Address: 4424 SW 35th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
Phone: +13524947816
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9AM–12PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9AM–12PM
Thursday: 9AM–12PM
Friday: 9AM–6PM
Saturday: 9AM–1PM
Patrick Harrigan
Aikido of Gainesville's Sensei Tom Huffman trained in Japan for six years under the legendary Morihiro Saito Sensei. Now he teaches Iwama and Nishio Styles of Aikido here in Gainesville, FL. Whether you like his style or not, you will find no one more dedicated to the art. He teaches children or adults alike with minute attention to detail and takes time to explain the meaning of Japanese terms used in Aikido. If the class is small, Sensei Tom will give the neophyte personal attention to show and explain exactly how a technique works with minimal effort and maximum effect. He also offers classes in Iaido, the art of drawing the katana. Gainesville residents have this incredible resource at their doorstep like few other communities can boast. Unlike other fighting arts like karate or taekwondo, injuries are uncommon in Aikido where its principles of compassion are applied in practice so no one gets hurt. I have been training with Sensei Tom Huffman since 2016 after previously training for years in Michigan, California and Germany starting from the 1970s, so I am no stranger to Aikido. Now in my seventies, I attribute my fitness in no small part to my weekly practice of Aikido under Sensei Tom Huffman, who deserves kudos for preserving and transmitting this profound art to anyone who is willing to put forth the effort to learn it.
Monika Gossmann
This school is by far the best and most professional I have ever found. I am so happy my son is training with Sensei Tom and Keith. He learns values that he will carry for lifetime. I also want to start training with these masters. Masters with a BIG heart, for sure. No marketing focus but learning outcome focus. Not often found nowadays. But here!
Jon Forel
Tom, the instructor, has a bad temper. I studied under him when I was younger. He snapped at me and put his hands on me inappropriately multiple times when he got angry. Beware if you have kids.
Bill Covey
Very personalized instruction from a black belt who recieved his certifications from native masters in Japan. In addition to Aikido (both empty hand and weapons), instruction is available in Iaido, the art of drawing and using the katana sword. Basic self defense classes are also taught for both adults and children. I have learned a lot here, both about Iaido itself, and how studying this ancient art teaches lessons beyond the sword itself. Highly recommended.
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We primarily teach Aikido and iaido. Our weapons teaching includes traditional Okinawan karate kenpo kobudo kata using the long staff (bo). https://www.aikidoofgainesville.com/adult-class-times.html Sundays...............................Weapons..........(Boken, Jo, Bo, Iaido).....................2:00-3:30pm Sundays...........................Split Mat - Basic & Advanced Styles...........................3:30-5:00pm Mondays.............................Split Mat - Basic & Advanced Styles........................5:30-6:30pm Tuesdays..................FREE..(Suspended for the time being)...FREE...................6:30-8:00pm Wednesdays .......................Split Mat - Basic & Advanced Styles........................5:30-6:30pm Thursdays.............................Weapons........(Boken, Jo, Bo, Iaido).......................6:30-7:30pm Thursdays.................FREE..(Community Service night Open to all)...FREE....5:30-6:30pm
We teach Aikido, which has many elements similar to Judo. Adult classes on Monday nights begin at 6:30.
We teach iaido, Aikido and traditional wooden weapons, bokken, jo and bo. Our schedule includes classes for adults, kids and teens. We have classes 6 days per week. Feel free to come by! TY! Keith McInnis Asst. Instructor Aikido of Gainesville.
While there are similarities between Judo and Aikido they are not the same. We'd be happy to teach your son Aikido. How old is he? Children's classes are Mon, Wed, Thur, and Fri afternoons. Pricing is via the purchase of a punch card. Saturday mornings are free for kids and teens from 9 to noon.
You can call Sensei Tom during business hours, his number is 352-494-7816. You're also welcome to stop by the dojo and observe and have a conversation.
Sensei Tom Huffman holds a fifth degree blackbelt in Aikido from the Hombu Aikido headquarters in Japan. He also holds black belt rankings in Iaido, the art of manipulating the Japanese sword from drawing to re-sheathing (3rd Degree), Toyama ryu hon iaido-Batto, the use of the Japanese sword (Katana) to cut effectively from the draw and Okinawan Karate kenpo kobudo. Assistant Instructor Keith has been Sensei Huffman's continues student for 11 years and has completed the FukuShidoin training and is a lifelong martial artist. We are a not contract dojo, as is traditional in Japan and the way Sensei Huffman and Keith were taught. A standard waiver is required of all participants whether they are visiting a free class or taking paid classes. Thank you!
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