DC Aikido Martial Arts Academy

"All of the staff are very empowering and professional. I felt welcomed. The instructors are very patient and humble. I would highly recommend DC Aikido to anyone seeking to develop self confidence, patience, and self defense skills."

"Michael Sensei organized an amazing trip to Japan this year. We were 12 people that spent 8 days wonderful days training and sightseeing with members of our sister dojo in Naha and Okinawa city, in Japan. This was my second trip with DC Aikido, and let me tell you it was legendary! We had the best time ever, We immersed ourselves in the Japanese culture. We had the experience of sleeping in a typical Japanese bed. We enjoyed the most exotic foods, and most importantly, made wonderful friends! Hopefully, the Japanese group will come to visit DC next year. Can't wait to show them around town! Thank you Michael Sensei for organizing this epic trip!"

"It has been almost two years since I started going to DC Aikido. I love it. I was nervous to start a martial art, but Sensei Michael Veltri, all of the instructors, and all of the students, make DC Aikido incredibly welcoming. I've befriended a great group of people, somehow now get along better with all of the other people in my life, and have gotten in great shape. Training at DC Aikido is tremendously fun."

"Nothing but high praise for DC Aikido! I joined the studio last summer for two reasons: to work up a sweat and to use aikido as a physical prism that casts new light on the conversations I conduct day-in, day-out for work as a life coach. From day 1 it has superseded my expectations in the following ways: Everybody is supportive. Anytime I have been stuck, somebody has been there to show me the way. The instructors are eager and attentive. The sparkle on the sheen of DC Aikido’s bright culture is its students, who patiently and respectfully help bring less advanced students to their next level. Every lesson is enlightening. Each class points to new ways I can better serve my clients. Whether we study balance, flexibility, striking or grabbing, not a single lesson goes by without offering up new insights. These insights translate immediately into more adroit and powerful conversations – and satisfied clients."

"GREAT Dojo! I have been training for about a year at DC Aikido and I love it! The folks there are amazing! Veltri Sensei and his team provide a fun and friendly environment for kids and adults. I have gained so much than just learning Aikido. I have gained confidence, strength, and entire Dojo family that I value as my own family. I have found that in training he continually pushes his students to improve their game, both in examining the group as a whole and pinpointing the exact areas that each individual student needs to improve. The support I have received at the dojo has helped improve not only my Aikido and techniques, but my overall sense of self on the mat...my weaknesses and strengths (physical AND mental) are pointed out to me daily and corrected with patience and understanding. What's more, there has ALWAYS been someone of high rank or experience available to answer any question I might have at any given time. I can't say enough about how grateful I am to have met and trained with such an extraordinary man and group of people. Thank you DC Aikido!!!"