Aikido has "positively affected how I handle difficult situations"
As a student and a helping professional, I spent a lot of time sitting, reading, writing, and talking.
One of the most helpful things about practicing Aikido is that it gets me out of that pattern.
I often find that an hour of practice is energizing because of this unique chance to rest my mind and use my
body in this way. Practicing Aikido has also helped me to learn to focus and stay calm, especially under stress.
The concepts of centering and sending my energy forward have both positively affected the way I handle difficult
situations in my life. I find that my confidence is increased, I can think more clearly, and act more
deliberately instead of crumbling under pressure.
One of my favorite things about practicing Aikido at The Center City Dojo is the people. I think our dojo has
a great spirit and a truly positive atmosphere. I have become good friends with several of the members
of the dojo, and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet some great people.
Julie P, brown belt, started June 1999
"Her way of teaching is truly enriching in every aspect."
I practice Aikido because it brings something that my other daily activities does not.
Other than a great stress reliever and workout, it has helped develop my concentration and forced me to
think in different ways. It has also presented me with different situations which really is what life is
about. You never know what is coming at you but it helps to be ready. I like the Center City dojo because
of the people who practice there. Sensei Cecelia has been able to bring together a really good group
of people who are fun to practice with. Her way of teaching is truly enriching in every aspect. I
always walk away feeling I have learned something new.
Alex O , black belt, started September 1997
"My whole world began to open up and change for the better."
I started Aikido to find something to do with my spare time, much like a hobby. Little did
I realize that this martial art would have such an impact on my life. Not only did it change my thoughts
about martial arts, it changed my way of thinking. It also changed the way I interacted with
people around me. My whole world began to open up and change for the better. It is hard to believe something
can change your life so suddenly.
James S, brown belt, started August 1999
"After a rigorous class, I come out feeling invigorated"
Everyone in my Aikido class is very patient, and very encouraging and supportive. People
are willing to come early or stay after class to help with working on techniques. And, best of all,
everyone is committed to learn, but has a good sense of humor and is non-competitive.
There are days where I come into class feeling lethargic and unenthusiastic, but after
a rigorous class, come out feeling invigorated and glad that I went. I enjoy coming to aikido classes.
Lisa, blue belt, started July 2001
"I feel free in my heart when I’m on the mat”
Boyke Samaun, white belt, started August 2002
I have been practicing Aikido for more than 20 years and have obtained many benefits from
the art. I credit Aikido practice for helping relieve my life long stuttering problem. Years of speech
therapy did little to change my stuttering. Aikido practice, focusing on relaxing and eliminating stress
under difficult situations (like being attacked) directly applied to the tension I felt while stuttering.
Although I still stutter at times, I am free of the anxiety which accompanied the speech problem and I now
earn a living teaching and speaking before large audiences. This, more than self defense knowledge, has been
the greatest gift of Aikido. That and meeting my wife while practicing.
Greg B 5th dan
"All attacks aren’t physical"
I’m a crime writer, and part of my job is interviewing convicted criminals, including
murderers such as Richard "the Iceman" Kuklinski who claims to have killed over 100 people. A person
who can plan and carry out murder after murder is a natural master of deception and intimidation. When
I interviewed the Iceman in prison for five hours straight—locked in a room with him without guards or
any kind of barrier between us—I was never physically threatened, but I was a prime target for his mind
games. After all, who better to manipulate than the person writing a book about his life in crime?
Practicing aikido gave me the ability to focus on what was really going on and separate the truth from
the bull. Aikido has given me what we call "positive mind," which for me is the ability to meet and talk
to a heinous criminal without fear or prejudice. All attacks aren’t physical, but through aikido I’ve
learned how to redirect aggression and turn it to my advantage.
Anthony B, 4th dan
"Aikido will always be a part of my life"
My name is Curtis Lee. Let me tell you a few things about myself. Having a genetic eye disease
called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), I thought that Aikido training would increase my mobility, reaction, and
timing. Practicing aikido has helped me find healthy ways of dealing with conflict in my daily life. On the
mat we learn to blend with an opponent's energy and redirect it to a neutral position rather than engage in
direct confrontation. This simple but beautiful concept has helped me find solutions to many non-physical
conflicts as well. The dojo is remarkable because it has such a positive atmosphere. Everyone is dedicated
to helping each other in a truly non-competitive way and the classes are very enjoyable. No matter how I feel
at the beginning of class, I know I will leave feeling better.
As a black belt I now have more confidence in the way I handle myself if a menacing situation
should present itself. As long as I’m physically and mentally able to train and practice, Aikido will always
be a part of my life.
Curtis L, 2nd dan
On Aikido in general:
When I started practicing Aikido three years ago, I never would have guessed that by now it
would be one of the central and defining aspects of my life. In those first few months after I first stepped
on the mat, I often thought I had to be the clumsiest, most awkward person alive. I had never undertaken any
physical training before, and starting Aikido made me feel like a little kid again. I hadn't been such a
beginner at anything since I was small, and feeling like a true novice was a real
challenge for me.
