Aikido of South Florida

The first time I attended the school I was in 2008. I kept attending on and off (my schedule and life priorities permitting) until 2016.

During that time, I asked Stephanie Sensei if it was ok for me to perform my prayers in the mens changing room prior to class. I used to either be coming from work or commute from FIU before class and this was my only time for the sunset prayer. Sensei flat out rejected me saying she felt it might bother the other students. It never crossed my mind that she would object but that she might offer a better spot for the prayers.

(Btw, we are talking about something that would take no more than five minutes to perform.)

Up until before that time, Jose-sempai, the 2nd highest ranking student and dojo manager would randomly imitate the Muslim call to prayer out loud in front of me and anyone else available there totally unprovoked and unprompted. It weirded me out at first but I just thought it was his way of being friendly. This was what prompted me to ask Sensei. Now I see it was just his way of making fun of me. He continued doing his crude imitations in front of me and other students even after Sensei rejected my request.

This place is ripe for rekindling your anxieties in all kind of bad ways and getting little closure or validation in return. You will soon be made aware that nothing you do is good enough in that space.

Avoid if you value your health.

Aikido of South Florida is a great place for training, discipline, and mastery. Over the past few months, I have learned numerous efficient defense mechanisms that could potentially aid me if needed in an urgent situation.
But I would like to start off this review by saying that I think Aikido is not much of a sport for me. I am impatient and emotional, and Aikido is a sport that needs rigorous discipline, repetitions, and training. I like to perform things that come naturally to me, whether it be artistic expression or running. While donning my Gi in the changing room, I am always nervous for the practice ahead of me. I am always embarrassed at my lack of ability to learn quickly. I don't like people staring at me when something is being explained to me. However, what every practice session shares is that I leave feeling satisfied that I came. Even if I rolled wrong and clocked myself on the head, held my Jo wrong, etc, I learned something that day. And it will aid me in further training sessions.
The instructors are incredibly patient and Sensei always challenges everyone to work hard. She is no doubt an amazing teacher at the art of Aikido. My fellow classmates are a joy to be around.
Pertaining to instruction, the attack or move is displayed, and then we practice that move with each other. The environment while in practice is very neutral and comforting; there are fans lining the wall and floor to cool you off. The shomen at the head of the dojo is beautifully decorated, and incense is burned there during training. The mat that is practiced on is nice and wide. It is swept after every practice to eliminate hairs or dust. I have seen no effect on my mental state or home life other than the fact that I am eager to have a sport I can be dedicated to. It gives me an excuse to work out rather than lounging around all week.
In sum, Aikido of South Florida is a great environment to join as long as you are willing to have the patience for the sport. And I hope that those who join will find great enjoyment in it.

I could never get my feeting right, with sensi Stephanie yelling your other right feet Brian, but it was some of the best training of disciple, ettiquitte, you can get martial art training. I so miss her training and highly interested this school

Amazing place, great teachers and the kids learn discipline & character for there future. Guidance and Concentration which helps in school, along with self defense.

Best of the best schools around Hollywood.

I was looking for an after school program for my daughter, and with much research decided to join Aikido of South Florida based on the high reviews and supportive feedback. I’m so glad I did! Four months down the line, I’ve significantly noticed my daughter applying the discipline she has learned in the dojo to her daily life. She properly folds her gi (uniform) and clothes, she’s more focused and no longer struggles with me or at school in completing her responsibilities of doing homework, as they complete it all before I pick her up, and her chores! I also love the fact that they also teach yoga, meditation and core classes too!

Aikido of South Florida, Sensei Stephanie Yap and Senpai Jose are exceptional! The dojo is always pristine, and the quality of instruction superb. My oldest son (8 yrs old) has been going there for almost 2 years now and loves it, and we have even started my little one (4 years old) there as well. The level of respect and discipline instilled in my sons is incredible. Both of my children can lose focus quite easily; however, Sensei and Senpai are always able to keep them engaged, focused and completely involved in the lessons. The classes have also greatly improved my sons physical fitness. My boys have always been thin but they are now gaining muscle definition and improved coordination skills. All in all Aikido of South Florida is an amazing place to help children (and adults) learn Aikido as well as discipline, respect and self confidence. I have and will continue to recommend them to all who are looking to learn a martial art.

This dojo is the most amazing dojo ever i trained her for about 7 years and now im 13 and i have my brown belt the sensei at this dojo is amazing as well i recommend to go here.has the best classes for adults and kids