The Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts

As a new Mesa resident, I wanted to find a dojo where I could train. So I conducted a Google search on the art of Aikijujustu wondering if there were any dojos near me. I found the Budo Shingikan School of Martial Arts. So I went by to see the school. \r \r Admittedly, the complex where the school is situated seemed a bit dead since there didn't seem to be any active businesses on that particular Saturday. It can be a bit hard to find though during the day until you see the banner outside. At night, there's a neon sign lit.\r \r Although it was a bit hard to find since I'm not originally from the area, upon entering and receiving the warm reception by the front desk and a man who turned out to be the head instructor, I felt very comfortable. Choosing a new school where to train can be quite nerve-wracking and confrontational. After a short tour though, the head Instructor explained that they were offering a week trial where I would be able to experience some of their training. Afte more

I could not be more happier. Before I found Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts I spent the better part of 3 months searching for a place to start my martial arts training and get back into shape. One year later, after joining Budo Shingikan, I am 47 years old and in the best shape of my life. Most importantly, I've learned how to defend myself in the process. Sensei D’Antonoli is a great mentor and instructor. Honestly, you just have to come see for yourself.\r \r Since I became a student of Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts almost a year ago, it has become a second home for me. I've met some of the most amazing people and made great friends within the Budo Shingikan family. I couldn't be more amazed at what I've accomplished! I am back in shape and feeling great. I've had lots of fun learning and helping teach lower ranks and encouraging those around me. The kids classes are a blast. Not only do I get to help them, I get to watch them grow to be more confide more

Yikes- avoid this place like the plague! Not nice people. Wasted my money and time and my child did not learn anything. Money hungry owners, for sure. more

Wow don't use this place for martial arts. Not nice people, and they will gauge you for your money. I wont be returning, and I certainly wouldn't let my kids go here. What a waste of money. more

This has been the BEST experience in martial arts for our son that we have ever found. He loves attending his classes, dedicated a personal project at school to his training and documented his growth and understanding. The staff and sensei at Budo Shingikan are great teachers of Aikido. We love them and how they have grown to be part of our family in this last year. more

Budo Shingikan means The School for Authentic Martial Arts. They do what they say. This is the traditional way. This is Budo. And unlike some places you get promoted when you earn it. Aikido is one of the few martial arts that donâ??t have an attack move. It is defensive. The more aggressive your attacker is â?¦ the more his energy is used against him. Iâ??m 61 and with the help of Darrel Sensei and all the fine members I do this several times a week plus we have a class where weapons are part of the same Aikido training â?? not a separate affair. This is not like other martial arts schools â?? this is truly a Dojo and that is the best way to train Iâ??ve done them both. I trust Darrel Sensei and the instructors and students not only in my training but also in the training of Aikido to my son. We are part of the family and it was the best part of fate that I found this Dojo. more

DON'T SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE! Classes are way to big, and the owners only care about money. While I took my child to classes where he didn't learn anything, I started receiving emails almost DAILY from this place asking for CASH DONATIONS, ON TOP of the over $120 a month tuition I was already paying. My child got lost in the shuffle while they were busy counting their money. Really pathetic place. If I could give it zero stars, I would. more

The Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts is a Dojo much like I had gone to when I started my Martial Arts Experience in 1965. This Dojo is a very traditional Japanese style school where the student is the apprentice and the Instructors are the Craftsman. But it is more than just the Kancho (Head of the School) or His Instructor's (Sensei) that instructs the new students ... it is done as a community where all of the higher students help the newer students. This makes all the training more personal and gives even more family / camaraderie feel to the training. Their Dojo is very reasonably priced because of this extended family atmosphere of passing on new skills to each member instead of a money making business. After all - to do Akido or Jujitsu properly and safely one has to have a lot of two way trust going. Kancho D'Antonoli has a wonderful calm peaceful approach to Akido and his dynamic easy going nature sets the proper stage. Sensei Berghain takes the student safely into the realm of explosive JiuJitsu into that confidence area early on with his smooth manners and open dynamics. The weapon classes merge and identify the cross training of the weapon with the weaponless forms of Martial Arts bring the harmony of the two instead of teaching like they are separate skills. All of the Instructors have that calm patience and skills to train new techniques, no matter how complex, in a natural easy to learn manner. Each Instructor cross learns from each other's expertise and brings a vast repertoire of knowledge to the mat and there are Instructors that rotate in from other schools - the commonality of which is their passionate, friendly manner of breaking things down to make Martial Arts training a gentle controlled art. I had no reservations in enrolling my 14yr old son and he is loving the experience! He started as a 7yr old in an ATA Taekwondo school and is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in that style. But here at this Dojo he has a whole new experience with real world type of skills in a traditional Family style Japanese School of Martial Arts. He returns excited from class every session. more