I kept coming back, though, because the confusion I often felt actually only served to
heighten my curiosity and increase my sense of wonder about what I had gotten myself into. As I returned
week after week, I began to know that I was progressing...I was training, and it was working! I began to
understand how many of my classmates had stayed with Aikido for 15 or 25 years. It seems to me that the more
I practice, the more there is to learn. Aikido seems infinitely deep to me, and my curiosity about what I
might learn next through practice on and off the mat is enough to keep me coming back for a long time.
How Aikido helps me:
As a student and a helping professional, I spent a lot of time sitting, reading, writing, and
talking. One of the most helpful things about practicing Aikido is that it gets me out of that pattern. The
dojo is a real sanctuary from ordinary life. For a few precious hours a week, I can simply act and move. I
can devote my attention to the turn of a wrist or the angle of a step or the speed of a strike, and leave
whatever else I care about at the door. I often find that an hour of practice is energizing because of this
unique chance to rest my mind and use my body in this way.
Practicing Aikido has also helped me to learn to focus and stay calm, especially under stress.
The concepts of centering and sending my energy forward have both positively affected the way I handle difficult
situations in my life. I find that my confidence is increased, I can think more clearly, and act more
deliberately instead of crumbling under pressure.
On Aikido people:
One of my favorite things about practicing Aikido Kokikai at this dojo is the people. I
find that our dojo attracts and keeps a really interesting and fun group. On the mat, my classmates are,
on the whole, generous, helpful, cheerful and kind. I think our dojo has a great spirit and a truly positive
atmosphere. I have become good friends with several of the members of the dojo, and I am grateful to Aikido
for giving me the opportunity to meet some great people.
On Cecelia:
Training with Cecelia is definitely the best thing about training at the Center City dojo.
She is an amazing teacher. Not only is her Aikido a beautiful thing to experience, but also I am consistently
impressed by her sensitivity to each person's progress and learning style. She knows when and how to challenge
me to learn something new, and when to hang back and let me work something out myself...and it seems that she
knows how to do the same thing for everyone on the mat! She meets students where they are, and guides them to
the next level of their training with a great combination of gentleness, strength and good humor. I give
Cecelia the credit for making the dojo the positive place that it is: her attitude, warmth, and care for the
art and her students is infectious and permeates the environment of the Center City dojo.
Julie PH
Aikido is much more than a martial art to me; it has become a way of life. I used to
think that I could escape the rest of the world for an hour or so whenever I walked into the Center
City Dojo for class, but I have found that the mat itself is a microcosm of life and its situations.
Aikido means "a way of harmonizing body, mind and spirit", and it works as a martial art as
well as a way to deal with life. The concepts of blending energy, correct posture and movement, relaxing,
centering (or keeping one point), having a positive mind, using minimum effort for maximum effect, and being
the best you can be for yourself and those you train with, all exist on the mat and are in fact magnified as
one's journey progresses in Aikido. These concepts are useful in school, work, relationships, and any
situation one may be involved in. Aikido is amazingly effective as a method of self defense and is also fun,
as one learns to "fly through the air with the greatest of ease". Here at the Center City Dojo, these concepts
are taught to all of us by Cecelia Ricciotti Sensei. She is that rare combination of ingredients that not only
make up a superb, one of a kind teacher, but also a great friend. Her devastating martial arts knowledge is
balanced by her knowledge of healing arts, and she has the amazing ability to be exactly what you need when
you need it. Long before I studied Aikido, I heard that she was well respected by many martial artists, some
of whom did not even practice Aikido, and now I know why. I feel very fortunate to have her guidance available
to me (as well as the guidance of the other instructors here) and I look forward to carrying on the fine
tradition of Kokikai Aikido founder Shuji Maruyama Sensei and Cecelia Ricciotti Sensei as I live a life
with my body, mind and spirit in harmony.
John K, 2nd dan
I was interested in aikido because I had read a bit about its philosophy. Of all the martial
arts, it is the least aggressive, and the most conscious of the connection between the mind and the body,
which I believe in very strongly. I wanted to pursue studies in which I could train both the body and the
mind to the utmost.
At first, practices were very frustrating. I would watch a technique, but I couldn't get my
body to move the way I had seen people move. I had problems rolling on the mat. I felt very awkward and felt
I was a slow learner. If it weren't for the people at the Center City Dojo—instructors and students alike--
I think I would have quit. Everyone in my class is very patient, and very encouraging and supportive.
People are willing to come early or stay after class to help with working on techniques. And, best of all,
everyone is committed to learn, but has a good sense of humor and is non-competitive.
I feel I've learned a lot so far, but know that I have a lot more to learn. There are days
where I come into class feeling lethargic and unenthusiastic, but after a rigorous class, I come out feeling
invigorated and glad that I went. I enjoy coming to aikido classes. I started Aikido to find something to do
with my spare time, much like a hobby. Little did I realize that this martial art would have such an impact
on my life. Not only did it change my thoughts about martial arts, it changed my way of thinking. It also
changed the way I interacted with people around me. My whole world began to open up and change for the better.
