Rising Sun Aikido

"This dojo is an absolute must if you want to have the best Aikido training."

"I've been training in Rising Sun Dojo for almost 3 years now. Sensei Leslie is a wonderful and most dedicated teacher. Every class is an exciting journey. I would definitely recommend trying the 2 week beginner program."

"I am a student at the dojo and have been for about two years. I am the most senior student (north of 65) and am retired. I could have not made a better choice of a dojo nor a better choice of a martial art. While i have been a life long gym rat, tennis player, swimmer, etc. nothing has been as helpful physically as Aikido. It requires mind / body coordination like a patterned dance, but with enough physicallity to satisfy a gym rat. My flexibility and balance have improved, even though I have practiced yoga for years, perhaps because Aikido demands the use of muscle groups that otherwise are not pushed too hard. Just as important though as the physical benefits is the philosophical approach of Libby Sensei which I think can be summarized as "do no harm" -- that most attracted me to the dojo.So if you are looking for something of a fountain of youth where you learn how to defend yourself as you look within -- try Rising Sun Aikido."

"I have had my two sons at this dogo for 10 years. Sensei Leslie is extremely qualified in aikido. My sons learned age appropriate skills that were built upon year after year. Her expertise and high standards allowed my sons to practice and perform skills without injury. The dogo is friendly and welcoming. Sensei Leslie works very hard on every aspect of the dogo. Her current location on Goodrich is a delight since it is in the neighborhood. I myself have been taking yoga at the dogo on Mondays and would highly recommend it for newbies like myself or very experienced students. Sara Brumgart is the yoga teacher."

"When our kids were about 6 & 8, my wife and I decided that We wanted them to have the discipline and skills of self-defense martial arts. I'm a vet and I've been around plenty of martial arts types, some of whom were too aggressive, some of whom were just plain mean. I had a very good friend who was a martial arts sword master, highly disciplined and well-grounded, so I asked him where they should go. "There's only one place. Sensei Leslie Libby's Rising Sun Aikkido dojo," he told me. I listened and have to totally agree with his appraisal. Sensei takes a personal interest in every student. She is herself a mom, and understands how to gently push little ones to do things that might seem too aggressive at first, like to my now 9-year old daughter, and even gentler souled 11-year old son. Her skills and dedication to the art and non-aggressive philosophy are apparent in every practice and lesson. So, if you ask me, "There's only one place to go." Rising Sun Aikkido. Period."