Genshinkan Aikido of Manhattan

This place is a real gem. It would be hard to overstate the warmth of the community and the outstanding teaching. The sensei is a great educator who truly cares about his students. He is supportive and accommodating but simultaneously has high standards and will inspire you to improve continuously. He has an intuitive awareness of his students’ needs and abilities to the point that sometimes I genuinely wonder whether he is reading my mind. The students are a diverse group that includes a good amount of other women. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and unpretentious. The dojo is also very responsive via email, so if you have any lingering questions before coming and trying your first class, head to the website and reach out!

I practiced aikido many years ago and decided to start it again. I looked around and had a few choices in Manhattan. I came for a trial class here at Genshinkan dojo and felt the connection with the place. Folks here are drama free and pretty comfortable to be with. The dojocho Wagener Sensei: - has individual approach for every student - makes the classes fun - makes sure students are satisfied with the practice - puts a high priority on the cleanliness and maintenance of the space The dojo is blessed with other aikido instructors, who are also knowledgeable and cordial. It has been four months and I am very grateful for the chance to be a part of Genshinkan.

I've always been intrigued to study a martial art, but I've never taken any type of formal training. I wanted to find the right one. Aikido was the best fit for me. The ideology of redirecting an attacker’s energy away from me without serious injury was what I was looking to learn however, I had reservations about starting not knowing what to expect. Honestly, the hardest part was getting myself to come to the first class but within the first 15 minutes I was hooked. From the moment I walked in the door I could sense there was something special about this place. It truly is a hidden gem in the middle of a bustling city. Everyone in the dojo is warm, instantly welcoming and happy to explain the practice. All the teachers have a very expansive knowledge-base and are wonderful at demonstrating and guiding students through each technique. Classes are open to all levels, which is great. I've never thought "oh, this class is too advanced, when is the beginners class". They teach you at your speed regardless of whoever else attends. The teachers reinforce proper etiquette, respect for everyone and how to practice Aikido in a safe and joyful way. I am grateful that I've discovered this place. If you're looking to learn Aikido in NYC, this is THE dojo.

I was recommended by a friend to try out Aikido at Zenshinkai. I have practiced and experienced other martial arts before, but I was a complete beginner to Aikido. I was excited but also anxious for the first class. Upon entering the dojo, any feeling of anxiousness that I had before completely dissipated. I was greeted by two students of the dojo. They were extremely warm and welcoming and more than willing to answer any questions I had. Every student I was paired with throughout my first class was extremely patient and very helpful. Wagener Sensei walked the room and would step in and help everyone while they were practicing. I took notice that the atmosphere of the class was extremely peaceful, and contained no edge of competitiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed my first class and when it ended my first thought was I can't wait to come back! I have been at the dojo for a month now and feel extremely privileged to be able to practice with such dedicated, and compassionate individuals. If you have been searching for a martial arts school, or want to try something new, I strongly recommend this school.

I recently began practicing Aikido at Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan, and attending class has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the week! Everyone who practices at the dojo is very welcoming and helps make beginners feel comfortable learning in a judgment-free environment. Classes are run very traditionally, emphasizing etiquette and respect for the art form, which I can relate to very well as a classically trained dancer. It's also wonderful to practice in a school that incorporates Zen meditation. Life in New York City can get so crazy, it's nice to balance it out with such a rewarding routine. Because it is a small school about 25 students, the instructors are able to give corrections to all the students. Wagener Sensei, the head instructor, is very invested in every students' development. While the atmosphere is very focused throughout class, everyone is encouraged to practice with joy and take good care of each other. What really spoke to me from the very start is how much importance is laid on the connection between the philosophy of Aikido and the physical techniques involved. Class isn't just about learning movements for self-defense purposes. The spirit of harmony and compassion in Aikido is always a major component of the instruction. I'm so happy to be practicing at such a wonderful school!

I've been studying here since the school opened in 2013. Practicing here is a real privilege. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and highly focused. Deep respect for Martial tradition and the philosophy behind Aikido is strongly emphasized. The head instructor, Wagener Sensei, is highly experienced and gives individual attention to every student. Another striking feature of the school's environment is the lack of ego and competition. The students practice with great sincerity and joy. Anyone looking to study Martial Arts or self-defense in an encouraging setting in NYC should definitely not leave this school off their list.

