aikido is more fun than anything you can imagine

I started aikido 15 years ago under Cecelia Sensei at Philadelphia Aikido. I was 40 and had no prior martial arts experience. I’ve always liked to move but never liked to exercise. I liked being involved in whatever created health and harmony, and disliked anything to do with fighting and dominance. So why did I join a martial arts dojo and why has aikido in this dojo become one of the most meaningful, pleasurable, and exciting things in my life? Because aikido is all about creating harmony both within and beyond yourself. It’s also about increased self-awareness and conflict resolution while continually strengthening your body, soul and mind. And perhaps most importantly – if, for a while, you can tolerate feeling again like a toddler learning how to walk as you learn technique – aikido is more fun than anything you could ever imagine.

Conny S, 3rd Dan

A life changing experience

When I first came to Philadelphia Aikido, I was a mess. Full of anxiety, anger, worry, and uncertainty. I joined the dojo, and I immediately felt that I found a place where I belong. After five and a half years of dedicated practice, I became a black belt. I must stress that one doesn’t “get” a black belt, they become one. My outlook on life has completely changed. I learned respect for others, to worry less, and enjoy life more. I have brought this forward in my every day life. I have become a calmer, more patient person, able to take life’s little bumps in stride. My classmates are like family, and the dojo feels like a second home to me.

Thank you Cecelia Sensei!

Bryan L, 2nd Dan

Aikido has positively affected how I handle difficult situations

As a student and a helping professional, I spent a lot of time sitting, reading, writing, and talking. One of the most helpful things about practicing Aikido is that it gets me out of that pattern.

I often find that an hour of practice is energizing because of this unique chance to rest my mind and use my body in this way. Practicing Aikido has also helped me to learn to focus and stay calm, especially under stress. The concepts of centering and sending my energy forward have both positively affected the way I handle difficult situations in my life. I find that my confidence is increased, I can think more clearly, and act more deliberately instead of crumbling under pressure.

One of my favorite things about practicing Aikido at The Center City Dojo is the people. I think our dojo has a great spirit and a truly positive atmosphere. I have become good friends with several of the members of the dojo, and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet some great people.

Julie P, 1st Dan

Her way of teaching is truly enriching in every aspect

I practice Aikido because it brings something that my other daily activities do not. Other than a great stress reliever and workout, it has helped develop my concentration and forced me to think in different ways. It has also presented me with different situations which really is what life is about. You never know what is coming at you but it helps to be ready. I like the dojo because of the people who practice there. Cecelia Sensei has been able to bring together a really good group of people who are fun to practice with. Her way of teaching is truly enriching in every aspect. I always walk away feeling I have learned something new.

Alex O, 1st Dan

After a rigorous class, I come out feeling invigorated

Everyone in my Aikido class is very patient, and very encouraging and supportive. People are willing to come early or stay after class to help with working on techniques. And, best of all, everyone is committed to learn, but has a good sense of humor and is non-competitive.

There are days where I come into class feeling lethargic and unenthusiastic, but after a rigorous class, come out feeling invigorated and glad that I went. I enjoy coming to Aikido classes.

Lisa, 1st Dan

I feel free in my heart when I’m on the mat

Boyke S, White Belt
Started in 2002

I have been practicing Aikido for more than 40 years

I have been practicing Aikido for more than 40 years and have obtained many benefits from the art. I credit Aikido practice for helping relieve my life long stuttering problem. Years of speech therapy did little to change my stuttering. Aikido practice, focusing on relaxing and eliminating stress under difficult situations (like being attacked) directly applied to the tension I felt while stuttering. Although I still stutter at times, I am free of the anxiety which accompanied the speech problem and I now earn a living teaching and speaking before large audiences. This, more than self defense knowledge, has been the greatest gift of Aikido. That and meeting my wife while practicing.

Greg B, 5th Dan

When the student is most in need, the teacher will appear

Is it possible for something to be both benevolently challenging and comforting at the same time? Something that is both a workout and meditative? Both energizing and a stress relief? Focusing my attention and allowing me to leave the demands of the day behind even if for only an hour or so?

You’ll pardon me for using explicitly religious language (I am a priest after all), but my journey with Philadelphia Aikido has truly been a blessing.

There is an ancient quote that says, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” For me it was more like, “When the student is most in need, the teacher will appear!”

l stumbled upon our dojo and sensei during a particularly stressful moment in my life–and I remain grateful.

It has been a wonderful fit for me. I’m grateful for the non-competitive aspect of Aikido. I love the spirit of a martial art that does not focus on punches and kicks and how to hurt people, but rather one that is defensive and cares for one’s attacker. I am moved by the subtle wisdom beneath Aikido–wisdom that I find myself drawing on often.

And finally, the community at Philadelphia Aikido is simply wonderful. Sensei Cecelia is patient, kind, very encouraging, and brilliant. Every teacher whom I have studied under in the dojo has been wonderful. And I have loved meeting so many fellow students who have become friends. Individuals from all walks of life, from a range of ethnic groups, ages and body types, all come together in a supportive and safe space on the mat. Hope to see you all there.

Chaz H.

