Aikido Shoubu Dojo

"I am glad I did my research on the dojos in town before choosing this excellent one! From the first moment entering I was welcomed and put at ease. I am a first time martial arts practitioner so these things were important to me. Sensei is an outstanding teacher. He is exactly what I was seeking: a gentle soul with an impressive capability. It is important to note that he is very experienced, lived in Japan and taught Aikido in Japan. This is hard to come by, so if you are also seeking a dojo and training which is true to it's origins, I highly recommend Shoubu Dojo. Sensei took us to Tanque Verde falls during monsoon season for a purification and dedication ceremony which has lineage from Shinto. I was very moved by this. My gratitude is beyond words when I realize that this dojo is such a special gem in all of the USA, yet it is here locally in Tucson! I advise anyone seeking their martial arts path to come visit the dojo and meet Sensei and Senpai. The members are all such good people. I do want to say that I was very hesitant to begin martial arts as I know a lady that had something new broken every time I saw her. She belongs to a dojo where the men use their strength, not skill. At Shoubu Dojo, I have no worries about this whatsoever. The students are more introspective than macho-seeking."

"Aikido Shoubu Dojo is the real deal! Lewallen Sensei is a wonderful teacher: patient, kind, and enormously knowledgeable. It has been a delight working with everybody at the dojo for my first few weeks. All students and instructors have been super welcoming and helpful. The dojo is built strongly upon tradition, and there is a culture where everyone pays attention to the details. Highly recommended!"

"I didn't quite know what to expect when I decided to study Aikido at Shoubu Dojo, but it's been a terrific experience. Sensei Lewallen and the other students were immediately friendly and welcoming, and the classes are accessible to students at all levels. Come join us, and see for yourself! =)"

"Very happy to be a student at Shoubu Dojo. While I am still a white belt and have so much to learn, the practice has given me a lot already. Lewallen Sensei teaches Aikido in a traditional manner that emphasizes both the physical form as well as non-physical aspects such as discipline, respect and yes, some of the spiritual side of this versatile martial art. The dojo is very welcoming and there are students of all levels. I am in my 50s, wish I had started earlier in life but do find the practice very rewarding. If you are ready for this commitment then I believe there is no finer place to start in Tucson than Shoubu Dojo."

"I highly recommend the Aikido Shoubu Dojo, I did a free Knife Fighting class and was hooked, I have no Martial Arts background but the instructor and fellow students are all so helpful I felt at home in just a few classes. The facility is spotless and well maintained, and they go out of their way to make women feel comfortable. Lewallen Sensei is an amazing master of this art and a very down to earth teacher. Give it a try, you will be met by smiling faces and a positive atmosphere."