New School Aikido

The teachers and students were extremely welcoming when I first started. I was nervous not knowing anyone, but I was never uncomfortable. Teachers are patient with new students and helped me progress smoothly from beginner into intermediate classes. Instructors present each technique clearly. I enjoy each class and recommend this dojo to anyone wanting to learn self defense, Aikido, and this great art of peace.

Dear Aikidoka,
I want to address all the members of New School Aikido, our families, and friends. April 6^th, 2015 marks a major highlight in my Aikido career. I will have completed over 13 years of constant Aikido training and learning. For the past year and a half, I have had the honor and pleasure of teaching the Extreme Teens program here at the Dojo. All of our teenage students, as well as new ones are welcome and encouraged to attend this teen-​life based program that is also set for our Advanced and Expert Youth Students.
I have been a part of many activities in my young 18 years of life, but none have been more apparent in my life, than Aikido. Aikido is not just some activity that I participate in. It is not just exercise, or a reason for me to get out of the house. To me, Aikido is a way of life. It is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, HARMONY and above all, COMMUNITY.
Without Aikido in my life, I would not be the young man I am today. I have learned so much from my teachers, and my students. I have made lifelong friends, and forged bonds with so many others. I want everyone to look around the Dojo when you are here, and just feel the presence and energy of all those present.
What is the point to all this you may ask yourself, well it is this. Many of us just see Aikido as a quick trip in our lives when in actuality; it is something we don’t even realize influences us. Our reactions are a major point. If a ball was thrown at our face, our instinct would be to move out of the way, or put our hands up to catch it. Both– are Aikido, and most of us would use Sumi Otoshi (Step-​Turn) footwork! Our breathing is another thing constantly reflected in our lives. I know many-​a-​time; I catch myself practicing circular breathing without ever realizing it! It is amazing what our bodies do out of memory, to help relax or protect us.
I encourage all students, family, and friends to continue or start coming to the dojo as often as possible, near or far. I personally live 45 minutes away from the dojo and can honestly say that when I am there, I would rather not be any place else. Continue, grow and encourage others to do the same. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to make the dojo a small «reunion» of friends every week? We could all train and smile and laugh more than we already do!
See you on the mat!
Spencer M. Dayton
Aikidoist

New School Aikido is great for kids and adults alike. The owner is thoughtful, attentive, and thorough, as are the teachers. The environment is welcoming and warm and I strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn peaceful self defense. I always stop by on my way through California!

Take off your shoes — it’s PLAYTIME!
This is, beyond all doubt, one of Stockton’s truest treasures. Not just the dojo itself which has two large training areas with pristine, clean mats and an awesome atmosphere, but the staff, Sensei Smartt and the other Senseis, and fellow students. New School Aikido is more than just a place to train; it is a place to build community and explore the connection of body, mind, heart and spirit. It is a place to gather with friends, celebrate each others’ accomplishments and achievements, encourage one another, push one another (in love) to go farther, heal one another, and explore a broad range of alternative modalities for better living.
Aikido is not just a «defensive» and non-​violent martial art but a philosophy, an understanding, an energy flow, a lifestyle and a gateway to a new quality of life, relationships and conflict resolution. New School brings it all to the mat with affordable lessons for all ages and people you can trust. If you are looking for a family-​friendly dojo with great people who are like family and do this primarily as a labor of love, look no further. Whether you are new to Aikido or a seasoned black belt, you’ll find a home with New School. Come join us, and be part of proactive, positive change right here in Stockton!

I have to admit that the food here is terrible, and the wait staff here leaves a lot to be desired.
With that said, I’ll mention that New School Aikido is actually an Aikido dojo, and not really a restaurant. Okay, it’s not a restaurant at all, but I have been served food here, usually after black belt presentations.
New School Aikido IS an excellent dojo however, and anyone who is even remotely thinking about self defense should enroll here. The staff here are great, caring, well rounded people who have been studying Aikido since time immemorial.
The mat is awesome, the dojo well maintained, and the community is tight and friendly.
This isn’t a dojo where you learn to break people’s limbs. This is a dojo where you learn to grow as a person, get out of the way of your enemies, and bring conflict to a safe resolution for all concerned. This is a place where you can train well into old age, and not have to worry about your knees giving out.
Just don’t order the sashimi.