Aikido of Connecticut

Fantastic dojo. Not glitzy or fancy- this is not a place to learn a bunch of techniques that will teach you to "bring the hurt" with delusions of a future career in the UFC, but a place to practice the true essence of Aikido- "The Way of Harmony". Technique is taught obviously, along with Ki exercises, but respect for each person, including being responsible for the safety of each participant, is paramount. Big egos need not apply! However, if you're dedicated, humble, friendly, and have a sense of humor- this is a place where you can learn a martial art that is amazingly effective, despite the fact (or probably more accurately- because of the fact) that it does not rely at all on brute force or strength.

I heard about this dojo from a friend a few years ago, and since the day I got accepted as a member, I never wanted to miss a class – it’s addictive! It’s a true Aikido environment preserving tradition, the spirituality of the art, and helps you in real-life situations …not just self defense at a physical level, but psychologically as well -- I speak from personal experience that it has increased my confidence through its teachings of Ki. I deal better with problems at work, interaction with friends, family etc. I started by reading Aikido books and watching various videos, but then I realized that the only way to learn Aikido was to go to the dojo -- you have to be there! Every Aikido technique is explained in terms of a realistic situation, and often with a short background story from Sensei’s own experience …interesting ones I should say :-) What I like most about this dojo, is that Sensei doesn’t just teach “throwing” and “action movie-like” break-falls. Instead, he shows the safe version of a move, through softness, which is powerful and you can do the same no matter if you’re 20 or 80 years old. What make the classes even better are the students. A major part of my learning is from students (usually the higher ranks) who sometimes stay after class to help with a certain move or throw, telling me what I’m doing wrong etc. I should also mention that the students are from all age groups, practicing in harmony without affecting the normal pace of the class…

Whether you have previous martial arts experience, or if you are trying to decide where to get started - take a serious look at aikido! Sensei Ralph's dojo is a great place to learn. Sensei has many years of experience - he's amazing to watch and learn from. The senior students are extremely helpful - I learn new things everytime I go. There are no egos or attitudes - it's a great atmosphere for ANYBODY (members are men/women/children of all ages). While aikido principles are effective for self-defense, you may be suprised at how useful they may come into play for you in everyday life. For one, learning how to fall safely has saved me from some pain/medical bills more than once! I think it's helping my golf game too! First class is free to participate in - no obligations. Come check it out - it's some cool stuff.

In 1995 I had just moved to the Hartford area from out of state and just gotten married. While talking to an in-law I had expressed interest in the martial arts. We talked about several things especially about looking for an atmosphere where you wanted to come each and every week as well as not a glitzy commercial place where you hardly knew anyone and it cost an arm/leg to join. An atmosphere where it was like a home away from home and you enjoyed not only the people but also the process of learning something new. A place that realized that we lived in a world that you couldn't devote 8-10 hours a day/7 days a week training and that you did have to go to work the next day. I started by making a phone call asking for directions and even now 15 years later after the autopilot on the car knows how to get to the dojo I am asking and receiving consistant and fun lessons. As soon as you enter you are introduced personally by Sensei Ralph to everyone in the dojo. Even when you have been having a bad day, the atmosphere itself seems to help you not forget what has happened but allows you to open your self and help yourself and everyone around you take another step in your journey to learning about power thru softness, ki, and harmony with your surroundings. Very rarely can you find a place where you leave after physical exertion calmer,looser, and more at peace with yourself. Even just the warm ups for the classes are a joy that you look at the clock when class is over and say not is it over?, but I had a great time and can't wait until the next one. People talk about plateau's and finish lines but you come to realize that it is just plain fun to be here. We have worked out with all types of people. Male/female, Parents and children, extreme youth as well as the retiree all looking for that place where you are accepted as a valuable member. Don't come to class expecting to break boards, or go home and not be able to walk for a week, but expecting and hoping to find others who are also looking for someone to show them something special for each and every physical level without ego or confrontation. A place that alot of people for a long time call the best kept secret in the martial arts in CT. Explanation without lecture as well as a spiritual harmonious view of conflict resolution. A wonderful teacher and extremely high level guide to Aikido and life with exceptional integrity who leads by example. A great workout for your mind, body, and soul all learning to work in harmony with the world around you. An exceptional place you will regret not visiting time and time again. Thank you Sensei Ralph!

I have been a student of Sensei Ralph's for almost thirty years. Although I have trained with various sensei's at different workshops and dojos throughout the years, having met many wonderful people, Ralph's dojo will always be the place that I call home for my Aikido. I had studied other martial arts prior to beginning Aikido, but I still believe my true understanding of the arts and myself began the day I entered the dojo in Hartford. It is taught by a gentle teacher with a powerful spirit and an enormous set of skills. Even though the skills are powerful and effective, they are taught in the most gentle way by a skilled artist. He has always put his student's progress and growth first. There are but a handful of teachers who remain that have studied with the luminaries of Aikido that Sensei Ralph has. His stories of what he was taught as well as by whom are still interesting to this day even after hearing them for all my years at the dojo. It seems at times that each story is a message for someone in particular at the moment to learn. The dojo is the most comfortable environment that I have ever experienced. It is filled with people from various walks of life, ages, and levels of athletic ability. Ego is not a factor and all students are there to help each other grow in the art and as people. Many of the skills that are taught on the mat will be useful in your daily lives. There are no better instructors and no better dojos to learn about Aikido and learn about yourselves.