1.

I have been at the AASBK dojo for 1 year with my son. Studying Aikido with Sensei Abrams has been a great learning experience. I have studied 2 other forms of martial arts, and I expected a different experience with Aikido. I received more than I expected. The classes at AASBK are small with teaching directly from Sensei Abrams throughout the class. The attention that he can give to each student is fantastic. As I advanced, I found that the classes were not just based on the participants' skill level, but also their specific strengths and limitations. Overall, the classes focus on a very strong foundation where technique is merely an extension of the basics we've learned. While the foundation is very hard to learn, it allows one to progress more easily, without having to frequently revisit the basics.

I had heard of Aikido in the past and I expected an environment different from other martial arts. If you have never seen Aikido in person before, I recommend that you watch a class. Aikido involves harmonizing with your opponent in an attempt to disable his attack. I even hesitate to use the word opponent as Aikido doesn't focus on the conflict as much as the resolution. Done correctly each form seems more like a dance than combat, where the Aikido practitioner leads the partner into a controlled position. The lessons of Aikido extend far beyond the dojo and physical challenges. It's teachings of non-confrontation have been adapted to many other forms of conflict resolution and I have personally used them for years before learning Aikido.

My son has also benefited greatly from the environment at AASBK. It is supportive and small. He studied karate at a larger dojo in the past, and was lost in the group. At this point, he has passed his first test and continues to enjoy classes at AASBK. Sensei is extremely supportive and seems to sense a child's individual needs, and adapt his lessons to them. Aikido itself emphasizes conflict resolution without fighting. While all the other arts seem to imply you should avoid fighting, and failing that know how to fight, Aikido seems to stress avoiding the fight, then resolving any remaining conflict as peacefully as possible. After 1 year, my son still doesn't know how to punch, and has no desire to learn, as it's only the smallest part of Aikido. These lessons go beyond the dojo, in that the best fight is the one you don't fight, and the best conflict is one that never exists.

Dr. Eugene Spagnuolo

2.

Twenty years ago, a wise friend suggested that I look into Aikido. Knowing that I "played" Judo in college, he thought I might find Aikido to be an interesting alternative to the more popularized Judo and Karate sports. When I recently discovered there was an Aikido dojo in Bedford Hills, I couldn't resist. Sensei Marc Abrams welcomed my curiosity and invited me to observe a class. My first impression of Sensei Abrams was that he genuinely loves Aikido. His school is not a typical martial arts business or "factory". Competition is not the goal - relaxation, self-awareness, mind/body coordination and conflict resolution are the focus of class exercises.

Unlike typical aggression oriented martial arts, Sensei Abrams emphasizes the harmonious and peaceful application of Aikido philosophy in all aspects of our daily activities. No surprise - Sensei Abrams practices what he teaches in his other role as a psychologist specializing in conflict resolution.

I've learned proper breathing and stretching techniques, improved my posture, working on maintaining a happier disposition (smiling is encouraged), getting terrific exercise, and meeting some really nice Aikido devotees.

Beware - once you try it - you'll be hooked!

Mr. Shawn Bader

3.

Praise for Aikido Arts of Shin-Budo Kai
I feel so fortunate that Marc Abrams Sensei opened Aikido Arts of Shin-Budo Kai in Northern Westchester. My twelve-year old son attends classes there throughout the week and has benefited tremendously.

A gifted instructor, Abrams Sensei exudes deep knowledge and passion for this relatively new, non-violent martial art, and inspires interest and dedication in his students. He has a great rapport with the kids; he is respectful and gentle, but also firm and able to convey high expectations. His responsiveness to his students comes naturally and may be informed, too, by his many years as a child psychologist and parent.

My son comes away from sessions at AASBK not only having exercised his body, but also with support for the practice of discipline, focus, responsibility and non-violence. I also see a confidence growing in his knowledge and use of his body, as well as in his ability to face challenge and confrontation.

I am grateful for the opportunity my son has to learn Aikido from Abrams Sensei!

Mrs. Judith Sorokin


4.

Training with Abrams Sensei is profoundly changing my life.  Lessons learned
in the beautiful Bedford Hills dojo easily transfer to life off of the mat.
My body is finally healing from the accumulated damage caused from over 25
years of full-contact, hard style martial arts abuse.  A newfound
sensitivity and awareness is improving my efficiency as a martial artist, my
effectiveness in business, and instilled within me a sense of humanity, calm
and tolerance.

Mr. Michael Gershfeld