Our Dojo
Train with great people in a beautiful traditional dojo.
O-Sensei, the Founder of Aikido
Aikido was developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, known to his students as O-Sensei ("Great Teacher"). He is considered to be one of the greatest martial artists of all time.
Aikido is based on centuries-old Samurai fighting techniques, yet it is eminently suited to our modern times. Aikido is unique among martial arts as its goal is to redirect and control aggression without injuring the attacker, and it is amazingly effective.
The goals of Aikido are peace, love, and the unification of body and mind, all in the service of tempering oneself for the difficulties and joys of life.
Benefits of Aikido
You do not need to be big or athletic to begin training, you only need the desire to learn and to show up for classes.
The benefits of Aikido include:
More Physically Fit
Greater Balance and Agility
Better Focus and Concentration
A Calm Mind in Difficult Situations
Less Physical and Mental Stress
Greater Awareness in Your Life
New Confidence in Yourself
All of this while learning one of the world's most effective self-defense systems!
Our Sensei
Jerry Zimmerman is the Head Instructor and owner of Aikido North Jersey. He has been training and teaching for more than 40 years.
His rank is Rokudan, Sixth-Degree Black Belt, and he is a Shihan (Senior Instructor and Examiner) certified by the International Aikido Federation and the United States Aikido Federation.
Jerry's Teacher was Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, Eighth-Degree Black Belt, Head of New York Aikikai, Founder and Chairman of the United States Aikido Federation, and one of the world's most renowned master instructors.
Jerry has trained continuously with Yamada Sensei from his first day on the mat until the unfortunate passing of Yamada Sensei on January 15, 2023. Jerry continues to train with many other leading Aikido masters worldwide.
“Aikido allows you to be the hero of your own life!
While we train to become physically graceful and powerful, it becomes apparent that we are simultaneously learning at a deeper level to become responsible, connected, and aware."
Instructors
BRAD RETTEW
4th Dan
BRIAN VACANTE
4th Dan
STEVE WACHTEL
3rd Dan
MELISET ABREU
2nd Dan
MIKE VILLACIN
2nd Dan
MIKE BELL
1st Dan
The Beginnings of Our Martial Arts School
Jerry Sensei, a full-time professional aikido teacher, founded Aikido North Jersey in 1997 to provide a community hub for spreading the art of Aikido. Besides his teaching duties, he is also in charge of all the dojo programs and oversees the teaching staff. Jerry also teaches regularly at the world-renown New York Aikikai in New York City.
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