Aikido will always be a part of my life

My name is Curtis Lee. Let me tell you a few things about myself. Having a genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), I thought that Aikido training would increase my mobility, reaction, and timing. Practicing Aikido has helped me find healthy ways of dealing with conflict in my daily life. On the mat we learn to blend with an opponent’s energy and redirect it to a neutral position rather than engage in direct confrontation. This simple but beautiful concept has helped me find solutions to many non-physical conflicts as well. The dojo is remarkable because it has such a positive atmosphere. Everyone is dedicated to helping each other in a truly non-competitive way and the classes are very enjoyable. No matter how I feel at the beginning of class, I know I will leave feeling better.

As a black belt I now have more confidence in the way I handle myself if a menacing situation should present itself. As long as I’m physically and mentally able to train and practice, Aikido will always be a part of my life.

Curtis L, 3rd Dan

Every time I step on the mat with Cecelia Sensei, I learn something new

From small refinements of technique, to eureka moments of insight, every time I step on the mat with Cecelia Sensei, I learn something new. She knows exactly how far to push, at exactly the right times, so her students are continuously growing. And because aikido is about more than self-defense — it’s also about personal awareness, balance, harmony — her lessons extend well beyond the dojo.

Troy G, 3rd Dan

An Aikido dream

I had a dream in which all of my worries and responsibilities lined up across from me, then all rushed toward me at once. At first I felt overwhelmed and sure that I would be buried, but as the first one touched me, I stepped back, grabbed hold, turned, and threw the worry away, just like doing an Aikido throw! I threw the next and the next – it felt like freestyle (a multiple attacker exercise), and it was so easy that it also felt like dancing. I woke up grinning from ear to ear because I knew that, just like freestyle, if I kept moving my worries would never overwhelm me. Also like in freestyle, the same worries will come back again and again – sometimes from the front, sometimes from behind, but I won’t get caught as long as I don’t give up.

Mary Catherine R, 3rd Dan

A mental buzz.

Entering the dojo is like entering into another world. No matter how difficult my day has been, as soon as I step onto the mat, I can feel my mind start to clear… it is almost as if the air is different. Being able to shed the everyday world and lose myself in my Aikido practice allows me to return to that everyday world refreshed and renewed. The physical and mental challenges of those hours on the mat can be exhausting but I always leave the dojo with a mental “buzz”, feeling upbeat and ready to face the world again.

Kathleen W, 3rd Dan

On Cecelia:

Training with Cecelia is definitely the best thing about training at the Center City dojo. She is an amazing teacher. Not only is her Aikido a beautiful thing to experience, but also I am consistently impressed by her sensitivity to each person’s progress and learning style. She knows when and how to challenge me to learn something new, and when to hang back and let me work something out myself… and it seems that she knows how to do the same thing for everyone on the mat! She meets students where they are, and guides them to the next level of their training with a great combination of gentleness, strength and good humor. I give Cecelia the credit for making the dojo the positive place that it is: her attitude, warmth, and care for the art and her students is infectious and permeates the environment of the Center City dojo.

Julie P, 1st Dan

Much more than a martial art.

Aikido is much more than a martial art to me; it has become a way of life. I used to think that I could escape the rest of the world for an hour or so whenever I walked into the Center City Dojo for class, but I have found that the mat itself is a microcosm of life and its situations. Aikido means “a way of harmonizing body, mind and spirit”, and it works as a martial art as well as a way to deal with life. The concepts of blending energy, correct posture and movement, relaxing, centering (or keeping one point), having a positive mind, using minimum effort for maximum effect, and being the best you can be for yourself and those you train with, all exist on the mat and are in fact magnified as one’s journey progresses in Aikido. These concepts are useful in school, work, relationships, and any situation one may be involved in. Aikido is amazingly effective as a method of self defense and is also fun, as one learns to “fly through the air with the greatest of ease”. Here at the Center City Dojo, these concepts are taught to all of us by Cecelia Ricciotti Sensei. She is that rare combination of ingredients that not only make up a superb, one of a kind teacher, but also a great friend. Her devastating martial arts knowledge is balanced by her knowledge of healing arts, and she has the amazing ability to be exactly what you need when you need it. Long before I studied Aikido, I heard that she was well respected by many martial artists, some of whom did not even practice Aikido, and now I know why. I feel very fortunate to have her guidance available to me (as well as the guidance of the other instructors here) and I look forward to carrying on the fine tradition of Kokikai Aikido founder Shuji Maruyama Sensei and Cecelia Ricciotti Sensei as I live a life with my body, mind and spirit in harmony.

John K, 2nd Dan

The Philosophy:

I was interested in Aikido because I had read a bit about its philosophy. Of all the martial arts, it is the least aggressive, and the most conscious of the connection between the mind and the body, which I believe in very strongly. I wanted to pursue studies in which I could train both the body and the mind to the utmost.

At first, practices were very frustrating. I would watch a technique, but I couldn’t get my body to move the way I had seen people move. I had problems rolling on the mat. I felt very awkward and felt I was a slow learner. If it weren’t for the people at the Center City Dojo, instructors and students alike — I think I would have quit. Everyone in my class is very patient, and very encouraging and supportive. People are willing to come early or stay after class to help with working on techniques. And, best of all, everyone is committed to learn, but has a good sense of humor and is non-competitive.

