Aikido Delaware Aikikai,

667 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713

"As a parent of an Aikido Kid now grown up, and as a person who is half Japanese with a Japanese husband, I would highly recommend this dojo to anyone of any age. When my daughter turned 5, I was thinking about the safety of my child who was about ready to go out into the world, and my husband suggested Aikido. I found this Dojo and their Aikido Kids Program after a search on the internet, signed up for a complimentary class. About 14 years has passed since that day and I can truly say it was well worth my time to drive the 45 minutes to and from Dover every Saturday to class. My daughter grew up as an Aikido Kid there and she recently made the transition into the Young Adults program. I say without hesitation that Aikido Delaware Aikikai Dojo has become my 2nd home. My family is small but Okimura Shihan, Soofi Sensei, and the members of this dojo have become my extended family. They have always been there being welcoming and supportive throughout our lives be it in happiness or in sadness. So actually, my statement should be I have a large family! The dojo has been, and still is a place where you can learn about Japanese culture through Okimura Shihan’s experiences and stories. I am also able to share some of my knowledge through my involvement as a parent and as a supporter/member of the Kiyo Mizu Kai - Delaware Japanese Cultural Society. My daughter has never been to Japan, but through her exposure to the culture at the Dojo and at home, she loves Japan like she has been there. The experiences at the Aikido Delaware Aikikai Dojo are a total package. Learning the culture and the rituals of the country that gave birth to Aikido, makes practice of the art that much more meaningful and grounding. With Okimura Shihan being a Shingon Buddhist Priest, there is also a spiritual component integrated into the ceremonies and seminars held during the year. There are some experiences in life that are priceless. I believe this dojo and what it has to offer, falls into that category. My life has been greatly enriched by my family to the north as I call them affectionately at home. Even if you have not exercised in a while or have never practiced a martial art, if you do the warm up exercises you will gain strength and flexibility. Just coming to the Dojo and unplugging from the outside for the time that you practice will prove to be very therapeutic and energizing. That has been my personal experience. I could go on about the why I love the Aikido Delaware Aikikai Dojo and my family to the north, but I hope that you will come and experience it all for yourself."

"I sincerely like to say that attending the seminar and observing the class is truly a relaxing and interesting experience. I enjoy seeing the respect everyone has for each other and the welcoming and heartwarming effect it makes me feel. Shihan and Sensei are wise and always nurturing the students. My son has been practicing here for over 15 years and it has helped him grow to be the person he is today. I would highly recommend Aikido Delaware Aikikai to anyone interested in improving their health and well being!"

"Newark has a veritable GEM in this Aikido school. I have attended several classes and seminars here and what I love about Shihan's dojo is that it embodies so much more than a series of self-defense classes. Tradition, culture, community, peace, respect, beauty, and spirituality surround the instruction of Shihan and Soofi Sensei who not only treat their students as family members but also add humor and love in their teachings and interactions on a daily basis. This year, Aikido Delaware Aikikai celebrate their 25th anniversary. Congratulations!! We are very lucky to have you here."

"Aikido practice for the mind, body and soul. I have practiced Aikido for a significant part of my life and am in love with this martial art. During my practice, I had the opportunity to learn from several dedicated and amazing teachers, who have shaped me in many ways and allowed me to grow in my art. What sets Aikido of Delaware Aikikai apart from other dojos, though, is that the focus is not only on the physical aspects of the art, but also on the mental and spiritual aspects. With more than 50 years of Aikido practice and his background as a budhist priest, Okimura Shihan has an in-depth understanding of the principals of Aikido on and off the mat and he shares his insights freely with his students. Together with Soofi Sensei, he has created a wonderful Aikido family right here in Delaware. Coming to ADA has moved my own practice forward significantly and I highly recommend this dojo to anybody who is just curious about Aikido or has practiced for a long time and is looking to increase their understanding."

"I love coming to train at Aikido Delaware Aikikai! I first came here to learn self-defense and received so much more than I expected! Okimura Shihan and Soofi Sensei have completely changed my life, and have guided me into becoming a more honorable and upstanding human being in our community! Anybody that wants to learn Aikido close to the source should come and train here. Every aspect of Aikido is taught and practiced -- technique, etiquette, culture, language, you name it! At this Dojo, we practice Aikido technique, but we are importantly practicing to become as O' Sensei wished -- through Aikido we become part of an Aikido family! Children are our Aikido family's future! The kids program at ADA is extraordinary. I have seen kids transform into better versions of themselves within a week's time at the Annual Summer Camp! Highly disciplined and thorough, the kids program here will shape your son or daughter into a skilled and focused student; important for their academics! On the other hand, they also practice their Aikido in many exciting ways, such as in cooperative cultural activities and Aiki games. The bonds these Aikido Kids form with each other are priceless and everlasting! Did I mention? All our Dojo events and seminars are FREE for our Aikido Kids to attend, and they get to partake in delicious meals too! Citizens of Delaware and beyond, We Welcome You to Our Dojo, the first traditional Aikido dojo in the First State, and would love to practice with you as our Aikido family! Hope in this life we will join into a wonderful Aikido journey!"