Shobu Aikido of Boston

05/11/09

A great place to train for Aikido

by eherman at Citysearch

I have been training at Shobu Aikido for 6 years now and recommend both the dojo and its teachers very highly. The dojo is clean and well maintained and the teachers and students are extremely capable and dedicated.

As the head of the dojo, Gleason Sensei is an inspiration as a teacher. He has spent the past 40 years practicing and refining his Aikido and it shows not only in his own ability to execute the techniques, but in his capability to teach the minute but incredibly important subtleties of the art to both beginners and highly experienced Aikidoka. He has set up his dojo to be a true place of learning where he teaches (and fully expects) his students to gain the fundamentals of Aikido and then proceed to move the art forward long after he has stopped teaching.

Gleason Sensei is also constantly encouraging all of his students to refine themselves and to really "see" what it is that he is doing. He wants to be sure that we have no delusions about what actually works martially and what doesn't. He will just as quickly correct an advanced student as he will a beginner. This makes the classes challenging for all levels, but sets up a great opportunity for each of his students to constantly "polish" both their abilities and themselves.

Also, for those who are interested in learning more about the spiritual aspects of Aikido - Gleason Sensei brings an incredible knowledge of the esoteric kototama (the spiritual foundations of Aikido). Whether or not you believe that the power of the kototama can be physically manifested will become quickly irrelevant once you are honored with the opportunity to work with Gleason Sensei as his Uke.

At any rate, no matter your reasons for study, Shobu Aikido is one of the best Aikido dojos in the United States. I have sincere and deep felt gratitude for having been able to train with Gleason Sensei for the past 6 years.

• Pros: Outstanding teacher, welcoming students

05/06/09

Real martial arts.

by kendallwallacewinterymix at Citysearch

I think the best thing about this Boston dojo (besides Sensei Gleason) is the incredibly supportive student community. I started training at Shobu Aikido in January after a ten year hiatus from martial arts because I was looking for a spiritual/martial practice that could take me beyond what I've learned in yoga and other sports.

Sensei Gleason is a wonderful teacher who pays close attention to his student's limitations, abilities and needs. His presence is very grounding and his teaching style is compassionate.

The majority of the students at Shobu Aikido are male and, being a young female graduate student, I braced myself for the worst. However, I have not gotten any sexy-vibes or inappropriate comments in the four months I have been there. In fact, I am treated as an equal by my fellow students (it is, afterall, 2009) who take an active interest in helping me learn.

Thank you, Shobu Aikido of Boston, you made my semester.

03/17/09

Example: great place for good bread

by ghinds at Citysearch

Before my review, let me point out that the dojo has moved. It is now located at 34 Allen St., Somerville. That's in Union Square, between Dunkin' Donuts and Target. Check the website for up-to-date schedules, directions, etc.

Now then. I studied at numerous other martial arts schools before going to Shobu, and what has kept me there is the incredible depth of Gleason Sensei's teaching. He understands, embodies, and communicates the idea that spiritual and martial training are not two independent things, but inseparable aspects of a single study. It sounds simple, and he makes it look easy to manifest on the mat, but you quickly find that it is not easy at all! Most martial artists don't delve into this kind of stuff until they have a couple degrees of black belt. The great thing about Shobu is cutting right to the chase, getting into the profound stuff quickly. The downside is that the first few months are very confusing, as you try to learn how to move, how to roll, how to relax, and a thousand other things all at once. But once you've seen Gleason Sensei in action, you will probably accept that challenge.

And by the way, this kind of training requires a safe atmosphere, so as you can see from the first review, such issues as sexual harassment by a dojo member are taken very seriously.

• Pros: Uniquely spiritual & practical training in aikido
• Cons: initial learning curve can be difficult