New School Aikido

The new space is amazing. The classes are fun and exciting! They have classes for all ages! If you are looking for a great safe family activity this may be it! The instructors are considerate and knowledgeable.I highly recommend New School Aikido!

I loved this place when Sensei Smartt was in charge, but the few times I have been back since he left, it does not seem the same anymore. Seems like it's dying off, and that makes me sad.My previous review was from 2013 and I'd given it 5 stars. Here is the text of that previous review:"Take off your shoes -- it's PLAYTIME!"This is, beyond all doubt, one of Stockton's truest treasures. Not just the dojo itself which has two large training areas with pristine, clean mats and an awesome atmosphere, but the staff, Sensei Smartt and the other Senseis, and fellow students. New School Aikido is more than just a place to train; it is a place to build community and explore the connection of body, mind, heart and spirit. It is a place to gather with friends, celebrate each others' accomplishments and achievements, encourage one another, push one another (in love) to go farther, heal one another, and explore a broad range of alternative modalities for better living."Aikido is not just a "defensive" and non-violent martial art but a philosophy, an understanding, an energy flow, a lifestyle and a gateway to a new quality of life, relationships and conflict resolution. New School brings it all to the mat with affordable lessons for all ages and people you can trust. If you are looking for a family-friendly dojo with great people who are like family and do this primarily as a labor of love, look no further. Whether you are new to Aikido or a seasoned black belt, you'll find a home with New School. Come join us, and be part of proactive, positive change right here in Stockton!"

My son has been going to New School Aikido since November and I must say he's come out of his shell he's 8 and was very shy the experience has built up his confidence the staff is truly amazing he's doing better in school and participating in his classroom it's done wonders for him socially.

I have to admit that the food here is terrible, and the wait staff here leaves a lot to be desired. With that said, I'll mention that New School Aikido is actually an Aikido dojo, and not really a restaurant. Okay, it's not a restaurant at all, but I have been served food here, usually after black belt presentations. New School Aikido IS an excellent dojo however, and anyone who is even remotely thinking about self defense should enroll here. The staff here are great, caring, well rounded people who have been studying Aikido since time immemorial. The mat is awesome, the dojo well maintained, and the community is tight and friendly. This isn't a dojo where you learn to break people's limbs. This is a dojo where you learn to grow as a person, get out of the way of your enemies, and bring conflict to a safe resolution for all concerned. This is a place where you can train well into old age, and not have to worry about your knees giving out. Just don't order the sashimi.

This dojo has been an amazing place to train and grow as a person. Aikido is all about becoming the best person you can be, and the journey is always on-going. Great instructors and curriculum in traditional Aikido training. I received my black belt recently and my journey is just getting started. Excellent Adult and children's programs. Highly recommended for anyone who values mindful self-defense training.

New School Aikido is great for kids and adults alike. The owner is thoughtful, attentive, and thorough, as are the teachers. The environment is welcoming and warm and I strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn peaceful self defense. I always stop by on my way through California!

Couldn't agree more with the last post. Really tight community, everyone's super friendly, the schedule is awesome so you can pretty much go any day during the week, and a lot of times there seems to be things other than aikido (e.g. belly dancing, swing dancing) going on, which deffinitely lightens up the atmosphere of the place. Love it!

Aikido has been a part of my life since I was a child. Though this dojo has moved many locations in 30 years it remains an excellent dojo filled with great people. It is a very serene atmosphere and I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn self defense or even just for the sake of fitness.

New School Aikido is a wonderful place to lean self defense and practice the martial arts in a friendly, positive, and supportive environment.

Not what it used to be since Sensei John Smartt's retirement