I believe I have a unique perspective on reviewing this school. I have about 8 cumulative years in various martial arts, studying Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan Karate, Aikido, and Aikijujuitsu, in 6 different schools. I was also a dance instructor for over 10 years. My review begins with: I am a relatively new student at the school, but I will say that I wish I found this school a long time ago. As a business, they are simple, straight forward, no nonsense school. Many schools are "Black Belt Factories" charging everytime one tests for a higher belt. This school is about learning. You are a white belt until you become a proven advanced student, at which time you earn your Black Belt. This is how martial arts was when it started. A black belt was a white belt that became "black" through years of training. The classes at Aikido Centers are an hour and a half of teaching and training after necessary stretching, not a half hour of teaching and training after a half hour of jumping jacks, push-ups and the lot. I can do those things at home, not use up valuable training time. There are no contracts which means it is up to you. You love it or you don't. You are serious about it or you are not. The instructors are all excellent, and the price to train here is exceptionally fair. REGARDING AIKIDO - I spent years punching and kicking. This is fine, but I really wanted to return to something a bit more cerebral. Aikido is a thinking person's martial art. Is is about physiology and strategy, not breaking boards. It is about ending a fight quickly, not starting one, and not about harming your opponent, although the techniques in Aikido are absolutely devastating. It is about intelligently using an attacker against themselves, not trying to duke it out with them. Frankly I find Aikido beautiful in its application, and highly recommend Aikido Center in Paterson to anyone looking for an alternative and unique perspective on self-defense.
Old school, no frills martial arts, but with a modern ethical foundation. Not a pretty, air conditioned dojo with a bunch of trophies where they teach a sport. The place is raw and the style of aikido taught there is brutally effective. At the same time, the teaching is true to the precepts of the "art of peace" which aikido is supposed to be. Every technique is taught in terms of the morality of dealing with a particular threat level. And the prices are very, very reasonable. If you are interested in learning an effective martial art in a friendly, jerk-free environment, check this place out.
I took my first Aikido class in this dojo 22 or 23 years ago. Recently, I came back to study here again. In the interim, I've had the privilege of studying in a variety of school systems under many truly excellent Aikido teachers throughout the region. What I've realized after making this long, long, round trip is that O'Connor Sensei, and his teaching, are second to none. In fact, for my particular way of learning, his style of teaching may actual be the very best fit for me. It took me a long time to figure this out - and the walls here may have yellowed a bit - but the learning on the mats is as fresh as ever. Honestly, there's something of a tradition in Aikido for the dojos to be tucked away in industrial areas, above factory spaces, etc., and I have to admit this location in Paterson, nestled among factory buildings, has a special appeal to me.
