Portsmouth Aikido is a fantastic place to train, and the instructors are passionate about helping people learn. As a newcomer to the dojo and beginner to the art, I found the members welcoming, supportive and patient. If you’re considering starting a martial art or continuing your training, I highly recommend checking out Portsmouth Aikido and watching or trying a class.

I’ve been enrolled in the beginner’s classes for a few weeks now and I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. I’ve wanted to learn a martial art for some time and have searched all around the area for exactly what Portsmouth Aikido provides: an exciting, engaging and healthy experience studying a unique art. The members are friendly, supportive and enthusiastic, and the teachers are excellent. I highly recommend coming by the dojo sometime and observing a class--that’s what I did and what ultimately convinced me to join.

I took the 6 Week Beginners Course, without having any prior martial arts experience. Three years later, I am still practicing and feel very fortunate to have found Portsmouth Aikido. Sensei's teaching is thoughtful and adaptive. The senior students demonstrate the collaborative nature of the art with their enthusiasm to practice with newer students. If you are considering aikido for yourself or your children, come observe or join a class. I would recommend Portsmouth Aikido to anyone looking for a mentally challenging and rewarding physical practice.

I love Portsmouth Aikido, really more than words can express. As a paraplegic, I really appreciate our Sensei, Aaron Cass. He radiates positive energy and always takes time to help adapt techniques for me in a chair. I love my partners, the other members at the dojo, who are kind and welcoming. My favorite part is the feeling I get practicing weapons and working with partners—it’s like my mind, body, and soul are one in harmony and I feel light and powerful.

Portsmouth Aikido is a group of great people who train hard to improve their practice and their lives. I have been training for almost 7 years. I have made good friends in the program who encourage me to keep training. As an adult learner, aikido has been both a physical and mental challenge. It has improved my flexibility, taught me to fall safely and throw a fellow practitioner. More importantly, it brings back the same joy that you got playing as a kid.

Over my many years of Aikido practice, I’ve never felt such a warmth and welcoming as I have at Portsmouth Aikido. I have had the privilege of training with both Judy and Aaron Senseis, who are remarkable teachers. They blend good humor, insight about human relationships, and deep expertise as aikidoists to make for a learning environment that promotes not only the physical art of aikido, but also its personal, social, and spiritual dimensions.

This is a good-sized dojo with dedicated, friendly, welcoming people and a long history. The dojo is ego-free, and all about supporting and contributing to the art of aikido. The cost to train there is quite reasonable, and you get a lot in return with plenty of mat-time and varied instruction from a number of different and talented practitioners.