Aikido At The Aikibudokan

5701 Bingle Rd Ste. B-101, Houston, TX 77092

4.4 (16 reviews)

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The Aikibudokan is an Elite school of Aikido, martial arts, and self-defense and has been teaching since 1999. The dojo does not teach childrens classes, accepts adults only, and does not have competition or tournaments. Classical forms and weapons that are several hundred years old are taught.

Reviews

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Heather E

I really enjoy learning aikido here. As an adult woman (mid 40’s) I chose this dojo because there's no children training here, and winning competitions is not the goal. The training mat is top notch for taking the harder falls, and I appreciate the changing rooms so I'm not traveling in my gi. I receive instruction from a wide range of people and ranks, and the years of experience the senior instructors have is hard to find. This is a difficult martial art and I've never felt put down for not being as quick or capable as others. Update (04/04/22): We made it through COVID and remain an active dojo. I still train here and am on track to earn my black belt despite my body trying to break down on me (injury not related to aikido LOL). I've added the SMR Jodo classes and find I really enjoy learning the weapons system in addition to the hands-on aikido system.

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Posted 4 years ago
Jose Villatoro

This is a great place to be! Very professional and traditional japenese aikido martial arts. They are very cautious when teaching you, you will always feel safe and secure there.

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Posted 6 years ago
Doug Bourg

I’ve been at the dojo for 15 years and it has been a wonderful experience. It makes me lighter on my feet with greater mobility. I’ve learned how to blend (move in sync) with another person using their momentum to alter balance to my advantage. The art teaches movement, timing, posture, etc. to alter another’s balance. When I started this art I weighed in at 215lbs, now I weigh less than 180lbs.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Gianfranco Herrera

I only attended the introductory session and first class a few months back but I wanted to make a point that they were very welcoming. The class was well run and it was obvious the instructors cared. My instructor, Doug, was a good teacher with lots of experience and patience. Definitely would try again if time permits. Note: Their new student policy was very helpful. It let me try out the experience to see if it was for me before fully committing. If not for grad school and familial priorities this semester, I would have continued.

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Posted 6 years ago
Julian Ho

In 2010, I was searching for a traditional martial arts dojo for my son. After discovering that the Aikibudokan offered a traditional Aikido system that's more suitable for myself, I joined...and have not looked back since....Our system is based on the Tomiki Aikido structure, which our Sensei passes on to us, in the ways in which he was taught from his Sensei. Our system is not for everyone, but if you're searching for a small community of serious martial arts players, with a safe and structured learning environment, and with a focus on long-term progress, then the Akibudokan is the last place you should have to visit...

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Posted 10 years ago
Michael Sorgenfrei

I returned to Aikido in April 2010 after a long absence. I chose the Aikibudokan since I knew Wilkinson Sensei (from my time at Geis Sensei's Fugakukai). Overall, it has been a positive experience. The instructors are all very knowledgeable and the mat is probably the best in the city, if not the state. Safety is paramount and beginners are initially paired with black-belt instructors so they learn proper break falls. Aside from Aikido, the dojo also offers Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo as well as instruction in knife and handgun disarming techniques.

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Posted 10 years ago
Garrett Holmes

The Dojo is a great facility, it is run well, Sensei Wilkinson is knowledgeable and can explain and demonstrate well so it makes learning fast and fun!

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Posted 10 years ago
Ron R

I have trained at the Aikibudokan for about five years. The instructors are knowledgable and friendly and are willing to share their knowledge of the art with you. The training offered at the Aikibudokan is very practical and effective. It is an outstanding dojo with a great training methodology and training environment. All learning is at your own pace with no pressure to do more than what your are currently comfortable with. (Safety is very important at this dojo.) If you are interested in learning Aikido and some effective self defense skills, please do drop by the Aikibudokan. I highly recommend this dojo.

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Posted 10 years ago
Eric Gregory

The best dojo I attended. Sensei is incredibly knowledgeable and is a great judge or character. I trust ever person who is a member of the dojo and feel like they are all my family. There are no clicks, no egos and no one trying to show everyone how 'special' they are or how 'great' they are. Everyone wants to help everyone else. It is a unique combination of discipline and fun. We all honor the dojo's hierarchy but we understand that no one dish has all of the answer and that even a white belt can be a source of enlightenment.

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Posted 10 years ago
Nestor Topchy

The Aikido lineage and spirit that Tomiki passed on to Karl Geis and which he subsequently passed on to his students, present company included , is very much alive in this Dojo . The approach is well rounded, balanced and honors content and tradition, inspiring thorough learning to become a martial artist , as well as continuing to develop as a well rounded black belt. Everyone works hard together to help each other improve. This school deserves and has earned a high recommendation.

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Posted 10 years ago
D Bourg

I started at the Aikibudokan in 2005. It was the best decision I could have made. I have learned a great deal about a martial art that I can continue to practice for years to come. The training was consistent and increasing in complexity as I advanced through the system. Early in my training I received personalized help in order to achieve new rank. Now I give my time to help others reach their goals.

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Posted 10 years ago
joseph flores

sensei was very knowledgeable in japanese history and very offended at the mentioning of other martial arts the class seemed more geared towards elderly defense of falling in the bath tub than actual fighting as well I have never heard of a teacher expelling a student after just one class that being said I think this is a good school if they will take you however their niche is a very linear judgemental one so if you were to apply be on your absolute best behavior keep your head down and dont ask questions it seems to anger them

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Posted 11 years ago
hossein1326

I agree , the head of the school is very hard to communicate with. He is drawn in to the Japanese dictatorial culture and that does not fly in the U.S land of freedom. No question , no talking, do what we tell you to do, don't talk to sensei , you have to talk to some black belt before reaching sensei. But the lessons are very good for the first 6 months. it is a good school for starter, if you can stand the attitudes of Japanese Kingdom.

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Posted 10 years ago
Christina Zeitman

Horrible place! I took classes for a month here and when I started not only did the sensei ask me what medicines I was on in addition to any mental illnesses (which can affect you practicing any martial art). I told him right off the bat that I suffer from attention deficit disorder as well as depression and that I take meds for attention deficit disorder. His response was less than nice: he asked me "is there anything not wrong with you?" A month later I get an email basically kicking me out of class because I am essentially a slow learner. To me that says that you don't want to help the the very person that this particular form of soft or hard martial art may help.

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Posted 10 years ago