- Aikido's wide range of movement promotes flexibility, core strength and aerobic conditioning, in a supportive community. Our training helps us relax our bodies, focus our minds, and develop greater physical and emotional awareness. We build confidence and resilience, and learn to reduce negative emotions like anger, enmity and resentment, helping to reduce stress and strengthen the body's immune system as well as improve our emotional wellbeing. http://aikidoofmaine.com/adult-intro-options/
- Adult Intro to Aikido 4 weeks and free Uniform$69.00This is a good way to join us. You can join at any time and learn about the dojo and practice
- Two Ways to Start for kids. Our two week intro or Full month.
- Skills to last a life timeOur youth martial art program offers children 5 to 16 the opportunity to learn and practice in a non-competitive yet physically challenging environment. Our age specific classes are a fun and exciting way to teach children important life skills, including: self-defense, leadership, cooperation, respect, discipline, and more. Come and check out how aikido can improve your child's life!
- Childrens Four Week Intro$69.00Four weeks of unlimited classes and a uniform. Two for One Holiday offer through January! http://aikidoofmaine.com/childrenstwo4one/
- Claire and Jay, Claire Martin, Mom to Nick, dojo member from 9-18yrs oldHi Gary, We are very grateful everyday for what you and your teachings have done for Nicholas. He isn't a 'typical' 16 year old...thank goodness. He is articulate, self assured, most of the time and seems to have a solid core thanks to Aikido. Your teachings will help him to make healthy choices for himself as he approaches independence and sees others around him not making good decisions for themselves. We really enjoyed ourselves. Nick said what a great time he had. He enjoyed spending time with everyone outside of the Dojo in a social environment. Before we got there he didn't know if he could 'fit in' as he only knew everyone from classes. It is so exciting to see Nick progress and excel in Aikido. He just loves it and is very committed to it. He was disappointed his Dad wasn't there. It is very important for him to maintain healthy male role models so that he can choose the way he wants to live his life. Again thanks to you and Ania for all you do. Gratefully.
- A Father and sonI joined Aikido of Maine four years ago when I was still a young 50. I was out of shape and needed to do something about it. I got hooked from my very first class and my love of Aikido has only grown since. It was difficult at first (it still is!), just like learning to play a musical instrument can be challenging. But I found it hugely rewarding from day one. The teachers are fantastic, the advanced students are extremely supportive of beginners, and the community is just plain wonderful. I have only one regret; I wish I'd found out about Aikido of Maine sooner.
- Written by a 10 year old memberI never really understood what Aikido was all about, but now that I'm doing it, I believe it will be important in my life. It is a place of peace for me. It helps me chill down and work my body, and is teaching me discipline and respect. Aikido is like a place of peace, like when you do yoga. It is quiet. It is spiritual. It makes me feel like I am settled down. The words I say wash away my sadness and bring happiness to my life. Aikido is good for your body. I stretch, and work my muscles, and get active. It helps me to be strong. My friend Rowan, who has a green belt, says it will help her defend herself in the future if she ever needs to. The breathing in and out gets my anger out. Aikido is about body and mind. You have to bring your A game. It teaches me about discipline and respect. We respect the sensei by speaking in a quiet voice. I learn to respect myself by keeping my cool. When I do that, I don't get in people's faces and say the wrong thing. As you can see, Aikido will be very important in my life.
- JoshI have studied karate and MMA for brief periods, but aikido is unlike any other martial art that I have ever experienced. Aikido is known as the "art of peace" and this dojo embodies its spirit perfectly. Gary-sensei and Ania-sensei are both kind, patient, and knowledgeable teachers, and all of the students will make you feel welcome as soon as you start. You will most definitely feel at home and have fun right away. The dojo primarily focuses on hand-to-hand technique (as is proper in the wider aikido community) but it should be noted that as a member of the Associated Schools of Ueshiba, there is a higher than average inclusion of sword and staff instruction as part of classes. Keep this in mind if you enjoy this sort of training. It is a wonderful supplement to the unarmed training. Aikido is a spiritual, as well as physical experience. My few months here so far have been unforgettable, and I can't recommend the dojo more highly.
- Dr August Valenti"For my part, you have taught me so much and have given me such joy that it is impossible to describe. Sure, I started late, but better late than not at all. Aikido has really improved my life. I know that you and Ania are humble and that it is hard for you two to accept such praise and gratitude, but you deserve it. I so appreciate the time you take with everyone of us to polish our skills and our spirits. Plus, you both make me laugh! "