Great instructors, dedicated to instruction in a methodical manner. The kids instructor Kerman is a total gem. Not only is he a dedicated aikido practitioner himself but he relates too and is able to successfully teach children of all ages❗ He creates a very positive environment where children feel comfortable to learn. Yet he maintains discipline which is most definitely needed in any martial arts❗

I started my Kokikai journey with AKR, and Im so glad I did. These folks are welcoming and knowledgeable, and quickly became my family. I was in graduate school in Rochester, and was in dire need of both exercise and a support system, and the folks at AKR provided both - as well as a kind student discount for a poor grad student! They have many blackbelts who trade off teaching classes, so if your time is limited, you can choose the instructors you click with most. If youve got your evenings open, even better, because you can take many, many classes with numerous perspectives on the art.I cannot recommend AKR highly enough. GO HERE!

I have been practicing with this dojo since August 2013 after moving from Chicago. I never thought I would get involved in a martial art, but Aikido Kokikai got me hooked. It keeps me in good shape, being able to defend myself and practice with happy and committed people without bruises and injuries. Its awesome to jump into a big forward roll or fall safely. I continue to be fascinated how with continued practice a person of any gender or body type can be strong and powerful at self defense. I also enjoy being able to prevent the attacker (or attackers) without injuring him/her/them.Onto practical issues. The club (dojo) has a huge dedicated space that has classes 6 days a week (I attend 2-3 times). One of the walls has giant westward windows and it awesome to practice as the sun sets. The cost is $45 per month with discounts for students, families and prepayments. I didnt have to pay for the first few classes before I decided I am in. Moreover, the club has a first 3 month special for $90.

Very well liked learning is great good teacher the more you come the more you can learn it takes time to learn any art so come and have some fun.

I moved away from Rochester and the thing I miss MOST is Aikido Kekakai. The sensais are the best and the whole atmosphere of the dojo is welcoming and everyone is extremely helpful and encouraging.

I have been training at Aikido Kokikai of Rochester for several years and it has been a wonderful experience. I have made some great friends and learned a lot about myself through the practice of Aikido. This dojo is the real deal. It is not a business out to sell you belts every other month. It is an organization run entirely by volunteers dedicated to its students and the advancement of the martial art. Unlike many dojos whose instruction has been diluted and highly Americanized, this dojo honors the rich history of Aikido, maintains a strong connection to the arts Japanese roots, and is constantly working to refine the art for modern day application. I owe a lot to this dojo. These last four years have been challenging at times and I wouldnt be where I am today without the skills that Ive learned on the mat at Aikido Kokikai of Rochester.

A couple of free classes will convince you to keep coming back. Beautiful dojo!

Some of the people that work there act funny too black people ... And do not teach you the real way it. Should b done .. and not good at teaching.....

A great place to learn how to live life with balance and harmony.

If you are interested in learning a non-aggressive, non-competitive martial art and self-defense that utilizes techniques of unarmed combat of the samurai, this is the place to go. this is a large spacious dojo with friendly, knowledgeable and experienced instructors whose lineage can be traced directly to the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. plus the cost to train and practice here is significantly less than what other martial arts schools charge.

My daughter has been a member here for 3 years now. After losing interest in martial arts at another dojo, my daughter took a year hiatus, then she joined Aikido Koki-Kai. Harold has a wonderful way with kids and my daughter is inspired by him and most importantly, looks forward to each and every session because its fun. It tells you that there is a big difference between dojos - the difference between wanting to participate and not!In addition, the price is very reasonable . This is run by people who love of the sport, not to part you from your money.

Great group of people and a huge space for practicing Aikido.

My wife and I started with Aikido Kokikai of Rochester in 1995 through its program with RIT. As of now, that was almost 19 years ago. From a martial perspective, Aikido was an answer to a question that plagued me since I started studying martial arts at the age of 10. I finally had a variable response to meet all situations from a guy who had a little too much to drink at a party to a real life or death situation with multiple assailants. From an instructional perspective, the Rochester dojo has held a tradition and blessing of having several senior ranked instructors that thought differently and therefore taught differently. Everyone learns a little differently and so many schools have only one instructor where things are taught only one way from one perspective. At AKR, odds are you can find a teacher that speaks best to how you think and learn.I not only found a way of life, but a second home and extended family here. If you are at all interested in self defense and something that will positively impact every corner of your life, go check it out. AKR is not a for profit organization. All the instructors teach on a volunteer basis because they love and believe in the art.

So, I have been with the club since 1986. For 25 years, I worked with author, Thomas Crum, applying training and metaphors from the art of aikido in business and community workshops to teach people how to stay calm under pressure and resolve conflicts effectively. In aikido, you work with the other persons energy to resolve an attack. Kokikai Aikido provides the student with a workbox of techniques and movements to use under pressure. It also teaches the student how to remain calm enough to use techniques effectively. The heightened awareness and focus that the student develops from practice can benefit them in both physical confrontation and in everyday life.I have watched many people begin training in our dojo. Many have moved out of Rochester and continued practice. Others are still practicing with the club. There is always more that you can learn from practicing Kokikai Aikido…..but first you have take that first step on to the mat.