Practicing Aikido since 2011
"I was looking for a place to practice martial art. I didn't have a specific style in mind, I was just looking for the right spirit and teachers. I checked many places but everything felt very commercial or not right for me. I searched for a year and fell eventually on the Nakaima website and knew right-away this was the place. The more I have learned about Aikido, the more I love it. Nakaima is a place where you can grow, where you are challenged in body and spirit. You are made to feel very welcome there as a beginner and as you progress, Sensei Greg and Sensei Jesse have been wonderful at pulling the very best out of me! It is truly a privilege to practice at Nakaima. I am very thankful and glad to have joined this great community!."
"I was looking for a place to practice martial art. I didn't have a specific style in mind, I was just looking for the right spirit and teachers. I checked many places but everything felt very commercial or not right for me. I searched for a year and fell eventually on the Nakaima website and knew right-away this was the place. The more I have learned about Aikido, the more I love it. Nakaima is a place where you can grow, where you are challenged in body and spirit. You are made to feel very welcome there as a beginner and as you progress, Sensei Greg and Sensei Jesse have been wonderful at pulling the very best out of me! It is truly a privilege to practice at Nakaima. I am very thankful and glad to have joined this great community!."
Sylvie B
Practicing Aikido since 2011
"I started taking Aikido classes in the fall of 2011. Initially, I wanted an outlet for stress relief, but I ended up getting a lot more out of the practice. Naka Ima provides a space where you can focus mind and body, and my training there has been of enormous value both in terms of physical benefits and mental acuity. While the practice of Aikido is by no means easy, Naka Ima fosters a welcoming environment where you can learn at your own pace as well as challenge your limits by practicing with students of all skill levels. Beginning Aikido training at Naka Ima was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to sharpen their mental and physical fitness. "
"I started taking Aikido classes in the fall of 2011. Initially, I wanted an outlet for stress relief, but I ended up getting a lot more out of the practice. Naka Ima provides a space where you can focus mind and body, and my training there has been of enormous value both in terms of physical benefits and mental acuity. While the practice of Aikido is by no means easy, Naka Ima fosters a welcoming environment where you can learn at your own pace as well as challenge your limits by practicing with students of all skill levels. Beginning Aikido training at Naka Ima was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to sharpen their mental and physical fitness. "
Jarrett R
Practicing Aikido since 1999
"The practice of Aikido is an excellent way to transcend the daily routine and to cleanse our spirit. Its practice leads to a more centered state and calmness. It is also versatile in that it can be nice and gentle, or devastatingly effective. I have been with Naka Ima since its foundation because of Greg Sensei. He is the most proficient aikidoist I have ever met, yet he communicates compassion and respect in his teachings. We also have a talented pool of young dedicated students, well versed in the art of receiving, and that makes my learning much easier."
"The practice of Aikido is an excellent way to transcend the daily routine and to cleanse our spirit. Its practice leads to a more centered state and calmness. It is also versatile in that it can be nice and gentle, or devastatingly effective. I have been with Naka Ima since its foundation because of Greg Sensei. He is the most proficient aikidoist I have ever met, yet he communicates compassion and respect in his teachings. We also have a talented pool of young dedicated students, well versed in the art of receiving, and that makes my learning much easier."
Dino M
Practicing Aikido since 2001
"I love practicing Aikido for many reasons:
1. It always leaves me feeling clearer, happier, and more energized afterwards.
2. It is a "total" workout - heart, mind, body, and soul.
3. It is always teaching me about how to better connect -- with other people, myself, and the floor!
4. I can see myself practicing till I die - always room for growth and new things to discover while always possible to train under any condition.
5. I love the friends and community that I have become a part of over the years - formed through sweat and trust and physical connection.
I love practicing at Naka Ima Aikikai because:
1. The Sensei's are great examples: they walk their talk.
2. There is room for improvising and finding my own way, while also a clear sense of the teachings and forms for guidance.
3. The people are friendly and kind and respectful.
4. We focus in this dojo on respectful relationships and staying connected with each other as the glue to being able to influence our partners in a positive way. As a father, husband, and therapist, and teacher, that resonates with my core values on a deep level.
There is so much more to say, but best to just experience it in actual practice together.
I always tell friends who are curious to come and take a free trial class to see if it's the right fit for you."
"I love practicing Aikido for many reasons:
1. It always leaves me feeling clearer, happier, and more energized afterwards.
2. It is a "total" workout - heart, mind, body, and soul.
3. It is always teaching me about how to better connect -- with other people, myself, and the floor!
4. I can see myself practicing till I die - always room for growth and new things to discover while always possible to train under any condition.
5. I love the friends and community that I have become a part of over the years - formed through sweat and trust and physical connection.
I love practicing at Naka Ima Aikikai because:
1. The Sensei's are great examples: they walk their talk.
2. There is room for improvising and finding my own way, while also a clear sense of the teachings and forms for guidance.
3. The people are friendly and kind and respectful.
4. We focus in this dojo on respectful relationships and staying connected with each other as the glue to being able to influence our partners in a positive way. As a father, husband, and therapist, and teacher, that resonates with my core values on a deep level.
There is so much more to say, but best to just experience it in actual practice together.
I always tell friends who are curious to come and take a free trial class to see if it's the right fit for you."
David J
Practicing Aikido since 2010
"Aikido is part of my way to self discovery. As practice progresses, the mental and physical training provide opportunities of more and more frequent glimpses into true existence. No pretending, no planning, no anticipation, no judgement... Complete acceptance of what is... just the way it is. This is made possible by cultivation of trust, honesty, compassion and harmony - Essential tools for living peaceful and meaningful life. Sure we take a lot of falls, but the first thing you learn in Aikido is how to fall and then how to efficiently get back up... Just like everyday life. Once the fear of falling is overcome, the endless possibilities of success emerge.
Greg-Sensei has established a physical location, created an environment that supports this way of practice of Aikido and named it Naka Ima.
I consider myself very fortunate to be part of it and thankful for the knowledge that is being passed down.
There is much that can be written about the practice of Aikido - but it is practice that needs to be experienced and learned first hand - not memorized from a book or imagined while reading this testimonial.
-------The door to the dojo is always open-------- I personally frequent it quite often.
"
"Aikido is part of my way to self discovery. As practice progresses, the mental and physical training provide opportunities of more and more frequent glimpses into true existence. No pretending, no planning, no anticipation, no judgement... Complete acceptance of what is... just the way it is. This is made possible by cultivation of trust, honesty, compassion and harmony - Essential tools for living peaceful and meaningful life. Sure we take a lot of falls, but the first thing you learn in Aikido is how to fall and then how to efficiently get back up... Just like everyday life. Once the fear of falling is overcome, the endless possibilities of success emerge.
Greg-Sensei has established a physical location, created an environment that supports this way of practice of Aikido and named it Naka Ima.
I consider myself very fortunate to be part of it and thankful for the knowledge that is being passed down.
There is much that can be written about the practice of Aikido - but it is practice that needs to be experienced and learned first hand - not memorized from a book or imagined while reading this testimonial.
-------The door to the dojo is always open-------- I personally frequent it quite often.
"
Marcin S