Desert Monkey Dojo

Specialties

Desert Monkey Dojo is serious training for less than serious people. We’re a martial arts type school catering to students who are more interested in self improvement than violence, sport, or trophies. Our classes are small, intimate, intense, and fun. We believe in training hard but always with a sense of Joy and Fun. Our curriculum is based mostly on Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan but includes elements of meditation, yoga, Chi Gong and other martial arts. We also teach Cane, the only traditional weapon that’s useful in this century. We are NOT a traditional dojo and we don’t teach Aikido or Tai Chi in the traditional way. Membership is by invitation only, but everyone is welcome to come by and try 3 classes. Our teacher is a little different. Beginners will be comfortable and yudansha will be challenged. Our fees are reasonable and simple with no contracts or other bullshit. We have classes at a variety of times and on most days. And our children’s classes are exceptional. Contact us to make an appointment to come on by.. .

History

Established in 2002.

Desert Monkey Dojo is a program of the nonprofit Realworld Personal Defense. Realworld was founded in April, 2002 with the goal of bringing the benefits of Aikido, Tai Chi, meditation, cane defense, and other martial arts to under served communities. When most people think about martial arts they’re distracted by the violent and competitive aspects, but underneath the flash and conflict is a core of compassion, discipline, respect and honor.

We now have a dojo again in the Las Vegas area. Classes offered are nontraditional aikido, tai chi and cane defense. These arts are profound vehicles for change and martial arts growth. However, they each have an interesting drawback. Good Aikido practice requires a partner and usually a mat. This limits your practice to a few times a week. Tai Chi can be done anywhere, all by yourself, but it lacks the direct feedback provided by another human body. Practiced together they compliment each other’s strengths without compromising their integrit

Meet the Business Owner

Angus M.

Business Owner

Laird Angus McIntosh has an eclectic background that has informed all of our programs. He has 20+ years of experience in the martial arts including Aikido, Tai Chi Chuan and Kenpo. He has worked for IBM, run bookstores and was a certified personal trainer specializing in rebuilding body relationships. Realworld and its programs are his passion, along with motorcycles and causing trouble.

Sharon teaches the kids’ classes and runs the dojo.

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Seni Mempertahankan Diri

Angus M. says,

«Like Angus’ classes and happen to be in LA? On occasion, we offer Workout with Angus on the Santa Monica beach! We also offer seminars in the LA area»