Insider Pages Reviews for Brooklyn Aikikai: Aikido Dojo

5 Stars: An inspiring dojo (by Vivian L.)

Vivian L. — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:57:00 GMT

I've been training at Brooklyn Aikikai for about 3 months now. I used to practice Aikido ten years ago during my undergrad years. I have always missed the training and am glad to finally return to it. Finding a great Sensei and wonderful dojo here makes it truly inspiring for me return to this art form.

Aikido is not about hard force and big muscle, which makes it very appealing for a petite girl like myself. It is about channeling the energy that is directed at you so that you will not get hurt by that force. More importantly, it is a good way to train in aligning one's mind, body and spirit, to focus. This is what makes it a great practice where one not only trains the body, but also the sharpness in the mind.

Savoca Sensei is a great instructor and the dojo has a very strong supportive and positive community. While training can be tough, it is always rewarding. Savoca Sensei and his wife who runs the dojo maintain the dojo with dedication and passion, which is very inspiring.

I would strongly recommend anyone interested in Aikido or any form of physical training to come by Brooklyn Aikikai to observe a class and check it out for yourself. :)

5 Stars: A Challenging But Rewarding Practice (by Jenny C.)

Jenny C. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:45:00 GMT

For all of the people out there who think that a martial arts practice is not for them, please reconsider! Stop searching for gyms and trainers and stop spending time on monotonous workouts. Consider a deeper commitment to a more meaningful practice.

I never had any interest in a martial art and certainly never expected to find myself so engrossed and intrigued by the practice of Aikido. I did not know that there is, indeed, a place for the particular strength of women in a martial arts practice. Aikido deemphasizes muscular strength and focuses on momentum, body mechanics and the power of your center. I am a busy young mother but I rely on Aikido to maintain my strength and energy. I have now been training for over a year and I find myself feeling grateful to have found a practice that is so engaging, a teacher so dedicated and a community so supportive and encouraging.

I would recommend Brooklyn Aikikai to anyone searching for a practice that is more challenging, rewarding and meaningful than what they have experienced before. Join Brooklyn Aikikai and you will come to know it as a very special and unique place and will value learning this art under Savoca Sensei.

5 Stars: Life Changing (by Justin C.)

Justin C. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:48:00 GMT

Brooklyn Aikikai is an oasis is this hectic city. With so many distractions in New York training at this dojo gives me the opportunity to face myself. Through dedicated and sincere training, Savoca Sensei pushes us to expand our awareness and encourages our growth. The entire community is open and giving and everyone looks out for each other. Training at Brooklyn Aikikai has changed my life.

5 Stars: Brooklyn Aikikai (by Dave L.)

Dave L. — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:15:00 GMT

My perception of Brooklyn Aikikai is I think heavily colored by experiences at the other dojos I have trained at which is around 5 or 6 in both the US and UK over the last few years.

Based on these experiences I think Brooklyn is the most real dojo I have ever trained in. The spirit of budo which informs everything it does is very strong, the training is very focused, very martial and very true to what I know of Japanese classical Aikido style. I think thats both a good thing and a challenge however as, for beginners, this way of teaching is tough to get to grips with as its quite different from the way we are used to learning in the West little explanation and a lot of watch and copy. That said though I think its the best way of training and once you get your head round it it leads to better technique and a closer experience of what Aikido really is. I think this is the challenge many people feel with Aikido and, although its difficult, it is the most honest way to teach.

The space itself is fantastic and the atmosphere is very supportive yet serious during practice which is as it should be also. Sensei knows everyones name early on and makes you feel part of the family. There are plenty of social events (pot lucks) etc also which help with this too. In my view theres nothing that keeps you coming back to a place more than the feeling that you have real friends there and thats certainly true of Brooklyn Aikikai!

This is a really special place to discover and explore Aikido - Sensei Savoca is an incredibly dedicated and generous teacher who gives of his all every time he is with you on the mat - it isnt easy training but is immensely rewarding if you have the spirit to persevere!

Dave Lee

5 Stars: The Real Deal (by Barry B.)

Barry B. — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:42:00 GMT

I've been practicing at Brooklyn Aikikai for about 5 months now, and have found it to be a challenging experience in a very good way. The way the practice is run is what I would call "authentic". It feels like this is a serious and true honoring of the tradition; yet at the same time everyone manages a lightness. We can work hard, but we can also laugh. It is also worth noting that it's a great way to get in shape. After a month and half of classes three times a week I was in better shape then I have been in a decade (and I'm a 37 year old dancer/dance teacher).

