About
Portland Aikido in Portland, Maine is a long-established dojo that provides quality Aikido and Iaido instruction in a supportive, family-friendly environment. The non-profit organization, founded in 1985 and affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation, features experienced instructors led by Chief Instructor Kiff Clark who holds a 6th degree black belt. Students particularly value the dojo's inclusive atmosphere where practitioners of all ages can develop physical skills alongside mental focus and self-confidence.
Jiu Jitsu VerifiedOur weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.
We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.
Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.
Overall VibeInstructors QualityClassesFacility QualityPricingLocation & AccessibilityPublic Review Sentiment
Instructors
The instructors at Portland Aikido are highly experienced practitioners with decades of training, led by Chief Instructor Kiff Clark who holds a 6th degree black belt in Aikido and a 5th degree black belt in Iaido. They are consistently described as knowledgeable, supportive, and skilled at working with students of all ages and ability levels.
Facility
Portland Aikido features a beautiful practice space with a unique and highly-regarded canvas mat that practitioners specifically mention as a delight to train on. While detailed information about other amenities is limited, the facility appears to be well-maintained and professionally organized.
Pricing
While specific pricing information is not available on the website, Portland Aikido operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, suggesting reasonable rates focused on sustaining the dojo rather than profit. Based on the long-term commitment of many students and families, the value appears to be considered good for the quality of instruction received.
Facility
Gym
Instructors
Classes
Pricing
While not explicitly mentioned on the website, the welcoming nature of the dojo suggests that prospective students can likely observe or try a class before committing.
Location
Opening Hours
| Monday | 4:30 - 7:30PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 - 6:30PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30 - 7:30PM |
| Thursday | 4:30 - 5:30PM |
| Friday | 4:30 - 5:30PM |
| Saturday (Today) | 9AM - 12PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Location
Portland Aikido is located in Portland, Maine, though specific details about the exact location and surrounding amenities are not provided on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland Aikido suitable for children?
Yes, Portland Aikido is very family-friendly with a dedicated kids program led by Jonathan Doughty and Aaron Brady. Many reviews mention children as young as 8 practicing alongside adults, and parents often train with their children.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary. Portland Aikido welcomes beginners and has instructors who are skilled at working with new students. The dojo is described as having a supportive environment where newcomers feel comfortable.
What is Aikido and how does it differ from other martial arts?
Aikido is often called 'The Art of Peace' and focuses on redirecting an opponent's energy rather than meeting force with force. At Portland Aikido, practitioners describe it as having meditative and mindfulness aspects, with benefits for physical fitness, mental focus, and self-confidence.
Can I visit to observe a class before joining?
While not explicitly stated on their website, reviews suggest that Portland Aikido is very welcoming to visitors. You can likely arrange to observe a class by contacting the dojo directly.
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