I was looking to get into Zen when a friend advised me to consider Aikido instead. It was a surprising suggestion taking into account that Aikido is a martial art. But when I discovered that "Aikido" literally translates to "the way of harmonious spirit", I was really intrigued to find out more about it. I didn’t have much prior experience with any martial art and in-fact Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan was the first and last school I visited, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Even before entering the dojo, I was welcomed by some of the students and was given the option of observing or participating in the class. I decided to participate and time just flew by in those 2 hours! The instructor, Wagener Sensei, took time to explain the basic techniques to me and the other two visitors. He also took time at the end of the class to demonstrate some of the more advanced techniques; it gave us a great idea of what Aikido looks like. Also, all the students here took extremely good care of me and the other beginners. My friend had initially suggested me to look out for two things when picking a school: 1 The school should teach the art the traditional way instead of being commercially driven 2 The instructors should display personal interest in the growth of each student Early on in the class, Wagener Sensei mentioned that the school is run in accordance with the tradition and etiquette followed by the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. This was clearly visible in the class. Point #1: check! Throughout the class, Wagener Sensei gave each student improvement suggestions including us visitors! in a very patient manner. After the class ended, he and many of the students came around and asked me about my experience and if I had any questions about the school and Aikido in general. Point #2: check! Needless to say, I signed up right away and have been practicing here since. I’m surprised how Aikido has been making an amazing difference in my outlook towards life. The philosophy of creating harmony and compassion that underlies the art is a major draw that keeps me coming back. Also, what really speaks to me about Aikido is the grace and power of the movements. The fact that all the students take genuine interest in supporting each other's development creates a very special and focused atmosphere, particularly in a city as fast-paced as New York. As the name of the school suggests, it embodies Zen meditation as a part of practice. So there is a lot of focus on the holistic development of the students. To conclude, anyone seeking to explore the connection between mind, body, and spirit in an exciting way will feel right at home here.

For ten years I wanted to learn Aikido. Not just any martial art. Aikido. The idea of transferring energy directed at you without having to be big or strong has always seemed like the ultimate way of defense. I did not have the means in my life to start until this year I actually started on New Year's Day and I am so happy and grateful that I found this dojo with Wagener Sensei and the students here. Although there is much diversity among the students, everyone’s character is essentially the same: welcoming with warm hearts, without ego or judgement. The same is true of Wagener Sensei. He is a wonderful teacher and his sense of humor keeps classes fun and memorable. Wagener Sensei and the students have made my ten year delay in learning Aikido all worth it. I encourage you to come and watch or better yet, come for a trial class and see if this dojo is a fit. That’s how I started. Although I practiced Taekwondo as a child, you do not need to have any experience with martial arts to begin. You can try a class and see how you like Wagener Sensi and the students. There are no hidden or contract fees. If you have the means, begin now.

I started Aikido at the Zenshinkai dojo around 6 weeks ago and are very happy that I found this gem. Everyone is so supportive and patient and always willing to help. This is a group of great people and for me as a German it was an extra bonus to find 3 senior students that share my German language. I do like the meditative aspect combined with a good physical workout. There is so much to learn and Sensei Wagener is making it a joyful experience.

I have been attending this Dojo for almost 4 months. This is my first time to practice martial arts. Instructors and student are very warm, welcoming, and supportive. Particularly, I am a slow learner so that I always struggle to get Katas but everyone there is so patient to teach me. Once, I was the only person to not gain how to use Jo. I thought that okay and I would get it later. But, Sensei knew that I could not get it. So, Sensei showed the way and trained in person and meanwhile, the class was stopped for about 5 mins. I felt so bad to stop the class but I very appreciated the moment that sensei seriously took care of me and the other students cheered me up. Always the senseis and advanced students encourage students to practice different katas and look after student very well. I strongly recommend person who considers to start Aikido to take a trial class in Genshinkan dojo. Additionally, every class is serious but fun!