This practice is not watered-down and can be very challenging, but Sensei and the community support you fully. We lift each other up and grow together. You're not on your own here.

5 Stars: Unique Place (by Dominic C.)

Dominic C. — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:21:00 GMT

From day one, I've loved coming to Brooklyn Aikikai. Everyone is very kind there, and Sensei Savoca really devotes and immerses himself in his craft. His work ethic is contagious and makes the dojo a wonderful place to practice Aikido, get into better shape, and simply relieve stress and help find a center in your life.

5 Stars: Great Training, Excellent Instruction, and Supportive Students (by Tom W.)

Tom W. — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:42:00 GMT

I have been training at Brooklyn Aikikai for 4 months now, and I think it is an amazing training environment. The training (aikido, zazen, and misogi chanting) is extremely challenging. Savoca Sensei is an incredible instructor. And the fellow students are very supportive (both on and off the mats).

If you are interesting in training in a martial art, studying aikido under Savoca Sensei is the way to do it. He embodies "martial", and I feel that I learn something every time I am in the dojo. Off of the mats, Savoca Sensei is approachable and friendly. He socializes with his students, and makes it very easy to be a part of the aikido community.

Training with Savoca Sensei has been a great learning experience for me. I hope you can come be a part the community.

5 Stars: Don't hesitate! (by Jonathan R.)

Jonathan R. — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:31:00 GMT

I've been training at Brooklyn Aikikai for almost four months. It was intimidating at first, especially since I've never studied a martial art. But the dojo is a very open and welcoming place. During my first few classes I was pulled aside and taught some basic techniques by a ranking student. One of the benefits of Brooklyn Aikikai is the ratio of ranking students to new ones. This allows for a very dynamic, intense learning environment. Savoca Sensei is a patient and rigorous teacher. He trains hard, the classes can be exhausting, but the benefits to one's physical and mental fitness are many. Since I've been training at Brooklyn Aikikai, I've found my level of awareness has grown and I'm more mindful in my day-to-day living.

But the dojo isn't just about Aikido training. There are Misogi and Zazen classes plus potlucks, retreats and other activities.

Each step of the way so far has been challenging but more rewarding than I could have imagined.

5 Stars: Inspirational Teacher (by Yojimbo W.)

Yojimbo W. — Mon, 21 May 2007 11:19:00 GMT

I had the honor of training at Brooklyn Aikikai with Savoca Sensei for about a year and a half. I have the utmost respect for him. His sustained dedication and commitment to Aikido and Zen training are truly inspirational. And humbling. I am always motivated by teachers who practice what they preach and whose trials far exceed my own as a student. He can be demanding, but he is also humorous and compassionate. Off the mat, Savoca Sensei is very approachable and unassuming, but on the mat... let me just say that 'awareness' and 'being present' that many talk about in martial arts, takes on a new meaning. Though it has been a few years since I trained at Brooklyn Aikikai (I moved to another state), I will always hold his teaching and the time I spent there in the highest regard.

5 Stars: Brooklyn Aikikai - Serious Aikido Training (by Barry B.)

Barry B. — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:32:00 GMT

I'm writing this review from Toronto, Canada. As a close student of Sensei T.K. Chiba, Shihan, Savoca Sensei of Brooklyn Aikikai is highly respected within the Aikido communites of The US and Canada. After seeing him at Aikido Summercamp last year, I decided I had to journey to Brooklyn Aikikai, in order to experience the Aikido there first hand.
What I found was simply awesome! Savoca Sensei and all his students train hard. It's a serious and martial dojo and the whole person is challenged to respond to a vigorous call. At the same time, the atmosphere within the dojo is warm, welcoming and supportive. One gets a real sense of community. The quality of Aikido and the depth of care that is taken to teach and transmit the essence of this japanese Martial Art - to experience this first hand defies words. Go to Brooklyn Aikikai and begin to study Aikido under Savoca Sensei's guidance....Immerse yourself, give yourself, your whole! Self. You will receive the world in return.

