PARENTS COMMENT ABOUT THEIR  KIDS

….. Aikido is the first physical activity that he has wanted to continue, as previous group sports just didn’t maintain that drive to continue playing and learning. Benefits of attending include high self-respect, improved self-confidence and self control, and better (more polite or positive) interaction with other children.  - Brenda P.

I would say that Aikido is based on peace and not violence.  Steve is great with the kids as he is kind yet is respected.  I really love how there is such a respectful and cooperative environment.  The girls love Open Sky.  As parents, we are extremely pleased with all aspects of the aikido experience for our children. Thanks for creating such a wonderful environment for the girls. Sharon  H.

We were looking for martial art instruction for a young boy. We see a more attentive boy. …. I would tell others that I stumbled upon an incredible community of people ….. who have something special and share it wholeheartedly. -Thanks, John R.

M___ is 10 and G__ is almost 8. M___ has found something that is giving her confidence.  G___is learning commitment and that you must practice to increase skill level.  They absolutely love aikido.-Sharon  H.

We did not want a competitive environment but a nurturing one instead.  At that time, S___ was in tremendous need of more confidence and peace.  And we have found both through your school.  We love the nurturing environment that allows everyone to develop at their own pace.  We love the peace and tranquility.  S___ has benefited most by increasing his self-confidence.  Due to his motor delays, it is difficult for him to be successful at “typical American” sports.  However, he can be successful with Aikido. -Angie W.

Steve creates an atmosphere of “serious fun” that allows kids to begin easily and progress as they are ready through increasing challenges. It’s been a pleasure to see Colin become more focused while also becoming more at ease in his body. As a psychologist with 35 years experience working with children and adolescents, I can enthusiastically recommend Open Sky Aikikai as an excellent resource for parents who want to give their children a strong foundation for physical health and positive mental outlook.-Peter B.

Our son seems more confident and less shy. I think he feels proud that he has learned some aikido skills. Somehow it might make him feel like a “bigger”kid. ( He is sevena nd 3/4) COME TRY IT OUT!!!  Our almost 8 year old loved the beginner class when he was 6 because it was not intimidating and he felt welcomed by the more advanced beginner kids.  The pre-teen and teenage students also take great pride in helping the younger children. Nothing but positive things to say!! Nancy L.

When my husband called to inquire about classes, Steve was so welcoming and helpful that we came to try out a class- and loved it!!  I would highly recommend Open Sky Aikido to anyone who wanted to find an activity for their child. It includes fun, athletic skills, tumbling, respect, team work. …. the teachers are so patient, kind and enthusiastic. They also have high expectations of the children’s behavior and conduct ,,which is very refreshing and creates an environment that is respectful and safe!! -Sarah P.

ADULTS COMMENT ABOUT OPEN SKY MARTIAL ARTS

Practice at Open Sky has rekindled my desire to learn Aikido. It’s a cool place to learn Aikido. – Azzedine C.

I am a better person when I practice Aikido.  I feel like I’m more patient, more focused, happier.  Certainly I’m in better physical condition than when I started. ….  Open Sky is my combination gym, therapist and church.  It enriches me on so many levels and helps me become more of the person I want to be. The feedback I get through practice and from others has been transformative in my life.  Steve Sensei and all the advanced students have been incredibly generous with their time and instruction on helping me understand both the techniques as well as the application of Aikido principles to my daily life…Open Sky is more than martial arts school.  It is a home away from home, a gathering place for my friends, and the place where I feel best about myself. –  Cameron P.

I had been researching different martial arts styles for awhile but settled on Aikido since it seems to more closely match my philosophical outlook.  In that regard, I continue to be more and more impressed with O’Sensei’s teachings, particularly his spiritual teachings and background, and look forward to learning more. …. I can say already that it’s very true that it changes your approach to people and events that come your way. …. I am exercising daily whereas before I tended to let that languish, maybe exercise on weekends, but now, when I’m not coming to Aikido classes, I am running on our treadmill or doing home yoga. –Mark T.

In the short period of time I’ve been training I have noticed a lot of benefits such as:  better balance, more discipline, get in touch with my mind, body, spirit, and my place in the universe…it’s a very good place to grow and learn a lot about yourself. Wonderful family like atmosphere, I feel right at home. Thank you to Steven Kaufmann and all of the students I train with. I’m really learning the flow of positive energy. -– Joshua W.

I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent studying both tai chi and aikido at the dojo since I joined in 2007.  The school initially gave me an outlet to release stress. Today, the classes are a wonderful way to get more in touch with those parts of myself that I like the most, and reconcile myself with those other parts that continue to cause concern. The lessons, both for the mat and about life, from you, sensei, Jason, Katie, my other teachers, and most especially my fellow students continue to transform me to a person I like more.  – Joe M.

Aikido has enriched my life in so many ways.  It has helped make me a lot more loving and caring person, more open minded to the endless possibilities in life, and most of all, how to relax and enjoy life. I often tell people that complain about health issues or the stresses of life, that they should give Open Sky a try because, of all the good things it has done for me Randy D.