Heart of San Francisco Aikido
Category: Martial Arts [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Potrero Hill, Dogpatch2565 3rd St
Ste 309
(between 22nd St & 23rd St)
San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 643-8407
11 reviews
Neighborhood: Japantown
"These guys are great! Son asked me to bring back a sword while on vacation. We came across Katachi at the mall, and Victor patiently waited…" read more »
13 Reviews for Heart of San Francisco Aikido
I joined this dojo after taking a three-year break from Aikido. It's a very nice place, great big high room (warehouse meets japanese pagoda). The style feels generally pretty soft, but that's mostly because of the people's mindsets. Nobody here really wants to force their technique on you (something I have experienced in other dojos sometimes). That's not to say we're not doing strong or direct techniques sometimes - there is enough mat-slapping action available with the more advanced students if you're so inclined.
When I found this Dojo, I knew that I wanted to try a martial art for the first time, but I wasn't really sure which one was right for me. Heart of San Francisco ended up being exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for a more gentle, mentally challenging practice and had no interest in being a trained killer. It is such a warm and open place to learn. I am incredibly impressed by the patience of the instructors, and to the art of aikido itself, which really nurtures the growth and learning process to each individual. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try a less aggressive, less competitive martial art. And they don't make you buy the outfit for the beginner classes, which is nice if you aren't sure if you want to commit.
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I have started, stopped and re-started Aikido a few too many times, but no more. I have truly found a home at Heart of San Francisco Aikido and have had many great experiences there. It's been a very positive force in my life and I see its effects both in and out of the physical realm.
I can sort of understand why one of the other Yelpers here judged this place as "too gentle," as something like this is very subjective. I have had experience with stricter dojos and don't think one style is right or wrong. For me, I feel that I have blossomed at a place where I am less anxious and intimidated about making an etiquette blunder or not getting something right.
I prefer being in a place that fosters exploration, enjoying the experience, and connecting with my training partners.
I still wouldn't call it gentle-- one's practice is as vigorous as one makes it! I am tired at the end of every class-- happily so.
The instructors are excellent. If you ever wanted to try Aikido-- or any other martial art and might just be curious-- I can't imagine a better place for a beginner. I really look forward to it being an integral part of my life from here on.
I trained here when it was Heart of the MIssion Aikido.
These people are generous, warm people who love what they do. At the time they didn't really have a fixed dojo location, so we spent a lot of time putting mats down. I hope that has changed.
It was a bit too gentle for me. It seemed to attract people who were afraid to try martial arts. Which is fine. However, if you have too many people like that in one room it is hard to feel like you doing anything. It was too gentle.
On the other hand everyone did feel very safe, from the most skittish to the somewhat more bold. It really is a place with a big heart. The name really suits them. Lots of women, and also a lot of transgender and queer folk there. Very diverse, very inclusive. And I have heard that is still true.
I have to be completely frank here and say that, having no prior martial arts experience, I chose this particular one because a brief tour of the interwebs left me with the impression that Aikido has the coolest outfits. Not that I'm normally that kind of person, but it's hard to deny that the dramatic skirt-pants situation here is unequalled in the world of self defense disciplines.
But it only took one class to convince me that the fly clothes are the least of the reasons why you should try Aikido (you won't be wearing them for about 8 years anyway), and why you should try it at the Heart of San Francisco dojo in particular. It's a breathtakingly beautiful, dancerly, amazingly effective art, and the instructors here are fabulous. The atmosphere is warm and open - advanced students often dropped by to help us . . . not ONE IOTA of attitude or condescension. And being that the central idea of non-violence and peaceful self-protection is emphasized here, the classes run delightfully low on Rambo type training partners who give you the unsettling impression that they have watched one too many kungfu movies and are looking for the first available opportunity to try to shove your nose into your brain/garrote you with nunchuks/squeeze you unpleasantly/kick you real hard in the head. None of that business here (phew!).
Furthermore, dojo etiquette and how to do up your wily cotton belt were thoughtfully suggested without making anyone feel idiotic or like you had just committed the biggest social breach in Aikido history.
