Training in Aikido has been a profound gift in my life. Through its practice, I’ve learned how to stay fully present, calm my mind, and truly connect with my body in a way I never had before. The principles of centeredness, balance, and fluid movement have not only helped me on the mat—they’ve transformed the way I interact with my horses. Aikido has taught me to move with awareness, to listen without force, and to respond with softness and intention. Those same skills have deepened my communication with my horses, allowing me to connect with them in a quieter, more intuitive way. I’m deeply grateful to my dojo and instructors for creating such a supportive space to learn, grow, and carry these lessons into every part of my life.

I’ve been a student of Greenwood Aikido now for a couple years I have found the instruction of Sensei Greenwood to be exceptional. He has a way of teaching that engages the student and gives a very broad understanding of the art of Aikido and Iaido. Sensei Greenwood brings an understanding of the depth and tradition of the art and is able demonstrate the integral relationship with other martial arts, such as judo, jiu-jitsu, and karate into his teaching. My experience in martial arts has been over the course of several years, but this class has added a great deal of dimension to my understanding martial arts. I’ve also been blessed to travel to the origin country of Aikido in Japan as a group as part of this class and this experience has provided a deeper understanding of the history of the art that I am greatly appreciative of!

I started at Greenwood Aikido as a Shodan (black belt). The dojo feels like family to me. The instructors are all professional and friendly. Greenwood Sensei always tries to help students understand why they do what they do in Aikido. He does it in a fascinating way of explaining the master plan behind simple steps.

When you first walk into a martial arts dojo, it’s natural to feel nervous. What if they don’t like me? What if I’m in over my head? It can feel like stepping into the Cobra Kai dojo from The Karate Kid—“No Mercy!” But Greenwood Aikido is the complete opposite. From day one, Greenwood Sensei and Heather Sensei make you feel welcomed, comfortable, and part of something special. Greenwood Sensei is kind, knowledgeable, and has a rare ability to make complex techniques feel simple and accessible. His passion for Aikido is contagious, and when you see him teach, you truly appreciate the beauty of the art. At the same time, he is disciplined and intentional, sharing not only martial arts techniques but also the richness of Japanese culture. Together, he and Heather Sensei have created a beautiful community built on respect, kindness, discipline, and mutual support. I feel deeply honored and blessed to have found Greenwood Aikido Academy. It is more than a dojo — it is a family.

Throughout the years I have studied boxing and many different forms of martial arts. Many teachers that taught these arts had different approaches based on the style. They would show how they could devastate the opponent. Aikido is different. It’s a martial art and a way of life. It lets your opponent understand there is another way to resolve issues without serious injury to anyone. In Aikido the smallest of movements can shift the outcome to your favor. This can be done without any injury. It’s an art that has no end to what you can learn no matter how long you practice. At 68 now I can say that Aikido is something you can do well into your 70’s, 80’s and beyond. It is a philosophy to preserve life above all and true peace.

I’ve been in law enforcement for over 25 years. Dealing with large, difficult suspects is always a challenge. But since training with Greenwood Sensei I’m able to control suspects who are much bigger and stronger than me without causing injury to them or myself.

As a former police officer I coordinated arrest and control tactics training for the Murrieta Police Department. I was also an instructor in taekwondo which I studied along with hapkido for over 20 years. I’m very fortunate to find Greenwood Sensei to study the art of Aikido. He is patient, knowledgeable and very effective. He reveals the intricacy and subtlety woven throughout Aikido. All the students are very patient with each other and make everyone feel welcome on this journey of physical and mental enlightenment.