Kiryu Aikido - San Luis Obispo

Training at Kiryu Aikido is a wonderful experience. It can be mentally and physically challenging, but is always a whole lot of fun!
Sep 16th, 2018

Great place to train if you want to learn aikido. Friendly environment and great teachers.
Apr 21st, 2018

Kiryu Aikido is, in my experience, the best place to learn and train in Aikido, in Colorado. I formerly trained at two different dojos and visited another in the Denver area, and with all things considered, Kiryu Aikido was the best experience I found.  These are the reasons why:The Sensei, Les Steveson Sensei, and the brothers and sisters in this Dojo are very nice people who are committed to the Art.Sensei Les is an excellent Teacher. He really cares about the learning process of his students. The classes are well designed and organized. There is an underlying rationale in the sequence of movements in each and every class. I never saw such well-planned classes in any other Dojo in Colorado. Sensei Les teaches every student equally; there is no special treatment being delivered to one or two, as sometimes happens in other dojos. Sensei Les is impartial and teaches all aspects of the Art. Sensei Les is also a very nice and respectful person and an active member of the Community. He has integrity in what he does. Sensei Les gives positive feedback and he also corrects the students, when needed. He is respectful and does not make inappropriate jokes about people. Sensei Les is also joyful while teaching the techniques. The movements are taught at a very good pace, with repetitions of the demonstrations. We are able to understand the application of the movements in a martial street context also, for instance, due to Sensei Les's skills. Sensei Les has a very good methodology to teach us step-by-step, so we know exactly what we need to do and practice. Therefore, we don't spend a lot of time practicing something wrong and later discover our errors. Sensei Les is open for questions and he is approachable. He is not only nice on the mat, but he is also nice off of the mat.The Training is martial and very fun at the same time! We are encouraged to give our best! We also have a lot of support!The Practice involves not only the techniques per se, but also includes a lot of the "Uke" portion of Aikido. For example, we spend a good amount of time learning many falls. This is also something that other dojos in Colorado do not emphasize. Falling is a big part of Aikido. Not only that, if we do not practice enough, we can end up hurting ourselves. In Kiryu Aikido, we learn how to fall safely in a supportive environment. We have dedicated a lot of time to studying the Weapons. I have learned more about them in two months of practice with Kiryo Aikido than two years of practice in other places. Weapons were not what attracted me to Aikido, but at Kiryo Aikido, I learned how to appreciate them and developed a "new taste" and respect for them.Sensei Les dedicates a very good amount of time in training to going through what we need to learn to advance and thereby helping us to embody the movements required for our tests. We know what is expected. Everything is clear and there are no confusions. Classes are very organized, and they help us to succeed! There is an environment of honesty, respect, transparency and commitment in Kiryo Aikido. I personally love training in Aikido at this Dojo. I have many years of experience in Aikido. I started training in Brazil around 1999. I trained there for three and a half years approximately. Then my career as a neuroscientist brought me to the USA, where I first landed in beautiful Hawaii, where I trained for approximately 6 more months. After that, I stopped training Aikido for almost 10 years, while working as a researcher in different places in the USA. I came back to Aikido in 2015 training in Colorado. Because I have trained in so many different places, I acquired experience with different styles and teachers. When I came to Kiryu Aikido, Sensei Les received me in a way that no other place did. My diverse background was received with an open mind, respect and appreciation of the Aikido that has evolved with my body of experience. Sensei Les accepted the style that I was presenting to him. He was able to teach me from where I was at, enforcing the fundamentals I had, correcting the aspects that needed correction and at the same time, allowing me to just be myself in this process. In other words, he teaches me the techniques I need to master, while I am also free to express them with my "own style and flavor".  All of this happens in a harmonious, joyful, martial, sincere, supportive and peaceful environment. I hope you may be as lucky as I am to train at Kiryu Aikido Dojo!
Sep 18th, 2018

I was a complete beginner when I started with Kiryu Aikido in 2006, and there are several reasons Ive trained here for more than a decade. The primary reason is our Chief Instructor, Blevins Sensei, and his caliber of instruction. With more than 30 years of training in and teaching Aikido, he walks the walk of a gifted martial artist who is also a great teacher. In addition, the environment is focused on teaching this martial art in a safe, supportive manner combined with encouragement to continue learning and growing as a student. As I mentioned, I had zero martial arts experience when I started. But that didnt matter then and it doesnt matter now. Beginners and new students are welcome any time. What matters is the commitment to training we get out of life what we put into it. Over the years, with the guidance of Blevins Sensei and senior students, Ive progressed beyond what I ever thought possible, and now also teach in addition to training regularly. The learning continues every class. If you want to learn traditional Aikido, grounded with quality instruction and a structured, cohesive teaching program, I cant think of a better dojo. I hope to see you on the mat and start exploring the positive changes that can happen with a dedication to practice.
Jun 23rd, 2018

I've been training with Kiryu Aikido since 2006, first in Colorado and now in California. My choice to train here for more than a decade underscores the reasons why: the caliber of the teaching by Chief Instructor and founder Andrew Blevins is outstanding. He's not only a talented martial artist, but he's a great teacher. (Not all artists or athletes can teach what they are doing.) The safe and supportive environment allows students to progress and set high expectations, with safety as the foundation of every class. The philosophy of the dojo is to honor every student's path and encourage every student to do his or her best and keep improving.I was a beginner when I started with the dojo, and through hard work and dedication mixed with the priceless guidance of Blevins Sensei and senior students, I now also teach as well as train regularly. I think many dojos can be good places to start the practice of Aikido, but how far can a student progress? At Kiryu Aikido, the structured, cohesive teaching program will help you get as far as you want to go. Practicing with Kiryu has changed my life, and my only regret is not starting earlier in my life.
Apr 6th, 2018