei. The dojo let us explore Aikido without boundaries, visit other dojos, and cross train other arts. Classes were fun, tough but safe, and the dojo was welcoming. O'Sensei's philosophy of harmonious resolutions to conflict was an idea I never heard, and needed.
In this class fundamental technique, principles, terminology, and etiquette are covered, providing the perfect foundation to enter the next level of learning. Class is open to beginners as well as those with experience. Get in touch with questions or to learn more. This class is for all level students from very beginner to the most advanced.
Jiai Aikido was founded in 2003, and is affiliated with Aikido Shimbokukai which is an Officially Recognized Organization by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. The first, the main dojo, is located in the Bay Park area, off of Morena Boulevard, at 980 Buenos Avenue.
Reviews (17)
Matt Pettit
Jun 14, 2021
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Matthew Smith
Dec 11, 2019
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Crowwing
Oct 26, 2019
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A. T.
Sep 13, 2019
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This place is amazing!
The dojo itself is very clean and huge!
I have trained for about five months and all of the instructors are extremely knowledgeable, very patient and definitely have a passion to share their knowledge. Strada Sensei, Tomoleoni Sensei, and Liu Sensei have been my instructors and I couldn't be more pleased. In fact, I wanted to brag about how awesome they are and that's why you see 5 stars.
That's all the time I have for a Yelp Review today :)
The dojo itself is very clean and huge!
I have trained for about five months and all of the instructors are extremely knowledgeable, very patient and definitely have a passion to share their knowledge. Strada Sensei, Tomoleoni Sensei, and Liu Sensei have been my instructors and I couldn't be more pleased. In fact, I wanted to brag about how awesome they are and that's why you see 5 stars.
That's all the time I have for a Yelp Review today :)
Aejin H.
Jun 13, 2019
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Took a taiko class here (held Sundays check-in @ 6:15pm and class: 6:30pm - 7:45pm).
$15/ class
$13 if you bring a friend
Everyone was friendly and respectful and the course was fun!
You have to show respect the dojo by bowing to the picture on the wall upon entering/leaving the mat and leave your shoes by the mudroom.
$15/ class
$13 if you bring a friend
Everyone was friendly and respectful and the course was fun!
You have to show respect the dojo by bowing to the picture on the wall upon entering/leaving the mat and leave your shoes by the mudroom.
Eric Scholz
Jun 03, 2019
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Scott Wofford
Jun 02, 2019
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Love this place. I am from Houston, but have had the wonderful opportunity to visit this dojo on a couple of occasions. As a regular traveler and active martial artist, I frequently visit other dojo’s. This has always been one of the best and most welcoming groups I have visited! You must come and visit Cat Strada and the family. I say family because that is exactly how they make you feel.
Chad Prey
Dec 06, 2017
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The teachers are of the highest caliber. Jiai brings in guest instructors and travels to other dojo around the area. The training is diverse with lots of class time options for all skill levels. They've built a community around martial arts which is non-threatening and seriously fun. It's a challenge and the things you learn are applicable to your day to day life.
Gaia M.
Nov 27, 2014
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I have trained at many aikido schools over the last 18 years and Jiai is among the best. With several high level instructors who teach regularly and guest instructors as well, students get a wide variety of perspectives and styles, yet the teaching team is also careful to make sure beginners get the basics down. The atmosphere is friendly, serious but fun. I drive all the way from Orange County once a week to train here because I prefer it to any dojos closer by. Please come and it give it a try - we'd love to have you!
Don W.
Nov 25, 2014
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I have been training at Jiai for a year now. It's hard to give as good a review as I would like without sounding like I'm the owner, but it really is the best dojo I've trained at in my highly interrupted twenty year Aikido career.
There are many highly ranked sensei / sempais who are only too happy to instruct and help improve technique, both as nage and uke. The emphasis is on effective technique over form, which ultimately leads to good form.
Best of all, it is a fantastic group of students of all levels. Very friendly atmosphere, great camaraderie.
Come learn and play!
There are many highly ranked sensei / sempais who are only too happy to instruct and help improve technique, both as nage and uke. The emphasis is on effective technique over form, which ultimately leads to good form.
Best of all, it is a fantastic group of students of all levels. Very friendly atmosphere, great camaraderie.
Come learn and play!
Steve Jasz
Sep 24, 2012
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Frank R.
Jun 05, 2012
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Since last posting, I would like to add that I have seen several beginners start to train with us from the point of having zero experience with martial arts, having no idea how to roll or move out of the way of an attack coming their way. I have seen them progress fairly quickly to being able to play with moving around the vectors of an attacker's force, getting out of its path, and bringing the attacker to the ground while being calm and focused. And those same people who when they started could not fall down without collapsing on the mat now roll as smoothly as human scaled beach balls.
Wanda B.
May 07, 2012
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I am new to marital arts and have been training at this studio for about 3 months. I love it here. The people are all very helpful and there are no huge egos to deal with. Everyone is there to work and train. The instructors are helpful, professional and very knowledgable.
If you are considering training in Aikido, please come and visit us, we would love to train with you.
If you are considering training in Aikido, please come and visit us, we would love to train with you.
Edeline F.
Apr 22, 2012
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I have been training at Jiai since early 2010 and really appreciate the friendly, energetic community at this dojo along with the big open mat. I have been practicing Aikido for over a decade and I have never seen such a generous package for beginners: they get 2 free privates with top students along with a couple of months of all the classes they want! Onegaeshimasu!
Doc A.
Jun 25, 2011
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This is a big dojo compared to many others I've seen. It features two clean restrooms, large changing rooms for men and women, and classes offered 7 days a week. Its located near freeways for easy access and close to several eateries for after workout snacks. It is a great facility with several really good instructors.
Rudy L.
May 27, 2011
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Been training at this Dojo for the last 2 years have learned not only a martial art but also ways to manage myself during stressful situations.
At Jiai I was Introduced to Systema, a Russian martial art that merges perfectly with my aikido training as it offers a very practical and efficient way of dealing with conflict.
Every one is great and very willing to help you grow, their is not a day I don't learn something new.
I would definitely recommend it for anyone with an interest in learning a martial art.
At Jiai I was Introduced to Systema, a Russian martial art that merges perfectly with my aikido training as it offers a very practical and efficient way of dealing with conflict.
Every one is great and very willing to help you grow, their is not a day I don't learn something new.
I would definitely recommend it for anyone with an interest in learning a martial art.
Van H.
May 18, 2011
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