Aikido Federation of California Shuyokan

As a kid I always wanted to learn martial art and I took six months of training in Kung Fu. I took my seven years old son who is a red belt in Taekwondo to enroll in another martial arts because he loves martial arts. I looked at so many martial arts studios, three Karate studios, one Hapkido, two Jiu Jitsu, two Kung Fu and one Aikido. While Taekwondo is a beautiful martial arts but it has serious limitations on self defense techniques and emphasize too much in striking and kicks that are not really practical in the case of self defense.
What I like about this studio is the way that the teaching is set up. The atmosphere is very kid friendly and the chief instructor, David Dye Sensei is truly engaged in his teaching and it is clearly abundant that he loves this art and he enjoy teaching classes. On top of that, his choice of pupil instructors are fantastic and the young instructors are truly engaged in passing on this beautiful art to other students. This is how martial art dojo should be and this is how martial art should be thought in each studio-​For the love of art itself.
I highly recommend this studio for whoever considering self defense martial arts.

«Everybody was Aikido fighting. Those cats were fast as lightning. In fact it was a little frightening…» with apologies to Karl Douglas, original singer of «Kung Fu Fighting» the disco hit.
Came here at the invitation of a friend because some people were testing for their various degrees of black belts. In my past I trained five years in two martial arts, had brothers who studied Preying Mantis Kung Fu, a friend who did cage fighting, and relatives in Thai Kick boxing. So, it brought back memories watching others go through fights and testing hell in front of a jury of their superiors, friends and families. Those testing were sent through the wringer, running on adrenaline but staying cool, calm and collected. They had to focus and perform under body slamming, painful, anaerobic conditions. They had to demonstrate a long list of skills with multiple opponents and weapons. Despite oxygen debt, they flipped. punched, and were themselves flipped a hundred times. Did they pass? Results would be officially announced later. Whether they did or not, you had to be impressed with their effort and humility.
Anyone who gets to this level has to spend years of sacrifice, time, and dedication, not to mention injuries and money. They have many long term students, but they also spread their knowledge. One candidate teaches a woman’s self defense class a city program. All candidates had to set up their some of their fight scenes simulating real life situations. What do you do when some knife wielding scum commands «Give me your IPOD!» And no, the answer is not, «I’d just tell him I only have Miley Cyrus and Justin Beieber songs».Here you learn real options to save your life.
This is not an art where they punch or kick. Here they control opponents with the option of dislocating their joints or not, to slam them into the ground, or not. Then they get away. It is after all, self defense, not offense. Try to punch or choke an aikido practitioner, and they will grab your hand, arm, or leg,“redirect” your movement, and quickly twist your limbs till you scream in pain or like Michael Jackson singing «Say Owww!» Lots of law enforcement favor this art and Jiu Jitsu where they can control without necessarily hurting.
They have a website that describes their philosophy, and have classes for kids and adults. If you’re thinking of taking any martial art, some things to check out:
— Are skilled persons regularly there to help develop them physically and mentally?
— Is this a nice, safe training facility that knows first aid?
— Is the vibe of the place comfortable for all involved?.
— Do they discuss the legal aspects of using martial arts?
— Does this martial art make sense?
— Is the cost fair?
— Would you let mother in law train there? (No, for fear she could kick your A$$ besides nag you to death)
On all counts, but the last, I think they pass with a «yes».