Testimonials

I can’t believe its been 4 years since I took my first Aikido class.  I want to thank you for all the wonderful things you have done.  I have had a great time learning the techniques and making new friends.

I truly appreciate all the assistance + encouragement you gave me.  Earning my black belt was one of the most important and exciting events in my life.

Sensei, you and my experiences here have added a new dimension to my Aikido and life.

Thanks so much for everything you have done for me over the years.  It amazes me how much you have touched other people’s lives & made a difference.  I’ve learned so much from you and I will miss you

Thank you for helping me to challenge myself and to fit a few more of the pieces in the puzzle we call Aikido.

Thank you for being my teacher both on and off the mat.  It is a real joy to be your student.

Thank you sensei for your teaching and support, and all my fellow AIF aikido students with whom I have trained.

Aikido in Fredericksburg is an awesome, loving Aikido home with high standards held in a supportive environment.

thank you for your dedication both to the art of Aikido and to me as your friend and student. My life is immensely richer because of our fortuitous meeting.

Our world today, needs so many people like you. That rise up and put into operation the ethic of the Japanese Culture and the richness it possesses.

Just want you to know how precious you and meaningful the Dojo has been to us, our Family and our new way of life in FXBG.

Just wanted you to again know. I am and will continue to be Eternally grateful for you and Aikido in our lives.

Learning how to fall and get back up help me a great deal in my life

“I would like to thank you for supportingmy son through everything that has been going on in his life this year.  Akido has been a stedfast point this last year that he could focus on.

I appreciate Fredericksburg Akido and especially you for continuing commitment.”

“You are a fabulous mentor and this is an incredible program that cannot be underestimated.”

James really enjoyed the classes

My daughter fell out of a high tree today – and all the other parents in the park gasped as she naturally went into an Aikido roll before standing up without a scratch on her. Definitely a useful skill at all ages!

I like how the community comes together at the dojo.

She is LOVING her classes and the complete experience…this has been gift for us to see her grow in Aikido.  She was so touched by how everyone encouraged her and congratulated her…. just a wonderful experience!!

I’m so grateful for your dojo and all that it has meant to my daughter

I thank you for all the ways in which you, the Dojo community, and Aikido enrich our lives

I learned about Aikido from my Brother in Law. I was surprised to find it in Fredericksburg because I live 20 minutes from Fredericksburg. I took my son Shan (9yrs old) for a trial lesson and he loved it. Classes are well taught with a lot of patience and understanding of children and their needs. Instructors are kind and very experienced. Shan has gained a lot of confidence in himself and more self control from attending these classes. He was scared to be in the dark alone at night, an now after doing Aikido for a few months he has overcome this. He enjoys learning how to defend himself without having to hurt anyone. That is the art of Aikido. I am very impressed with Aikido in Fredericksburg and would recommend it to anyone who has children.

My son has trained with the members of Aikido for 6 years; starting when he was 10. We’ve been encouraged as our son has grown into a very focused and balanced young man. Training, camaraderie, responsibility for the enviroment, structure, are only a few of the attributes resulting from training at the Aikido Dojo in Fredericksburg.

I had been in search of a martial art that was effective, yet non-aggressive. Aikido fits the bill exactly. If anyone tries to grab my children, they’re probably in for quite a surprise. My children have the means to defend themselves but can not use that means to become bullies. Sensei Goldsmith routinely asks about the kids’ school perfomance and cares after them beyond the dojo. In fact, there is a sense of belonging amongst all the students that sets AIF apart from other dojos. My son has high functioning autism and has problems with certain social situations. The caring instruction of the Sensei has helped him immensely to overcome some of his apprehension with folks. My daughter’s confidence, self esteem, and physical agility have increased greatly, also.

I really liked your concept and the approach to training.

Thank you for your excellent management of what is surely a very chaotic process!

“I just want to thank you so much for everything! Your dojo is so beautiful, the room very comfortable, everyone was very warm and welcoming, and we had a great time! I so appreciate you and Donna and everyone for having us at your dojo and especially grateful for you for helping me on the mat! Thank you!”

“thank you so much for hosting the friendship seminar.  Danielle Bill and I talked the whole way home about what a great time we had and taking in different perspectives and approaches to learning. I know that Greg, Ross, Susan and Jia also had a really fun time.  Your dojo is such a welcoming place, truly a model to aspire to embody”

” I appreciated Aviv Sensei’s kind invitation to join. True to O’Sensei’s vision of “making the world one family,” Aviv Sensei is truly a bridge builder.”

“I appreciate the corrections you gave and that you took the time to make sure I understood the expectations. “

Everything was so well managed and enjoyable…. very eager for the next one….. everything fell into place really well: the people, the students, absolutely the instructors, the timing, ….everything. Thank you.

Sensei, you and my experiences here have added a new dimension to my Aikido and life.

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to train intensively at AIF.  I have much work to do in preparation for my nidan test so the time with you and your students is invaluable.

Thank you being part of my aikido journey.  My time as an uchideshi was one of the most important aikido experiences of my life.

Thank you for helping me to challenge myself and to fit a few more of the pieces in the puzzle we call Aikido.