Aikido is a powerful method of self-defense that can be studied by people of all ages. It is a non-competitive martial art that teaches a student to understand, recognize, and then act in the face of a violent or harmful situation. Aikido is ideal for women and children that would be physically less strong than an attacker due to the non-resistive techniques involved in dealing with this kind of situation.  At Makoto Dojo, there are classes for Adults, Teens (11-14 yrs), Children (7-10 yrs) and Toddlers (4-6 yrs).  We also conduct periodic special "self-defense" workshops designed for the lay person that is not inclined to take up a life long study of Aikido.  Makoto Dojo is part of a network of dojos called the "Makoto Aikido Kyokai™".  The dojo itself is directly under Larry Reynosa Sensei.  We are affiliated with the Aikido World Headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan and receive all DAN (Black Belt) ranks directly from the Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.  We welcome all students of the martial arts to train at Makoto Dojo regardless of style, rank or affiliation.  Our purpose is to be cause in the matter of less suffering in the world by understanding violence and becoming part of the solution rather than part of the problem.  Please come by and visit...you will always be welcome.

We have two class levels for Adults: Level I is for the new student needing the basics.  Curriculum includes stretching and flexibility training; learning to fall and roll in order to recover from a throwing technique; terminology and protocol understanding; Aikido theory and philosophy; and plenty of questions and answers.  Level II Classes for adults involve an infinite number of empty-handed techniques that deal with throwing, unbalancing, or pinning a potential adversary; exploration of the possibilities involved in disarming and adversary that chooses to use a weapons against you, such as a knife, broken bottle, baseball bat, or even a handgun.In addition, special classes are conducted in the use of the short staff (jo) and the wooden sword (bokken).

The Teen classes are targeted for the teenager that may feel he/she doesn't fit into the children's class, but is a little intimidated about training in an all adult class.  We understand the pressures our teens have in today's society and do our best at teaching them how to overcome some of those fears that cause them to veer off into the sort of life that leads to problems.  Giving them a way to vent these frustrations and turn them into a positive lifestyle is one of our main goals.  Class curriculum is basically the same as the Level I Adult class.

The Children's class for ages 7-10 years has been growing rapidly.  Class curriculum includes basic discipline, stretching and flexibility training; games that teach a child better motor skills function and coordination; teaching that there is no "try", you "do" or "do not"; and failing isn't bad...but if you fail or fall, then you get up and "do" it again...and again until you succeed.  You never give up!; teaching the awareness that would lead a child to flee a stranger, not to open their door, fall for a false story that would lure them into a kidnapping situation; teaching them about the nature of a physical power to power struggle and how to deal with such a situation in a more positive non-resistive way.

The Toddlers class for ages 4-6 years has been very successful.  The goal of this class is to see them graduate into the older children's class and be able to deal with the advanced lessons presented.  We work very hard on self-discipline; sitting quietly after running like crazy; self-confidence building and self-expression is a major goal at this level; providing a safe environment that will lead to better motor functions and coordination and understanding of their physical selves is also a major goal at this level; and above all teaching the kids to have fun learning.