Classes were carefully instructed, but even as rank beginners we were challenged every time and I walked away feeling like I had really learned something truly Aikido-y. I found myself really, really eager to come back every Sunday and Wed.
I could go on and on. Johan and Deborah and Signe were (and are!) a great way to introduce yourself to this incredibly cool martial art. The vibe of the entire dojo welcomes all kinds of people: young, old, lady, gent, athletic or not - I can promise that you will feel comfortable and looked after.
And who knows, you might get hooked and find yourself on the fast track to those awesome pants.
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I should offer a full disclosure here and say that I currently teach the beginning class at the dojo, where I have been a student for almost ten years. As to whether that biases my review, I'll let you all decide.
I have been training at Heart of San Francisco Aikido, formerly Heart of the Mission Aikido, since 1997. When I walked into my first beginning class I really had no idea what to expect. I had seen a flier hanging in the Haight and as my, ahem, "husky" sysadmin frame was in need of an exercise injection I spontaneously decided to try it out. I fell in love with Aikido almost immediately after I started the beginning class.
One of the factors that piqued my interest in the dojo was the fact that the chief instructor, Penny Sablove Sensei 3rd Dan, was female. I had trained in a number of other arts including shotokan karate, ju-jitsu, and a bit of tai-chi, but none of my senseis had ever been women. I brought the flier home and convinced my girlfriend to take the class with me. Ten years and many tests later, we are both still active members of the dojo.
My beginning class was well paced and covered the basics of aikido. These 6 to 8 week beginning courses cover striking, throwing, falling, rolling and generally learning to become more aware of one's movements. Our current beginning classes are held about ever 2 months. The dojo was then and is now very committed to fostering an environment that encourages women to train. At least once a year the dojo holds a women's only beginning class. Penny Sensei is also one of the Instructors at the annual Women's Aikido seminar, now held at Aikido of Santa Cruz.
The dojo(literally in Japanese "the place of the way") is a space where people can train and develop together. As aikido emphasizes harmony and collaboration, the dojo environment does not invite an atmosphere of competition or posturing. Although the practice of aikido does not end up suiting everyone's tastes, Heart of San Francisco Aikido is a fantastic place to try it out.
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I just recently started training here, after spending the last 20 years thinking about it but never getting around to it. I really enjoy it. Everyone is very welcoming and helpful, and I found the quality of the instruction to be excellent and encouraging. I have become quite hooked and I would more than recommend this to anyone.
I just recently joined this Dojo ( since July 07) after not training in Aikido since high school twenty years ago. I took the beginning class after researching several Dojos on line and found Heart of San Francisco Dojo to be the best fit for me. The beginning class was a wonder full way to get back in to martial arts training and I could see how it would be a very good introduction to someone who had never trained before. After the beginning class finished you can accelerate your training and train as hard or soft as you want too. I am always out of breath and fell as if I have trained hard after a regular class session. Understand the beginning class moves a bit slower which was just what I was looking for to start.
The physical Dojo it self is a bit odd as it is located in a mostly industrial (but safe) part of town in a commercial building but once you get past that aspect the place and the peaple are simpley great.
After I moved to San Francisco in the late '80's, I decided I wanted to try a martial art for some exercise. I tried classes in a different art, but the teacher wasn't very good. Accidentally I stumbled upon Aikido, and discovered both a great martial art and a great teacher, Penny Sablove, founder and chief instructor at Heart of San Francisco. I have been training with Penny ever since, and have found a practice for my mind, body, and spirit that is more important in my life than I ever could have imagined.
Maybe because I'm shorter, people always seem surprised that I've had a black belt for 10 years. But Aikido doesn't require great size or strength. The techniques we practice are a path to discovering the principles of Aikido, and the principles are a path to discovering and sculpting yourself. There's no magic to it; it's simply a matter of showing up to class regularly, and the lessons sink in. Over time, Aikido brings the self-defense and exercise benefits that typically draw people in. But then Aikido starts to show you that it's a path to personal and interpersonal growth. And before you realize it, Aikido starts to tone your body, sharpen your mind, and polish your spirit.
