My younger son has ADHD a couple of learning problems including dyslexia. I registered him for Thurdsay class once a week. His grades improved, he was able to sit longer and was respectful. My son ended up graduating high school with a 4.75 gpa, city college with presidential honors and he graduated with honors from ucsb. I can nit say enough for Ota for all the did for him. Thank you

Taking Aikido classes at the Cultural School is the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time.Aikido is the perfect martial art for everyone regardless of age or size. The techniques learned involve blending with your attacker and using their movements against them. Special emphasis is placed on learning how to protect yourself properly when falling, which is likely to be even more important than self defense against an attacker. Lastly, focus on ki development is perhaps the most useful thing in every day life. Students learn how to relax and remain calm in stressful situations, applicable to far more than just self defense.Everyone I have met and trained with has been so kind and I really feel like I am part of a second family. Take care of yourself phsyically (and mentally!) by taking classes at the cultural school.

I came to learn Aikido in 1974 but left with a way of life. I learned to be a peaceful through Aikido, I learned to endure through Judo and I learned balance and poise through Ballroom Dancing . Thank You Sensei

The Goleta Cultural School is a family friendly environment where people of all ages can learn and practice the arts of Ki Aikido and Judo. The founders of the school, Ken and Miye Ota, have made countless contributions to the art of teaching martial arts. They are also legends in the town of Goleta. The Cultural School used to be a regular stop for Tohei Sensei ( the founder of Aikido ) on his travels through the United States.Primary teaching responsibilities are now handled by Sensei Steve Ota, the son of Ken and Miye. Steve has studied the arts of Judo and Ki Aikido both in the United States and Japan. Sensei Steve tailors his teaching techniques so that they benefit students of all ages and abilities.The students at the dojo are also supportive of all comers, both regular attendees and guests. Regular students at the dojo quickly become members of the Otas extended family.The art of Ki Aikido, as taught at the Goleta Cultural School, benefits students not only as an excellent self defense skill, but as a life skill that benefits all aspects a students life. Students learn to confront lifes challenges with the calm, focused approach taught by Tohei Sensei.Aikido is an excellent self defense skill. It is a defense only martial art that allows anyone to effectively protect themselves from attack from larger and stronger opponents.My experiences at the Goleta Cultural School have benefited my whole family. I highly recommend the study of Aikido, as taught by the Otas, to anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental fitness.