I found this dojo a few weeks before I left on deployment with the military last March. I enrolled both my children and have started studying there myself since my return. The owners there basically took my family in as their own while I was gone. Even on FB, when I was over seas they were incredibly supportive of both myself and my family. The focus is on learning, not just the physical but everything a martial art should be. I've trained off and on in various styles over the years but ended up moving or life took me another direction, but here, at this dojo, I've found a home. more

Awful place for children. My child left this place in tears after class. 20+ students and only 1! instructor. After touring other Dojos around Mesa, I discovered the other places have at least 3 instructors for a class that size. Way overcrowded and totally unorganized. I started getting emails in my inbox almost DAILY from them asking for cash donations on top of the tuition I was already paying.\r \r Other Dojos in Mesa charge around the same price, but have better, smaller classes and aren't always begging for extra money. These people don't care about their students - only about their money. more

This matrial arts school is one of the best I have ever found!!! Ive studied martial arts now on and off for years, and after getting out of the military, I have been looking for a school that not only teaches disipline, but also is traditional and has NO CONTRACT. This school is just that. They dont need a contract because once you enter the dojo, and participate in even just one class, you will come back wanting more. Because the classes are not only informative, they are fun and exciting!!! I am very greatful I finally found a school that fits all my catagories, and then some!!!! more

Love this place! Kids want to go 5 days a week! I have seen a huge change in my son. He has been doing his home work all on his own, it used to be such a fight. He has something to look forward to, he has goals, and you should see his face when the instructor says good job. Its like a family there, everyone is very friendly. Seems like I've known them forever.Truly we were blessed to have found this place. Finding people who really care about the kids, and take that extra time to listen to them in this busy world is hard to find. I'm even thinking I could try this, they make it look so fun. Maybe this can be hubby and I's new date nite! more

Very involved and Family Oriented School. Greatly appreciate a place where we can take our child to learn fundamentals with patience and perserverance. My Son is at the beginning of something that will be with him for a lifetime. We are very happy that we found this school and we can have this experience to grow with. Definately recommend!!! more

This dojo is really amazing. They have great deals, it is a low monthly payment and no contracts. With that you can take any class that you want, ANY! They are super friendly and family orientated, with great family packages.\r The dojo really feels like a second home to me and I am always excited to go! more

Budo Shingikan is a wonderful family atmosphere. My two boys attend several times a week. The instructors are very caring and want each child to have the best possible experience. They are learning the importance of having a good attitude, self control and respect. more

I have been training at the Budo Shingikan for a few months now and I can say that I am very impressed! I have trained for periods of time in other martial arts in other cities. I have never come across a teacher that combines the skill and passion of Sensei D'Antonoli. Aikido is a challenging art to learn, and Sensei as well as the other teachers make it fascinating and just tough enough to push we students to perform at our best, but not so tough as to make it discouraging. I've been at the latter kind of dojo before. Sensei D'antonoli also strikes a great balance between the spiritual aspects of the art, and the more hardcore, practical elements that will get you through a street altercation. Both are very important in the study of Aikido. If you are interested in really learning traditional Japanese martial arts, this is the place to go. more

I have known Sensei D'Antonoli for several years. Having trained under him in Aikido and beside him in other arts, I can say that the Martial Arts are his true Passion. When he instructs it is with authority, but when training in an art that is new to him he possesses the humility to maintain his role as a student without presenting the more

WOW!!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! This Dojo is amazing. I have been a part of several martial arts schools over the years and am absolutely thrilled with the Budo Shingikan. There is no Kata (pre-arranged forms), its all hands on with a partner, even the kids program, which means you learn to feel what its like to be grabbed or have a punch thrown at you, not to mention you feel when you are doing the technique correctly because your partner falls down. There is also so much stress put onto learning true martial arts. Most schools in the area want you to sign a contract, join a Black Belt Club, and so on...because its all geared towards making money as a business. This Dojo is run just like Japanese Dojo in which martial arts come first and nothing is compromised for monetary gain. The staff is well versed and amazing. They are friendly and yet strong leaders at the same time. They are humble and incredibly knowledgable. You wont find a better martial arts school in the Phoenix Metro area. They offer 5 different martial art practices + weapons work, with Sensei's (teachers) in each art and its all given to the students at a lower price point than the ""industry standard"" for martial arts schools and training. I couldnt possibly give a higher recommendation to anyone!!!!!!! more

They have somthing for every body at any level. Fantastic instrution with real life aplacations. Way better than doing the same old workout at the gym, learn not only how to protect your self and your famely but you also learn the history as well. more

Kancho Dedeuc D'Antonoli has built a wonderful program. The Dojo is very family friendly. Classes are offered everyday to fit your families schedule! All of the teachers are so great with the kids and very knowledgeable. My 5 year old is learning so much. He has struggled with behavioral problems, and these classes are helping him to learn to listen, focus, and work on his self discipline. I highly recommend Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts! more