Aikido Center San Francisco

I’ve been training here regularly for 11 months. I agree with other reviewers; this is a great place for a beginner to start. I’m now in the best shape of my life, I have more confidence, better posture, I sleep like a baby and have reduced stress. I also passed my 5^th kyu exam! :)
The senior member’s generosity, sincerity and support for beginners is tremendous and their level of skill and dedication to practice is inspiring.
–TC

Aikido Center San Francisco is an ideal place to train with a world-​class teaching master (shihan) no matter what your experience level in the martial art. I have been training under the supervision of Shiohira Sensei since 1999. Classes are offered 6 days a week, led personally by Shiohira Sensei on M/​W/​F and senior student teachers the other days. All of the instruction is top notch from the beginner basics all the way to advanced training.
Aikido is an excellent martial art for all ages and skill levels. The beginner class is a particularly good introduction to the basics, with an opportunity to advance rapidly into more advanced techniques. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to train with such a highly skilled and authentic practicioner of this deep and powerful martial art. Additionally the overall skill level of the senior students in the dojo is a tremendous advantage.

Prior to joining this dojo, I had never taken any martial arts classes other than self-​defense seminars (2 hr course by campus safety patrolmen and women). I wanted to be active in a sport where I’m engaged physically and mentally, and so I started looking up different dojo in SF.
I started classes in February 2009 at Pacific Aikido Center, with a Tue. & Thur. evening commitment. I practice regularly with other novices as well as with higher ranked brown & black belts. The people I train with are great, and so are the instructors.
The dojo is run by Shiohira Sensei, who teaches classes on M, W, F. Other black belt sensei-​instructors teach on Tu, Th, Sa. During class, we warm up and stretch, then we pair up with various classmates for 45 minutes. Both the sensei and partner-​in-​training go through techniques with me, with repetition and often with specific guidance on ways to improve.
The instructors and classmates are incredibly patient and kind. Everyone is here to improve themselves and help others, and we all improve at our own pace. While it’s amazing to see what the higher-​level practitioners of Aikido can do, every once in a whie I look back and am amazed at what I’ve learned in my year at the dojo.
If you have always wanted to take martial arts, Aikido is a great art to begin your practice. I recommend this school to any beginner.

I have been training here for about 2 – 3 years. This is a great place to train. Shiohira sensei is the main trainer here is a great man and really knows Aikido, Zen and every little insight of this art. He is a great teacher! If you are looking for Aikido in San Francisco — This is the place. Mon/​Wed/​Fri Shiohira sensei is the trainer here. They also have a dojo in Mountain View where he trains Tue/​Thu. This is the best Aikido dojo!!!

The level of instruction here is the real deal, and the Chief Instructor projects something remarkable that can be sensed immediately but not described. This applies to his throws as well :)
There’s no yearly contracts, no «black belt in X years» guarantees. This place is not a belt factory, and there IS such a thing as failing a test. Everyone improves at their own pace and ability, and experienced students pair up with beginners for optimal transmission of learning.
The atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers.
Attending this place was my New Year’s resolution in the year 2000, and it was the only New Year’s resolution I’ve kept, despite being one of the slowest learners imaginable.

Excellent place for Aikido. I have been training for 6 years there and it only gets better as time goes by.
Great beginner classes too!

This is a great place to learn and practice aikido. I started here two years ago and did not know even one thing about aikido. Now I attend classes here 2 – 3 times per week and am having a great time.
If you are new to aikido, you cannot find a better introduction than the beginner’s class here. After completing the beginner’s class, you will definitely know if aikido is for you or not. The quality of the instructors is excellent, and the cost is low. In the beginner’s course, you will learn how to do forward and backward rolls, some basic aikido techniques, get an introduction to the philosophy of aikido, and learn the etiquette of the dojo. You do not need to purchase any equipment or a training uniform — just wear comfortable, loose clothing.
If you have experience with aikido, you will find this dojo to be exactly what you are looking for. It is an excellent place where you can learn and grow. There are plenty of high ranking black belts to train with and learn from. The atmosphere during the classes is collaborative and supportive. Shiohira Sensei will no doubt inspire you to push yourself to be the best that you can be, both on and off the mat.