Culver City Aikido

Update to appreciate the dedication and care by Jay and George. (Bön voyage, Todd!). Both Jay and George are detailed and thorough teachers. Thank you!

I cannot speak highly enough for the sincerity, patience, compassion, and understanding of everyone i have come in contract with here.
They are demonstrably fully dedicated to mastery of the craft along with the art and commitment of being a teacher.
Many of the classes are taught by masters who graciously volunteer and take time out of their evening to instruct beginners like me. They are all simply amazing and inspirational people.
For me, these classes have offered an unparalleled experience that fosters a passion in oneself to learn and practice, understand and appreciate the nuances and details not only of the craft of aikido but in the nature of all interactions. The reflection of yourself, to seek overall improvement, has clarity and purpose.
The focus on interpersonal and intrapersonal awareness through the craft is enlightening, meditative, fascinating and contemplative.
But don’t be taken aback by the high minded intellectualism — the martial part stays well in tact. You will be pushed to physical limits, and eventually abilities, you did not know existed.
I have only begun to discovered the vast expanse of what there is to learn and am forever grateful to my generous and skilled teachers.

This is a wonderful place to train. The students and the Sensei are dedicated and sincere. Safety is emphasized. Everyone is able to practice and train according to their own level of ability, flexibility and fitness and yet the techniques being taught are very effective. This is a system that will work for anyone of any size or shape. You will be challenged, however you do not need to be a 6 foot tall guy to be effective. But if you are don’t worry, the tiny women won’t hurt you too badly — seriously, you will find the skills a challenge to acquire as well. Doshinokai offers a way of being, a way of thinking that will serve you in all aspects of your life.

Our youngest son is studying Aikido at Doshinokai and really enjoys it. We enjoy watching the class too. One of these days may be we’ll get up enough courage and sign up ourselves too. Todd is very patient and wonderful with the kids. He keeps them focused on the work while the kids are also having a great time. The basic skills taught here are really useful for anyone to have. We definitely recommend this Dojo for anyone interested in Aikido.

My two children have been doing Aikido at Doshinokai for a few months now and really love it. We started going once a week, but they both enjoyed it so much that they are now attending twice a week. Their instructor, Todd, is both patient and knowledgeable and has that rare ability to connect with children and keep them focused on the lesson. We’re very glad to have found this Dojo and would recommend it to anyone interested in Aikido.

Our youngest child Josh is a great kid. He is creative, good natured, funny, and really caring. He does have a strange quirk: a stubborn streak which discourages him from trying new things without significant external motivation.
For the last couple of year we have been exposing Josh to various new experience hoping he would find a passion for something physically challenging, mentally centering, and included a spiritual component. Karate, swimming, water polo, dancing, capoeira. None of these caught his fancy.
It took quite a while to convince Josh that Aikido would be different. We really hoped it would be! We just didn’t know. When researching dojos on the Westside, Aikido Doshinoki kept coming up as the place to explore.
Honestly, we could not be happier, and neither can Josh! From our first written communication with Todd, to Josh’s first lesson, this dojo, its students, teachers and parents, have welcomed us.
Todd’s teaching style, his easy going personality, his mastery and passion for the art, and his obvious understanding about how kids learn allowing each child to progress at his or her own pace towards a goal of mastering the practice and themselves, is evident in the outcomes and smiles on the kid’s faces.
Josh started once a week, at the beginner’s group at 9am on Saturday mornings. After a very short time. he now attends twice a week. He is enjoying learning, socializing, and he is much calmer and more focused in all of his pursuits.
On top of everything, the lessons are extremely affordable. Never hurts. You get the best economic value while your child receives the very best guidance! What a deal.
We are extremely grateful to the entire family at Aikido Doshinokai for help us help Josh discover a love for something he has come to think of as his own: Aikido.
Can not recommend enough and am happy to speak to anyone interested in exploring Doshinokai for their children.
Amazing. Period.

I’ve been studying under Matsuoka Sensei for about 20 years. Matusoka Sensei is the Chief instructor of Doshinokai Aikido Dojo. He is an extremely talented, humble and inspirational leader that never stops learning and honing his own Aikido skills. The leader of any dojo or organization greatly impacts the culture of the dojo and students. Thus the enviroment here is very friendly and geared towards learning and improving oneself at any level. I am very proud to be a part of this organization alongside excellent instructors and students.
For new students interested in a friendly, and sincere training environment, you should definitely check out Doshinokai. The quality of the Aikido that Matsuoka Sensei posseses along with the students is truly worldclass.

