Orange County Aiki Kai Aikido

My daughter joined Aiki Kai Aikido less than three months ago. She has really enjoyed her training experience and interaction with the instructors, The instructors are genuinely interested in the children and their experience, and they all have a calm and positive manner in which they teach the children’s classes. She has participated in classes with most if not all of the instructors, and has had a very consistent excellent experience. The instructors cover skill building in the children’s class that is easily applicable to everyday life: how to maintain focus; how to not be overly impacted by someone else’s negative energy; how to improve the ability to observe surroundings; how to live with a sense of stewardship towards others and a responsibility to the community.
The instructors have consistently checked in with my husband and me to obtain feedback on our daughter’s experience in her early months at the dojo.
My husband and I both have a significant amount of martial arts experience, both as students and as instructors. I highly recommend Aiki Kai Aikido to anyone who is looking for a safe and fun environment for their children to build physical and mental/​emotional skills.

If your gay, lesbian, or Transgendered, then Orange County Bigget Aikido is not for you! I am a former Aikido Student that happens to be a male to female pre-​op Transsexual, I was training at their other dojo on Grand Ave in Santa ana for a year. One of the so called Aikido Masters Mohammad took it upon himself to choke me during class, so after class I called the unfriendly Santa ana police, which did nothing at all to help me or arrest Mohammad for hurting me for no reason, other than me being different-Transgendred!So now all I can do is warn other people about this school. They act really nice, but behind the nice guys act, their really scum baggs and heartless.

Perhaps the bar was set very high when studying at the NY Aikikai, but I found the several classes I attended lacking effective technical expertise and the curriculum scattered. The budo was very light.
There are 4^th kyu level students teaching improper technique to other students… very dangerous. I hate to say all this stuff about it, because I believe Aikido means different things to different people, however, I feel it’s my duty to inform students serious about studying aikido as o’sensei taught it to decide for themselves.
If you’re looking to get a little work out, then it may be ok, but there is too much talking, philosophy for my tastes. I’m going to try several other dojos to see what the training is like.

Solid dojo. Good instructors. Great kids program

The greatest place to get tossed around by your friends and family, while learning a traditional martial art at the same time.

I practiced at this dojo for many years. The instructors are very helpful and dedicated. They corrected my posture so I don’t get injured. I learned not only the move but also the Aikido principles. The Aikido principles help me greatly. I applied them at work. I don’t like some of my coworkers but I must work with them in a harmony way. I am so glad I found this place and learn the Aikido.

Even though I had to stop attending classes, I am recommending this dojo because of the great instructors and atmosphere at the school. Even though I was a large, unflexable beginner, they patiently worked with me and I actually learned a lot! Thanks to OC Aiki Kai!

I came here after 14 years of studying two styles of Kempo and 5 – 6 years of studying Jeet Kune Do Concepts. I was very skeptical about Aikido but had read great things about the school. It was a difficult transition and still is because my background is so much different from the philosophy of Aikido. The teachers were very respectful of my background and very helpful in getting me acclimated to this very new style of training. I was shocked by how everybody was so friendly and helpful. Nobody seemed to have a chip on their shoulder or was looking for a fight. Just a common love and respect for the arts and each other. Despite numerous injuries I have encountered since joining this school. I intend on being a lifetime member and hopefully getting my Shodan in the coming years.
Also it’s the best value for your money of any martial arts school I have found. Classes 7 days a week!
As for Maria’s review on here. I had many classes with her or him. I wasn’t their the night you were kicked out of the school or claim this incident happened. However, when I was in class with you. You were rude, angry, and always tried to argue with your training partners and teachers. You smoked a few times in your Gi outside of the school. You were far from the ideal student.

Aikido changed my life, and helped me looking to everything around me in different way.

If you are looking for a quality martial arts school then look no further!
Quality instructors who have been practicing the art for decades and genuinely care about students and their success both on and off the mat.
Its a non-​profit organization which was a big draw for me… there are just too many commercialized dojos around that are insanely expensive and only care about money rather than passing the art on to others. This place is the exception. The instructors are not paid, they volunteer because of their love for the art.
Teaching is done to each individual’s level and the instruction is top notch, everyone can learn and do well here!
If you are looking for a traditional martials arts school with great instructors, a fun and cohesive feel, and a genuine love for the art then look no further… you have found THE place in the OC