I feel I’ve learned a lot so far, but know that I have a lot more to learn. There are days where I come into class feeling lethargic and unenthusiastic, but after a rigorous class, I come out feeling invigorated and glad that I went. I enjoy coming to Aikido classes. I started Aikido to find something to do with my spare time, much like a hobby. Little did I realize that this martial art would have such an impact on my life. Not only did it change my thoughts about martial arts, it changed my way of thinking. It also changed the way I interacted with people around me. My whole world began to open up and change for the better. It is hard to believe something can change your life so suddenly. The instructors are so patient and understanding and the members are so enjoyable to be around. The dojo has become like a home away from home, and the members have become like family. This is the one place I truly look forward to coming to every day if I could.

James S, 2nd Dan

Talking about Aikido and practicing are two very different things

Aikido has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child my father practiced and I spent many Saturday afternoons watching classes. When I was old enough I myself began to practice. Throughout my early and late teenage years I practiced on and off. Although Aikido has always been in my mind and a frequent topic of discussion, it has been around 4-5 years since I last practiced. I can’t say exactly what made me decide to start again; perhaps I had just become aware how physically inactive I had recently been, or maybe the realization that talking about Aikido and practicing Aikido are two very different thIings. I have been back for almost six weeks and it feels wonderful. Perhaps I needed that time to grow up a bit and mature. Now I look forward to every class with a fresh excitement. I feel healthier, physically and mentally than I did 6 weeks ago. Walking back into the dojo has been one of the best things that I have done for myself in a long time. Of course I have not exactly picked up where I left off, but everyone in the dojo has helped me begin re-gain what I once had, and learn many new things. It has only been about six weeks back, but I know that I am back for good. Something that makes me feel as good about myself as Aikido does, cannot be cut out of the equation again. Talking about Aikido and practicing Aikido are two very different things.

Max L, 4th Kyu

The spiritual and philosophical aspects of the art attracted me

I began studying Aikido as a means to get some exercise. I had been sedentary for many years, and started many exercise programs that I could not continue beyond two or three months. I have always enjoyed the Martial Arts. After seeing a survey program on television I became interested in Aikido. The spiritual and philosophical aspects of the art attracted me.

I was very lucky to find this Dojo early in my search. I have been a student of other styles in other dojos: therefore I knew what I was looking for. I was looking for instructors who were patient and willing to laugh with you. I’d been in places where no one smiled, or laughed at their own mistakes. These places were usually run like basic training camps and everyone took himself or herself oh so seriously. At forty-two years of age I felt I had enough self-discipline to be a serious student as well as have a sense of humor about my mistakes. At Center City Dojo everyone was smiling, everyone was friendly and no one was showing off, or had attitude.

The study of Aikido has improved my self-confidence and lowered my level of stress: my depression has also improved. I have been struggling to improve my body awareness: That is, get out of my head and its incessant worrying and criticizing, and into my body. Aikido has helped tremendously with this problem. Being in my body allows me to experience the world, and react appropriately. Trapped in my head I had trouble “thinking on my feet,” and responding to people and situations in an intelligent fashion. Often I would have delayed emotional reactions as well. Being in my body makes me present during these encounters.

An additional benefit of being in the body is better awareness of what it needs. I have been struggling with my weight: when am I hungry and when do I just have the “munchies”? Since starting Aikido I’ve lost about twenty pounds, and have gone down two clothing sizes: all without depriving myself of my favorite foods.

Mina M, 2nd Kyu

I’ve been smiling ever since I started

I started my first class Thursday at Philadelphia Aikido and already can’t wait for Saturday’s class, I love the class – how everyone shows you pointers and how Sensei Cecelia Ricciotti teaches the class. I’m having trouble falling and tumbling, but that will come in time… I’m a little sore, but it’s a good sore. I been smiling ever since I started class.

Rick R

Don’t be sorry

The quality of people that Aikido seems to attract is staggering. Everyone, (and I mean everyone, Sensei, white belts, black belts… everyone) has been extremely helpful, and I’ve never seen anyone even hint at being frustrated with helping. That first class, when I was apologizing to a brown belt for not figuring out a technique right away… he said, “Don’t be sorry, we all learn by teaching too. We all learn from each other.” That made me feel much better!

The difference between my experience so far in the Aikido dojo versus the Tae Kwon Do studio is immeasurable. Sensei Ricciotti is incredibly nice, and has such a warm, comforting style of teaching compared to the yelling (often not even in English), and intimidation found at my old Tae Kwon Do studio. People would never ask questions at Tae Kwon Do class out of fear… instead they would go on practicing it wrong… not at all the case at Philadelphia Aikido. Ask anyone… I ask questions ALL the time. I’ve gone from the guy apologizing all the time to the guy not afraid to ask how to do a technique over and over if I’m still not sure I’ve got it right.

It’s very reassuring. I’ve only been to 10 classes so far and I feel like a completely new person. I have more energy all the time.

Colin J