I was a member of Doshinokai about 5 years ago for about 4 years. First place I learned aikido at the Culver city dojo.
It was a wonderful place to learn, good and friendly senpai and people all around. Matsuoka Sensei is great and amazing and humble. Since Sensei is also macrobiotics practisioner, I started watching what I eat and how I chew my food ha ha ha.
I somehow stoped when I hurt my shoulder in one class and after that I was having other injuries one after the other and so I could not got back, but I wish I can. I still practice some of the things I learn.
I have fond memories there and the aikido Japan trip.
Althouh the facility is simple and small, one small restroom, 2 small change room, sensei’s office. is it sufficient. Which is why the 4 stars.
I also learned kenjutsu there. Thier kids classes where pretty good. It geared toward learning how to not to get injured when falling etc, balance and some self defence aikido style,
Speaking of balance, I have scoliosis and the training there helped with my balance and leg strength becuase one time I tried surfing for the first time in Hawaii and everytime I stand up I applied the things I learned and stood up and stayed in the board until I almost reach the shore, well… for a beginer wave that is.
I miss it and the people.

I’ve been studying with Matsuoka Sensei at Aikido Doshinokai for 3 ½ years and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Aikido is a way of life and Matsuoka has proven that to me through his teachings. He is a very warm, kind-​hearted man who has all the patience in the world, especially us folk with a lack for the «hand-​eye coordination» thing! He’ll get you past that in no time!
All in all, it is a welcoming and safe environment that nurtures dedication to personal betterment and respect for your common man and woman. Since Aikido has to do with learning your center of gravity and not personal strength, it is also an ideal martial for women and children, as I’ve seen time and time again!

I have been studying martial arts for over 20 years and when I stumbled upon Doshinokai to continue my Aikido training in the summer of 2000, it was one the greatest moments in my life. At Doshinokai, I met and trained under Matsuoka Sensei who is an extremely gifted martial artist, a true teacher, and a wonderful, gracious, and generous human being. My martial arts continues to advance because of his teachings. I am encouraged to continue in «the WAY» because of his fine example. Although I no longer train at Doshinokai on a regular basis since I have moved on to another state, when I visit the dojo, Matsuoka Sensei continues to share with me his new development, new ways of doing techniques, his growth and experience. I am indebted to him, and I am extremely grateful. Anyone who trains under him will be enriched and inspired as a martial artist and as a human being.

I train here on the regular! Lots of good people and a true pursuit of all things martial. Matsuoka Sensei is a gifted martial artist with a real passion for the pursuit of Aikido. He’s always there to help and never fails to encourage exactly the right aspect of your technique to help you succeed.
A great place for children and adults alike to discover the art of Aikido and share in the journey with other passionate practitioners.

Different people, different strokes. This is no «on the ground wrestling Jujitsu» but if you want personal-​refinement and stress-​reduction. This is a fantastic option.
Keep in mind that O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba said that the goal of Aikido is world peace where practitioners restore peace with self and then with their foes thru physical, mental, and spiritual training. A key to harmony is to de-​escalate conflict assertively with minimal force, violence, damage, and provoking the least amount of negative emotions in their foes. Matsuoka Sensei and other instructors focus on the principles of balance, calmness, and gentleness while effectively accepting an attack before neutralizing the conflict using the least amount of force possible.
How we do anything is how we do everything and as we internalize the principles of relaxation, balance, and gentleness, these same principles are activated when we confront conflicts with our family, coworkers, and neighbors. This is the only reason why I am taking less Zumba and spinning classes at the fabulous Spectrum clubs.
Yes, there is a place for high kicks and breaking boards. However, the teaching of M Sensei directly transforms the innate human aggressiveness into self-​confidence and self-​effacing poise over time. The path of self-​mastery and self-​determination (e.g., don’t react aggressively and be controlled by others even when attacked savagely) leads to compassion and the spirit of Aikido, which I learned is «the loving protection of all things». This is an enduring path for anyone between the ages of 6 to 106 and practitioners can grow thru these principles even after decades of practice. Physical prowess passes as I am over 50 now (-:
Practicing is believing so yall come on down for a free lesson!!! If you would like to chat more about Harmony versus Coercion, Jerry is at 310−902−3389.
Thank you very much!
Jerry

This is the place to go! Every class holds new, sometimes mind-​boggling, experiences, and there are so many sincere, talented and wonderful people who practice here. Matsuoka-​sensei is truly one in a million, extremely gifted at Aikido and at imparting its subtleties and techniques, which almost seem magical in the beginning because of its efficacy. Moreover, he gives his whole heart and care to each student, and he has a truly beautiful heart. My body, mind and spirit are all enlightened after returning home from class here.
Classes are offered every day of the week, which is perfect for my ever-​changing schedule, and you can begin taking classes with advanced students and Matsuoka-​sensei from day one.
I can’t get enough of Aikido Doshinokai! I believe that Doshinokai () means «gathering of comrades» (or «kindred souls», or «with the same mind»), which is a perfect name for this dojo.