Reviews of Akarui Aikido

I have trained in Aikido in Japan (where I earned a black belt), NZ, Australia, and Japan. This is the best Aikido and martial arts dojo I've ever trained at, which is why I've come back to train here when I moved back to Hamilton. The teacher is excellent and has a very practical approach to using Aikido both as self defence and in your daily relationships. I don't know what that negative review was talking about! The teacher does none of those things!

First month is free so anyone can come and try it out!

I have been a member of this club for some years now. The atmosphere is one of peace, and club members come from all walks of life. The head Sensei and other senior instructors are a wealth of knowledge and are very approachable, which makes for a positive training experience. There is an emphasis on safety and respect for others, and club members are accepting and supportive of each other. Prior to joining Arum Aikido I had looked at other styles and found this club the best choice. I would not hesitate to recommend Arum Aikido to anyone wanting to learn a martial art while enhancing their personal growth.

I have had previous experience at the dojo in 2013, and joined again earlier this year. The sensei has a more relaxed style than most others would, but this made training and learning the hardest martial art easier. I have always respected my sensei and find training at arum aikido incredibly therapeutic. I've recommended arum aikido to multiple people multiple times, as this is a safe learning environment and you don't feel pushed into anything. There's also plenty of equipment for those who do not own their own weapons. I will always recommend this dojo and always respect the wishes of my sensei. For me this is a fun, safe environment to learn and grow.

I have recently been checking various dojo in Hamilton and have had a very awkward experience involving the head instructors behaviour at Arum Aikido. The behaviour involved speaking sexualized topics in fronts of minors, rubbishing other styles, pushing personal beliefs in aliens/UFOs and a very dirty and disorganised training space.

It is a shame as there was at least one senior student who was very professional in his instruction who actually has the spirit of Budo.

I tried to find which organisation the club is affiliated to to make a complaint but it appears this is a one man band so to speak.

There are much better places I have found in my search.