Martial Arts DC - DC Aikido and a brief summary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Yamasaki

Here is a video to get you excited about what you can learn! However Aikido is an all inclusive approach to improvement and betterment!





DC Aikido and Yamasaki are located in Adams Morgan across from the Woodley Zoo red metro line.


Location:
2639 Connecticut Ave, NW,

Suite C-104

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.oki-aikikai.com/

DC Aikido and Yamasaki are two martial art schools that share the same space with different hours of operation. Check the website for updates on classes.

Some interesting facts about both places:

• Classes seven days a week.
• 2,500 square feet of training space.
• Metro accessible via the Red Line to Woodley Park. (Street parking available for free, underground garage parking available for $5.)

The Yamasaki school will be described in detail in a future post! Stay tuned.


DC Aikido 
DC Aikido is an easy accessible place in the throat of DC. In the basement of a building near a plethora of international food and shops; young professionals come to DC Aikido seeking something more than just the physical activity other martial art and boxing gyms provide. They seek a way of life where martial arts, philosphy and religious beliefs come together.

The physical training in Aikido is also diverse, covering both physical fitness, flexibility and conditioning.

Aikido not only incorporates physical practice, but also places emphasis on the fine tuning positive human qualities such as "compassion, courage, endurance, and inner strength."  Aikido training is undertaken with the goal of improving the individual and thereby society as a whole.


The owner Michael Veltri, a cancer survivor, embodies this and proves that his studies in Aikido helped him overcome this debilitating condition. The staff and teachers are friendly and provide a welcoming ambiance for one to practice their skill in class or freestyle practice during designated times. The DC Aikido gym also gives prospective students a free 30-minute class to introduce them to the Aikido grappling arts. Aikido uses moves that create unnatural and weak conditions in your opponent to quickly an effortlessly bring down and opponent.

 


Aikido is a cooperative martial art where sparring is usually reserved for the more advance students and black belts. Students practice movements to use their opponents force against them with the least physical energy possible. Don't think that Aikido is for kids, as there are many powerful moves that must be done cooperatively or else people can become seriously injured. Because a substantial portion of any Aikido curriculum consists of throws, the first thing most students learn is how to safely fall or roll.

Specific attack techniques consist of both strikes and grabs. Techniques for defense consist of throws and pins. After basic techniques are learned , students begin to study freestyle defense against "multiple opponents, certain styles, and techniques with weapons."

In taking the introductory class, I found it be to quite satisfying. We learned a few basic moves and then were shown what we could do after if we continued to learn. It will really get you motivated to learn more! YoutTube has great videos of intruction as well, but it is not the same. Muscle memory is the most effective when it comes to self defense in live situations. In addition,  every year Michael takes 20 students to Japan for training and unique cultural experiences. It is a popular trip and fills out quickly among new students.

Third Party Reviews

DC Aikido has 6 happy customer reviews with 4+ stars.

Pricing

Pricing depends on your level of commitment. There are special deals depending on if you decide to do unlimited monthly classes, buy months in advance, or just a number of classes. However, prices range from about $13-15 dollars per class.

In addition, if you are in a large group and want to take a class - DC Aikido can accommodate you usually on the weekends. You must call to schedule a reservation.