5 Stars: Amazing dojo!!! (by Grace R.)

Grace R. — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 11:20:00 GMT

If you are at all interested in martial arts you need to come by and check out Brooklyn Aikikai! It is a traditional, serious, rigorous training atmosphere but with a really warm and accepting community. Beginners are treated very well with a lot of individualized instruction on how to take safe falls and do foundation movements and forms. In addition to the top-notch teaching from Robert Savoca sensei, this dojo is rare in that it also offers zazen meditation, weapons training and iaido (sword drawing) classes. The weapons training of this particular style of aikido is particularly well-renowned. Also, there are excellent kids classes and even kids camps throughout the year! This has provided a vibrant, indispensable community for me since I moved to Brooklyn a few months ago.

Having access to a place like this makes you shake your head in wonder at folks who let precious time slip away in front of the tube... live your life fully!

5 Stars: truly rare and rewarding place to train...inexpensive too! (by Konrad A.)

Konrad A. — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:13:00 GMT

Brooklyn Aikikai is a very special place in that the Sensei lives in this dojo, which also offers zazen, or Japanese-style meditation. It's a very pure approach to martial arts training that's hard to find these days, the chance to learn from someone who's really devoted his life to the practice. I've also found the students a warm, fun-loving and eclectic community to be a part of.

Aikido is best known as "the martial art where you use the attacker's force against him/her." It's a modern embodiment of the Japanese martial arts which encompass judo, the samurai fighting arts, and zen. Japanese weapons training (sword and "jyo," which is a kind of staff/spear) is also offered to students when the teacher feels they're ready.

My "fitness history": For almost a decade I used to go to the gym, lift weights. I trained in Tae Kwon Do with an amazing teacher in Astoria for three years and competed at a few tournaments. I moved to Harlem and realized I'd gone as far as I wanted to with TKD.

By 2005 I had lost all motivation to lift weights up and down to pump up my muscles and to exert myself aimlessly in hamster machines in order to elevate my heart rate...I was looking for a martial arts practice, but one where my mind and body would be engaged for a purpose beyond sheer competition (and also not have to get injured all the time). And I simply Brooklyn Aikikai when I was walking around Park Slope/Gowanus. I quit my gym and after a year and a half I'm in great shape and am very happy to train there as much as I can.

If you've ever thought there's value to martial arts that are infused with a spiritual discipline, you owe it to yourself to have first-hand experience of it at some point in your life.It'll also definitely keep you in shape and give you a chance to develop ways of dealing with other people's physical aggression. It's rigorous training, - you don't just engage with air but with people - but it's not some sadistic, macho slugfest. The two most senior students there are women.

And at $115 a month for unlimited classes (and discounts for 6 months and a year), I don't know how you could do better.

5 Stars: Life Changing! (by nicole B.)

nicole B. — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 13:33:00 GMT

The first time I ever removed my shoes to step foot in Brooklyn Aikikai, I recognized what a sacred space it was. In the spirit of traditional Japanese culture, Savoca Sensei emphasizes mindfulness, grounded in ancient ritual and deep tradition.
I was completely awe struck the first time I watched a class there. Seeing energy being thrown around with such elegance, precision and severity was quite intimidating at first (and still can be at times!) But, I decided to face the challenge and joined the dojo about a year ago. Before Aikido, I was never one to stick to a regular exercise routine, but I now I am totally hooked and in the best shape I have ever been in! I am amazed not only in the change of my body, but also in my ability to harness and balance my own energy on the mat and in other areas of my life.
Brooklyn Aikikai's schedule is very convenient and they offer a full range of classes from Aikido, to weapons training and they seem to have great kids' classes too. Zazen and Misogi chanting sessions are also held.
I am so happy to be part of such a great community and will forever be grateful that my path lead me to Brooklyn Aikikai.

5 Stars: The Real Thing (by rei r.)

rei r. — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:39:00 GMT

If you are looking for a true practice, this is the place. Brooklyn Aikikai is a traditional dojo that offers serious and precise aikido training, weapons training and also zazen (open to anyone!). This dojo will get you into shape physically, but training here is for the mind and spirit as well as the body. You will be surprised at what you can do! If I am making it sound very "Japanese," it is, but it is also a warm community with good people who care about their training and each other. Kids classes and spring and summer camps for kids, as well as training for adults. Check it out!