When I
first moved to San Diego four years ago, I started looking for an Aikido dojo.
After having trained in Japan, I was concerned that I might not find a dojo
with the same discipline and dedication to training as I had found in Japan.
I began my search by locating the different dojos in San Diego and then made a
list of questions to ask to find out which dojo would be right for me.
When I first called Sunset Cliffs Aikido I was impressed by the uchi-dechi's
(Gabe's) professionalism and patience when answering my multitude of questions.
I decided to come down and have a look at the dojo, watch a class and get the
feel of the dojo. The first person I met (in person) was Beth Hall, who
portrayed such dedication and love for Aikido that I knew this was the place
for me.
At my first class, I met Sensei who was very welcoming and accepting even
though my techniques were slightly different. I was impressed by her patience
especially when I couldn't seem to learn a new way of doing techniques even
after being shown again and again and again!
I have been training at Sunset Cliffs Aikido for almost four years now and
enjoy the training now as much as, if not more, than when I started. The number
of classes, level of training offered and layout of the dojo is exemplary and I
plan on continuing my training for many years to come!
Jill
Pham, School Teacher
I was
looking for a different way to workout.
I had done gyms etc. I came
by 3 or 4 times to check it out, I never saw anyone training, but the feeling
of the dojo was just right. I
thought I was looking for a sport and found an art. I had no idea of this difference, and I’m an Artist.
I have
become a member of the Sunset Cliffs Aikido dojo to strengthen my legs and
obtain better coordination. I was
stricken with Gilliam-Beret, a disease that destroys nerve tissue. After years of relearning to walk, I
have decided to learn Aikido to learn to fall (my main fear) correctly.
I came to
Sunset Cliffs first while looking into dojos based on convenience of
location. I was significantly impressed
enough that I didn’t have to look anymore.
I chose SCA
because, it was recommended to me by a friend. I’ve stayed at SCA because it is a welcoming
environment that both challenges and relaxes me. The people are fun & friendly and their philosophy of
learning is wonderful.
I initially
chose to train at Sunset Cliffs when I saw Sensei practicing weapons. I believe it was the 5 kumitachis. It reminded me of Ballet because it was
so elegant and refined. I was
instantly inspired.
Even though
I was technically an adult (I thank I was 24) I felt like a little girl
again. I knew I wanted to be just like
her, a lady of power and grace.
I’ve
been training over a decade now and I’m still striving for that elusive
perfection, but I’ve learned more importantly to enjoy my journey rather
than completely fixating on my goal.
When I was
looking for a place to train I visited a lot of dojos. I talked to the instructors to see how
I liked them. Most of them were
very nice. After talking to Sensei
I felt as though I would like to talk to her again so I came back. After a few visits I knew I wanted to
train at Sunset Cliffs Aikido.
The people
who attend Sunset Cliffs Aikido will learn a lot about themselves whether it is
self-defense, self-control or friendship.
You will always come away with something.
I felt a
connection to Sensei the first time I saw her I liked her and wanted to learn
from her. My first Sensei
respected her highly and that meant a lot to me. And, when I saw a black belt test (Jennifer Bergener) at
SCA, I wanted to look like that.
I choose
Sunset Cliffs because of the Sensei and the strong level of practice and the
great people who train here.
I choose
Sunset Cliffs Aikido because of the feeling I got when I walked inside. It was something like Zen and it just
looked real. So now I live in the
dojo because it’s my chosen path.
I chose
Sunset Cliffs Aikido because of the feeling of warmth and friendship that I
felt on entering the dojo for the first time. That feeling never went away and so I moved in and made it
my home.
I started
at Sunset Cliffs Aikido because I lived in O.B. But when I moved from the area I stayed here because of the
people, my fellow students, and because as time goes by I appreciate Bernice Tom
Sensei more. Her techniques are
solid. Thank you.
I chose
Sunset Cliffs Aikido because I knew I wanted to study aikido, and sunset Cliffs
Aikido was close to my home.
I continue
to study at SCA because of the positive energy of the people, place and
practice.
1)
Sensei’s
background, rank and training
2)
Observation
of high ranking student’s techniques and commitment
3)
Training
attitude of students
4)
Superior
facilities – dojo
I chose
Sunset Cliffs because it was a friendly dojo that provided serious Aikido study
in an accessible manner. I have
stayed here because I feel that the training I am receiving is helping me to
grow as a person and as a martial artist.
I train at
Sunset Cliffs Aikido because it is the sanctuary of the harmonic movement of
the life force in my universe, which refreshes my spirit on each occasion that
I am fortunate to be here.
I chose SCA
because when I was little I had a dream of some one meditating with a sword and
jo so I went to another martial art.
Found out it was not it, then I went to Aikido of Sunset Cliffs and it
was right. So I stayed here.
When I came
to San Diego, I said to myself that I would find a place to continue my martial
arts training. At that time I
looked at training as something to stay in shape more than the desire to follow
any path. My life was a full cup
of job, kids, house and separation from east coast family ties. As time and years passed I looked in on
SCA and renewed by desire but did not commit to training. Then I read an article by George
Leonard (A man get his Black Belt at 50).
I said to myself I could do that and started. My birthday is 8-24-53 and I seem to be on the same path as
George. To train is all that is
important to me now. But funny how
you follow your thoughts once said.
I chose
Sunset Cliffs Aikido after struggling for ten years to return to training. I started training in 1990 and stopped
in 1993 when I hit what I felt was a personal “wall” in my
training. After trying several
dojos in the San Diego area, the sense of community, strong weapons program and
a feeling of support in absorbing a new style of aikido made me want to settle
down here and stay. For that
Reason, and the opportunity to immerse myself in the study of aikido and the
aikido community, and hopefully to grow personally, I became an uchi deshi in August
2002.
I love the
way Aikido is taught at Sunset Cliffs Aikido.
I started
planning to get here in 1979 when I moved here. It was in the neighborhood! I had “things to do” first and it was in line
after tiny kids, aerobics and dance.
When the dance seemed finished…. I walked down the street. Time for Aikido.