In case you think you are not physically fit enough to try Aikido, I should add that I am disabled. A dozen years ago, I began suffering from severe repetitive stress injuries. These have caused sometimes debilitating pain in my upper extremities, neck, shoulders, and back. Amazingly, I have been able to continue in Aikido thanks to Penny's teaching approach. Not only that, but I firmly believe that Aikido has helped to heal me. Even though I am still not completely able-bodied, I have regained much strength through Aikido. And it makes me feel powerful, agile, and fit. I'm not saying everybody with disabilities can practice a martial art, but you may find that you can do it, and you may even find it's just what you need.
Want some great exercise, to meet great people, to find a community and a self defense practice all in one? Join us at Heart of San Francisco Aikido!
I trained off and on with the wonderful folks at this dojo, and if my body would let me continue to practice (my old sports injuries were just too much), I wouldn't consider training anywhere else in SF. The folks at Heart of the Mission are amazing--totally warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, challenging, encouraging, and altogether spectacular aikidoists. Don't be fooled by the "gentle" comments--this style of aikido is fast, light, and flexible, and more than holds up against the rigid style I'd encountered at other dojos. The beginning class prepares you especially well to join the dojo. Start there and you'll be rolling around the mat having more fun than you can imagine. I miss you guys!
So I remember when I first decided to try Aikido, I was really worried about funny little things, like "are they going to make me yell those funny shouts a lot?" "What if someone kicks me in the head?""am I going to get my butt kicked?"
Well worry not, should you decide to try out this dojo (school). The spacious interior (the mat space is massive compared to many places in the city) is warmly filled with the members of this delightful school. There is truly a supportive community attitude in this place. The interior of the room was designed and built by the members of the dojo and their spirit shows.
Instruction is accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The instructors foster an expectation that more experienced practitioners help the newer members along. This is done in a respectful manner and is never condescending.
Aikido is a dynamic, fluid, and sometimes baffling complex martial art. It probably doesn't look like stuff you saw in the movies. That said, some people are put off by what appears to be "gentleness." While aikido can be remarkably soft, it can also be quite effective. One trains as hard or as soft as one chooses, and this for many people, makes this dojo, and this art, quite accessible.
When I walked into my first beginning aikido class, I had no idea what to expect. I wanted to learn something new and challenging, get some exercise, and explore an art. I had never seen aikido before. My only experience with a martial art had been a brief tae kwon do class at the YMCA when I was twelve. This had been fun and empowering, but brief. Who would have guessed that aikido at Heart of San Francisco would become such a major part of my life?
What I found in aikido was an art that was profoundly different than anything I had every tried before. Assertive, yes, but aggressive, never. I loved the feeling of connection with my body and with others. No wonder so many people have dedicated their lives to practice of aikido. After one class, I couldn't wait to get back, and by the end of the beginning series, I was completely hooked. I have been practicing aikido ever since, which makes four plus years of training at this point. Now I can't imagine an end to my training, so this is truly just the beginning of my practice.
As far as the dojo goes, I love the space and the people who train here. Everyone practices with utmost respect for each other and for the art, and I'm still amazed at how comfortable I feel. There is no competitiveness or selfishness, just humility and generosity of spirit. I wish everything I learned could be in such a supportive environment! I completely trust all of my teachers and training partners, which is essential when you are about to practice a martial art with attacks, throws, and some highly impressive falls. There is a range of levels within each class, and everyone is welcomed equally.
Penny Sablove Sensei is a wonderful teacher, and we are always grateful for her thoughtfulness, her clarity, and her own continual inquiry into the art of aikido. All of the Senseis have valuable teachings to share, each with a unique perspective yet all with the same supportive spirit. I feel truly lucky to have become a part of such a wonderful dojo.
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I am a new student at the dojo, and a newcomer to Aikido. Heart of San Francisco Aikido has been a great place for me to learn. I started in the six week class for beginners, and have been practicing in the general class for two months now. The experienced students and instructors are very supportive and welcoming.
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