Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Hi all! This is a great community that I'm happy to be a part of. I'm 36 and have a 9 month-old-baby, and I'm looking to get back into martial arts after a long layoff. I did some Shotokan and TKD in college, but I keep coming back to a basic fascination with Aikido.

I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on schools here? I'm actually in Marietta if that makes a difference. I've seen a few listed on the Atlanta Martial Arts directory, but it's hard to know who's for real. I'm looking for a school that offers serious, top-notch instruction but that is also welcoming. I have a real pet peeve about "belt factories" and "Rex Kwon Do" schools, though I really see MUCH less of that in Aikido for some reason.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. Thanks!
Eric

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Roswell Budokan.
I'll watch for you.

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Hi Eric,

Welcome to AikiWeb.

-- Jun

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

How will you know it's him?;)

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

LOL
He'll be the one asking where the old man is.
LOL

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Haha - that old saying about people in glass houses not throwing stones may apply here, so I'll refrain from asking for the old man!! LOL

Thanks for the response though - I've seen their website. Can you tell me what the significance of "Yushinkan" is in their name? Yes.... I'm an Aikido newbie.. :o

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

...sorry, make that "Kyushinkan"....

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Roswell Budokan is the over all name of the school.
Kyushinkan represents the Aikido Dojo.
AWA affiliation Sensei Andy Santo. Aikikai connected.
Paul is Aikikai, Dave is Ki-Society, and weapons follows the Iwama-ryu curriculum.
There is also an Iaido class.
Classes everyday, even some 6:30 AM on Tuesday and Thursday.
Students are respectful, welcoming, and train hard.
They accepted me in January.
I have nothing but respect and fondness for these people.
Show up and train.
Decide for yourself.
Hope to see you there.

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Thank you sir!

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

I know the feeling. I have no experience with the other schools listed, but I would add the Emory ASU group to the list,; they practice at the Woodruff athletic center on the campus. Jon Reading and Mike Magno teach there. A very good and welcoming group.

Schedule here: http://www.emoryaikikai.com/sched.html

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

I believe there is a school in Marietta, check the Dojo Search engine on this site. If it is the one I am thinking of the instructor's last name is Kelly he is affiliated with Suenaka. I believe he teaches at the "Y".

If you are willing to drive you can check out the classes at www.atlantaaikido.com in the Perimeter area (I-285 and I-400).

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Thanks! I actually used to be a member of the Concourse gym but let it lapse... :grr: So I already know where it is! LOL.

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

I am going to add my vote for Emory Aikikai with Michael Magno and Jon Reading Sensei's. I was fortunate to train with them for a little while and both got their instruction from some very incredible Sensei's. They are most certainly not a "belt" factor or a Rex Kwon Do school. They are associated with the Aikido schools of Ueshiba (ASU at www.asu.org). I lived up in Symrna when I was training at Emory. Everyone there is extremely welcoming. They do have a website and you can get to it by going to the asu.org site and looking up dojo Index. Hope that helps

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

John - thanks for that. My wife works at Emory, so it is appealing. I'm taking a bit of Kenpo soon and really want to delve deeply into Aikido - I have a couple more schools to check out and I will definitely look at Emory. Thanks for your time!

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Eric good thing to shop around, when you shop I would also go and see about trying out a class or two or three before you decide. Talk with the sensei's I know Jon Reading Sensei is on these boards and writes quite a few things about Aikido that are posted on their website. Happy Hunting and welcome to the Aikido family

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Here are some good articles on selecting a dojo.

http://www.aikiweb.com/training/akiy7.html

http://www.aikiweb.com/training/witt1.html

Bronson

p.s. I can't speak for any of the schools in your area, but I'd really like to train with Lynn some day :D

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

I had the pleasure of training with Lynn for an all too brief moment at an Ikeda sensei seminar. I would definitely like to train more with him.:D

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Yes, I want to get up to Roswell Budokan - it's a little far from me, but I want to see it and meet the people. Sounds like a great place that may be worth the drive.
Anyone know anything about the Dogwood Aikikai? It's not too far from me, but I haven't been down there yet. Thanks!

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Yes, I do. My dojo has a close connection with Dogwood Aikikai, not just because we are the same affiliation either. Their folks often come down for seminars and they are a great group of people. And our Sensei know each other pretty well.

They're aikido is great, too. Blue Spruell is one of the head instructors there and has a strong weapons background (4th dan Iaido). During this past Winter Camp, I took a weapons class he taught and I was very impressed. He gave good instruction and really understood the purpose behind the movements.

Please go there and check them out and tell them one of Sensei Peter's students from Florida Aikikai recommended them.

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Thanks SO much for the info! I love this place! :D

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Eric,

We're having an open house at Roswell Budokan on Saturday if you want to check it out. Please feel welcome.

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Oh great! I was on your website yesterday but I don't recall seeing anything about it - do you have any details on time, etc? Thanks!

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

Me me! Emory Aikikai is the best. Seriously, you are welcome to stop by class.

Re: Hello from Atlanta! Any advice on Aikido schools here?
 

I tried giving you all a plug Reading Sensei.....I really did. :) How you doing? Congrats on Nidan. I know its been a little while, but I haven't been in Atlanta for a little over a year now, back down in Auburn. Good to see you on here.

John