Aikido Westchester NY

My 7 yr old son has taken classes here for two years, so I have a good idea of what they do here (haven't just watched one class). After observing two other martial arts schools and getting pressured into contracts before taking one class, we came here. I liked the aikido philosophy of non-violence, and using your opponent's energy against himself that I read about on the website, but I wanted to watch a class to see how it got put into practice.\r \r I appreciated the class right away because as an educator I could see the sensei clearly had an understanding of children and their development. (Trying to fit youngsters into an adult model of ""discipline"" is just counderproductive, BTW! If you don't have developmentally appropriate learning you don't have anything.). My son on the other hand just felt relaxed and comfortable right away, and wanted to jump into the class. Two years later the class still stimulates and challenges him in a relaxed and supportive environment.\r \r There is exercise before and after the class to warm up and focus energy. Fun games are used to train the children to be alert in all directions, to stop suddenly, to lower their center of gravity for stability, to develop strength and fitness, to cultivate spatial orientation, and so on, before and after class. The classes are small and the teacher and assistants work one-on-one with children to teach them the ""moves."" A lot of verbal direction is lost on under 8's, and the teacher's recognize this and teach more by example to the younger ones. However I've seen the teachers work well with children of all ages and levels, and are super encouraging, but not in a fake way. Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. The focus is really on improvement and each child doing their best, not on achieving stripes or belts or certificates.\r \r I have occasionally seen one or two fried older kids come into class at the end of the day and act out a little, but I've always been impressed with the Sensei's handling of the situation and the problem was soon resolved. \r \r I highly recommend this dojo if you want high-quality, developmentally appropriate martial arts training for your child. more

I've wanted to take Aikido for most of my life. Had I known that Sensei Steve Kanney and AIKIDO WHITE PLAINS where out there, I would've done this so much sooner. Training at this school has been such a great experience for me - I've improved my health, my focus and my general well being. I have my whole family signed up - my son, my wife and I. My son is 4 years old, and loves it! He talks about going to class all week long, and he makes everyone that comes to our house see him in his gi. The school has so much to offer: a schedule that will accommodate the busiest professional, a range of disciplines to choose from (aikido, tai chi, kung fu, etc), and for all ages and all levels. Aikido itself is such a great art to practice - it's principles and philosophies are truly something to live by. I also cannot say enough about Sensei Steve Kanney. He is a devoted instructor who is never overbearing, teaches at your pace and makes you want to learn and grow as an individual. I can't recommend this school enough. I can only hope that future students will have the kind of experience my family and I have had. I can only speak for myself..but it is because of Aikido White Plains that I have become a better person and continue to learn and grow....not only through the martial arts training, but through its philosophy...way of thinking, and way of living. more

This dojo is the best Westchester center for Aikido for both kids and adults. My son started practicing there when he was 8, which was 2 years ago. We were looking for a martial arts program that is more about avoiding conflict than overpowering your opponent, as well as the program that would help him have more focus mentally and more control of his body. The sensei at this dojo was very sensitive to our needs from the very beginning. He is able to establish rapport with the kids and teach them without being strict or overpowering or condescending. My son loves the program and now my daughter who is 6 also started to come to the class. We usually go twice a week more

: I started Aikido as a temporary diversion and stress reliever while in between jobs. Temporary has turned into four years. The diversion has now become something I do three, four, if possible five nights a week. Aikido, particularly Aikido as taught at this Scarsdale dojo, is addictive. If you want to learn a system of self defense that helps the student to be dynamic, strong yet compassionate, Aikido is worth checking out. It instills a sense of calm and confidence students bring to all areas of life. The practice of Aikido is not just about the physical moves- you learn to read the intent of other people. It shows you how to take negative, even violent situations and redirect things in a positive way. I've found many of these principles work just as well in the corporate world and within personal relationships. The teaching style and classroom attitude are very important to me. I was severely asthmatic as a kid which rendered practically all sports and physical activity dangerous. Though my asthma is largely under control those old memories of being carried from a field or collapsing in a gym corner never fully fade. Couple that with hearing loss and you have an adult very wary about joining in any type of exercise. At Scarsdale Aikido, I found compassionate instruction that brought me through those initial rough spots. Chief Instructor Steve Kanney was very attuned to my personal obstacles as well as my goals. The wonderful thing about Aikido is that it is non-competitive, you are seeking mastery of yourself, not another person. This philosophy, the instruction, and comraderie of both advanced and mid-level students, proved to be a key element in me finally doing and staying with something physically demanding for the first time in my life. Dues are reasonable. Every summer Scarsdale Aikido practices with tradition weapons (wooden sword and staff) at local parks. Hours are good and you can squeeze in practice even with a busy schedule. Oh - one more thing. The first six months - ten pounds melted off -- and have stayed off for four years. Aikido is a fantastic exercise for calorie burning.\r more

I am the chief instructor of the Aikido program. Through our facility at 77 Tarrytown Rd in White Plains, we offer a number of programs to practice the underlying principles of Aikido. They can be found in Aikido for senior citizens, weekend warriors and athletes, kids and children with special needs. In addition to Aikido, classes are offered in Shaolin Kung Fu & Tai Chi, meditation and even tutoring/academic coaching. Our facebook page also helps connect anyone interested in how to apply these principles to any number of areas including business consulting, acting, art, diet, etc. The point is we do not limit our approach to principle purely to the discipline of Aikido. We have been fortunate in our ability to assemble instructors from outside the Westchester area, mainly NYC, with skill levels beyond what is normally available in Westchester county. People do tend to travel from further distances because our programs are unique to the area. I think it is true in the Aikido programs that we can be a little disorganized with regard to the administrative issues from time to time. However, due to our commitment to keep our costs low, we do not hire support staff, and members understand and do pitch in to help as well. Please feel free to check out web site for more information and come in for a visit... more