Business Details
27 Years
experience
Martial Arts Training in Daly City, CA
Founded in 1999 by Gloria E. Nomura, the Aikido Institute Of San Francisco is dedicated to teaching the martial art of Aikido as a path of personal and spiritual development. Our curriculum emphasizes non-violence, non-competition, and the cultivation of harmony through disciplined practice. With a lineage tracing back to Morihei Ueshiba, the art's founder, we offer classes for adults and children, including specialized training in Iaido and classical Japanese weapons. Our instructors, including internationally recognized Shihan Nomura, bring decades of experience and a commitment to fostering character growth through Aikido's principles.We serve students in Daly City and the broader San Francisco Bay Area, providing a community where individuals can develop physical strength, mental clarity, and respectful relationships. Our approach integrates mindful meditation and traditional techniques to enhance both martial arts proficiency and daily life applications.
Services
Aikido Classes
Iaido Training
Children's Programs
Meditation Practice
Weapon Techniques
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in authentic Aikido instruction
- Our instructors include the first female Shihan in North America
- We integrate meditation and weapon training for holistic development
- Family discounts available for multiple members
- Affiliated with Japan's Aikikai Hombu and Birankai International
Associations and certifications
- Birankai International
- Aikikai Hombu
Services
Aikido Classes
Adult and youth Aikido instruction focusing on non-violent conflict resolution through blending movements and redirection techniques. Classes develop physical conditioning, mental focus, and ethical character. Suitable for all experience levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Iaido Training
Traditional Japanese sword-drawing practice emphasizing precision, mental discipline, and spiritual development. Training includes solo exercises and paired practice to cultivate awareness and reflexive movement patterns. Complements Aikido practice with weapon-based applications.
Children's Programs
Age-appropriate martial arts instruction for children under 18. Curriculum builds physical coordination, respect for others, and conflict resolution skills through structured drills and team-building exercises. Focuses on safe falling techniques and energy redirection.
Meditation Practice
Guided meditation sessions to develop mental clarity and stress reduction. Practice enhances situational awareness and intuitive response capabilities that complement martial arts training. Integrated into regular class schedules for holistic development.
Weapon Techniques
Classical Japanese weapon training with wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo). Develops proper posture, timing, and spatial awareness through traditional forms. Enhances understanding of Aikido principles through weapon-based applications and partner drills.
People
Gloria E. Nomura
Founder/Chief Instructor
7th dan Aikido Shihan with 45+ years experience. First woman promoted to Shihan in North America. Trained directly under T.K. Chiba and Takeshi Mitsuzuka. Combines martial arts expertise with academic background in pharmacy.
Rob Schenk
Co-Chief Instructor
5th dan Birankai instructor with 20+ years experience. Certified IT consultant and UC Berkeley graduate. Specializes in integrating technology with traditional martial arts instruction.
Gerard Enriquez
Co-Chief Instructor
4th dan Aikikai instructor teaching children's classes. IT professional with San Francisco State University. Combines martial arts with ballroom dance expertise in Argentine tango instruction.
Thierry Diagana
At-large Instructor
6th dan Birankai instructor with global experience. Leads Gassaku Aikido in El Cerrito. Scientist with PhD from Pasteur Institute. Teaches when visiting San Francisco from Singapore.
Theresa Thadani
Instructor
4th dan Aikikai instructor with expertise in graphic arts and photography. Combines creative arts with martial arts instruction. Certified in Iaido and Aikido techniques.
Questions
What is Aikido and how is it different from other martial arts?
Aikido focuses on non-violent conflict resolution through blending movements and redirection rather than direct opposition. It emphasizes harmony, using an attacker's energy against them without causing injury.
What age groups can participate in your classes?
We offer classes for children under 10, teens aged 10-18, and adults. Family discounts available for multiple members attending classes together.
Do you offer weapons training?
Yes, we teach Iaido (sword-drawing) and classical weapon techniques with bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff) as complementary practices to traditional Aikido.
What should I wear for my first class?
Beginners can wear comfortable workout clothes. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early to change and prepare before class starts on the mat.
Are there special rates for military or emergency personnel?
Yes, we offer a 10% discount for military, fire, and police families on class fees when enrolling multiple family members.
How often should I attend classes for best results?
Regular attendance is recommended to develop proper technique and conditioning. Most students attend 2-3 times weekly to progress through belt ranks systematically.
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