I had the honor of training at Brooklyn Aikikai with Savoca Sensei for about a year and a half. I have the utmost respect for him. His sustained dedication and commitment to Aikido and Zen training are truly inspirational. And humbling. I am always motivated by teachers who practice what they preach and whose trials far exceed my own as a student. He can be demanding, but he is also humorous and compassionate. Off the mat, Savoca Sensei is very approachable and unassuming, but on the mat... let me just say that 'awareness' and 'being present' that many talk about in martial arts, takes on a new meaning. Though it has been a few years since I trained at Brooklyn Aikikai (I moved to another state), I will always hold his teaching and the time I spent there in the highest regard.
Pros: Proficient instruction, welcoming community
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