Aikido Newport Beach Aikikai

I am so fortunate to have found Newport Beach Aikido-Shin Do Kan Dojo and Sensei Pennewaert both for myself and for my family. The adult classes provide a lot more than mere instruction in the techniques and skills of aikido. For me they also bring harmony and coordination between body and mind and are the source of new energy that always leaves me recharged and looking forward to the next class. The children classes are a lot of fun too and my son is having a blast, while also making new friends. Sensei Pennewaert is top notch and is really invested in his students. Our whole family is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Summer Camp as well where we can all enjoy aikido training in nature.

I searched high and low for the proper dojo for my boys. I have finally found it in Aikido Newport Beach. Of course, they teach the basics like rolling and techniques as do many other aikido club, but Aikido Newport Beach instill the proper dojo etiquette, proper mindset for the , and make kids harmonize with the partner's movements. This is the essence of aikido and what makes it different from any other martial art. We work with our partner to learn the skills, the techniques and each other's limitations. There is no competition, no horseplay, no ego. I love this dojo for the calming and concentration of my boys' minds, the hard physical exertion (it's exercise!) and the cultural exchange. They have summer camps where they serve dojo-made lunches. It's almost like an uchideshi experience. I am very happy to have found this dojo. I drive 20 miles from home to bring my boys here in horrible 405 evening traffic, but this place is absolutely worth it. It's the best dojo I've found in south county.

My family and I feel very fortunate to have found Newport Beach Aikikai. My older daughter began aikido here when she was 51/2 years old, almost two years ago, and since then my younger daughter and I have also joined. My daughters look forward to attending aikido class every week. They love learning new techniques, playing agility games with their friends, and practicing meditation. The children in class are wonderfully supportive and friendly as Sensei expects his students to be disciplined, kind and respectful human beings. Sensei provides a safe environment for children to learn and gain confidence in themselves. As a parent observing the class, I can see how my daughters will be able to use these variety of skills and practices throughout their lives. The Samurai Summer Camp is also an excellent place for learning. My older daughter has participated for two summers and she loves it! Sensei teaches the students new aikido techniques, they learn valuable skills in identifying and protecting themselves dangerous people, and they get a lot of exercise. In addition to the great instruction, my daughter couldn’t stop talking about delicious the food. Ms. Charn provides the best lunches that are both tasty and nutritious. My younger daughter can’t wait to join in on the fun next summer. Joining the dojo as an adult has been an amazing experience. I was very nervous to join since I have never done aikido before, but I’m so glad I decided to take a chance and do it. At first I was intimidated, but everyone was so kind and patient and now many of them are friends. The senior members are always very helpful and they are very good at explaining each technique. It is evident that Sensei has a high expectation of his experienced members. I love that Pennewaert Sensei is committed to preserving the traditional aikido methods taught to him by, Sugano Sensei, who learned directly from the founder of Aikido, O-sensei (Morihei Ueshiba). I have a deep appreciation for Pennewaert Sensei’s dedication to doing each technique properly and his loyalty in keeping with traditions of aikido. Sensei has created an environment in his dojo that is kind, educational and positive. The people in his dojo are like family and this dojo has brought a lot of happiness to my family. Sensei personifies at Newport Beach Aikikai that aikido is not just a martial art, but a way of life.

Highly Recommended. Originally I chose this aikikai for my daughter, because of location, then I discovered what a true treasure it was. Sensei Pennewaert trained with an original student of the founder of Aikido, he teaches all classes. In this art, this would be the equivalent of a theology student having someone that learned from an original disciple as their teacher. Sensei is wonderful with the children and it is good to see the Children's classes grow during the time we have been there. For their classes, Sensei always adds something fun, and keeps their interest. Sensei understands the "game" method of teaching skills is best for children. For the Adult classes, he is a wonderful technician and has weapons training every week. This art includes a lot of tumbling and pinning techniques, it is akin to Jujitsu (Judo), and teaches deflecting aggression instead of responding with aggression. The smaller, weaker student can succeed against a larger, stronger aggressor. I highly recommend this aikikai to anyone interested in the purest form of Aikido.

I came from Dubai on a business trip in California for a short time, and since California is full of Aikido Dojos, I was planning to visit many before I decide to sign up for a specific dojo...and luckily I started with this dojo... The moment I stepped into the dojo, I was already in Japan. The simple structure at the entrance of the door with the fountain and the wooden bench was really beautiful and welcoming. Once you step into the dojo, it is incredibly calm atmosphere, and indeed welcoming. The walls are all decorated with group photos from a history of training years in the dojo, it already feels like a community, a family, not "just another dojo", and for sure I made a lot of friends with everyone in the dojo during my visit. The tatami is exactly as I have seen in the Hombu dojo in Japan, as it was carefully made to meet the exact same flooring, very clean, sweat-less, and always made my falls comfortable. I forgot to mention the shrine decorated with O'sensei Photo, and Sugano sensei's photos, with authentic Japanese calligraphy and fresh made flowers was an amazing set up. When it comes to training, the schedule is daily, and very convenient for busy scheduled people. It operates on two daily schedules for children and adults, ranging from morning, afternoon, and evening classes. Sensei Pennewaert's teaching style is unique, it is fit for the purpose of polishing the basics in Aikido. I am a Shodan, but I was aiming to polish my basics over again to what fits my body's mechanics. Sensei would always point out openings, hint me on executing the techniques effortlessly and effectively. These hints were well-explained that it would stick in my mind even when I go back home. This dojo was my escape from my daily stress....when I wear the Gi and step on the matt, I become a very happy person. Rayan