It is hard to believe something can change your life so suddenly. The instructors are so patient and
understanding and the members are so enjoyable to be around. The dojo has become like a home away from home,
and the members have become like family. This is the one place I truly look forward to coming to every day
if I could.
James S
"talking about Aikido and practicing are two very different things"
Aikido has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child my father
practiced and I spent many Saturday afternoons watching classes. When I was old enough I myself began
to practice. Throughout my early and late teenage years I practiced on and off. Although Aikido has
always been in my mind and a frequent topic of discussion, it has been around 4-5 years since I last
practiced. I can’t say exactly what made me decide to start again; perhaps I had just become aware how
physically inactive I had recently been, or maybe the realization that talking about Aikido and
practicing Aikido are two very different things. I have been back for almost six weeks and it feels
wonderful. Perhaps I needed that time to grow up a bit and mature. Now I look forward to every class
with a fresh excitement. I feel healthier, physically and mentally than I did 6 weeks ago.
Walking back into the dojo has been one of the best things that I have done for myself in
a long time. Of course I have not exactly picked up where I left off, but everyone
in the dojo has helped me begin re-gain what I once had, and learn many new things. It has only
been about six weeks back, but I know that I am back for good. Something that makes me feel as
good about myself as Aikido does, cannot be cut out of the equation again. Talking about Aikido
and practicing Aikido are two very different things.
Max L 4th Kyu 04/27/03
"The spiritual and philosophical aspects of the art attracted me"
I began studying Aikido as a means to get some exercise. I had been sedentary for many years,
and started many exercise programs that I could not continue beyond two or three months. I have always enjoyed
the Martial Arts. After seeing a survey program on television I became interested in aikido. The spiritual
and philosophical aspects of the art attracted me.
I was very lucky to find this Dojo early in my search. I have been a student of other
styles in other dojos: therefore I knew what I was looking for. I was looking for instructors who were
patient and willing to laugh with you. I’d been in places where no one smiled, or laughed at their own
mistakes. These places were usually run like basic training camps and everyone took himself or herself oh
so seriously. At forty-two years of age I felt I had enough self-discipline to be a serious student as
well as have a sense of humor about my mistakes. At Center City Dojo everyone was smiling, everyone was
friendly and no one was showing off, or had attitude.
The study of Aikido has improved my self-confidence and lowered my level of stress: my
depression has also improved. I have been struggling to improve my body awareness: That is, get out
of my head and its incessant worrying and criticizing, and into my body. Aikido has helped tremendously
with this problem. Being in my body allows me to experience the world, and react appropriately. Trapped
in my head I had trouble "thinking on my feet," and responding to people and situations in an intelligent
fashion. Often I would have delayed emotional reactions as well. Being in my body makes me present during
these encounters.
An additional benefit of being in the body is better awareness of what it needs. I have
been struggling with my weight: when am I hungry and when do I just have the "munchies"? Since starting
Aikido I’ve lost about twenty pounds, and have gone down two clothing sizes: all without depriving myself
of my favorite foods.
Mina M 2nd kyu 2/15/03
"I’ve been smiling ever since I started."
I started my first class Thursday at Philadelphia Aikido and already can't wait for
Saturday's class, I love the class - how everyone shows you pointers and how Sensei Cecelia Ricciotti
teaches the class. I'm having trouble falling and tumbling , but that will come in time....I'm a little
sore , but it's a good sore. I been smiling ever since I started class.
Rick R
"I am greatly enjoying training"
I want you to know that I am greatly enjoying training. Aikido has been everything I hoped
it would -- a way to gain focus and balance in every aspect of my life -- and you have done a wonderful job
of provided the right framework and structure for this. Everyone has been wonderful, and I look forward to
studying with you for some time to come.
Thanks, Todd
"Don’t be sorry"
The quality of people that Aikido seems to attract is staggering. Everyone, (and I mean
everyone, Sensei, white belts, black belts...everyone) has been extremely helpful, and I've never seen
anyone even hint at being frustrated with helping. That first class, when I was apologizing to a brown
belt for not figuring out a technique right away...he said, "Don't be sorry, we all learn by teaching
too. We all learn from each other." That made me feel much better!
The difference between my experience so far in the Aikido dojo versus the Tae Kwon Do
studio are immeasurable. Sensei Ricciotti is incredibly nice, and has such a warm, comforting style of
teaching compared to the yelling (often not even in English), and intimidation found at my old Tae Kwon
Do studio. People would never ask questions at Tae Kwon Do class out of fear...instead they would go on
practicing it wrong...not at all the case at Philadelphia Aikido. Ask anyone...I ask questions ALL the
time. I've gone from the guy apologizing all the time to the guy not afraid to ask how to do a technique
over and over if I'm still not sure I've got it right.
It's very reassuring. I've only been to 10 classes so far and I feel like a completely new
person. I have more energy all the time.
Colin J