Reviews of Aikido of South Florida

My son was in this school and the experience was horrible. Sensei Stephanie is too authoritarian, to the point that students are very scared around her. This is not the appropriate way to treat kids. I am sure she is very good training adults and police officers, but not with children.

Before joining Aikido of South Florida, I had done 2 years of Tae kwon do in my elementary school days but I lost interest, primarily because the environment was so competitive and rarely touched upon the self defense aspect of martial arts and I eventually moved on. I didn’t really have any intention of doing martial arts again.

Years later, I visited the ASF dojo and sat in on multiple classes. Just watching and observing the students(as well as Sensei) was enough to count me in! Joining was probably the best decision I could have made for myself. I fell in love with everything about it. My first day on the mat, The Sempai (higher belts), were more than happy to assist in getting me up to par with the rest of the students. The style of teaching makes it beneficial to everyone, wether you’ve been at it for years or you’re just beginning, you still learn and make progress. Sensei not only does a tremendous job at teaching the little things but she also provides a sense of trust within me, and I know I am getting the most value out of each and every class. Everyone treats each other like family and I always look forward to training every time I go.

The high energy and intensity can be challenging at first but it’s a method of getting you to become calm and in control of your environment when times get tough. I always had this fear of failure or making a mistake during classes, this fear was detrimental to succeeding both in real everyday life and on the mat. But the mistakes you make on the mat are, as Sensei likes to express, “Better in here than out there”. Training in the dojo has helped free me from that fear and lead me to positively grow as an individual, and just understanding the worst that can happen is you mess up and the only way you fail is if you stop trying.

We are all diverse people with different journeys and paths. But by training in the Aikido of South Florida dojo, you’ll not only be taught by the best instructor in South Florida dedicated in making sure you have a secure place of practice but you also join others who wish to better themselves in some way or another, just as you do.

- Jeanie

I have two sons and both have attended Aikido of South Florida for almost 5 years. They have participated in every Spring, Summer & Winter camps and they also train during the year. The dojo environment has been amazing for building their character, focus, discipline & sense of belonging. As boys, they have so much energy that is best channeled in an environment where they have organized, physical activity.

Training under Sensei Stephanie Yap is a once in a lifetime experience that has helped them increase their focus, learn new skills & working well with others. The training they receive is unique because the focus is not on violence or fighting but on self-defense & restoring the peace in any situation. Being responsible and doing the right thing is also a focus. The environment is extremely disciplined, but with such great rewards.

There are so many great mentors at the dojo. We are so happy to be a part of the Aikido South Florida Family. We look forward to many more years of training. The boys have enjoyed learning conversational Japanese as well as learning culture & practicing new mediums of art.

There are so many good things to say! If you are considering Japanese martial arts, this is the place to attend in South Florida.

Punishment seems to be the approach at this school. And it is dished out liberally and for insignificant reasons. If you put a fingernail out of place, you get punished. Very traumatic for young kids, and a poor example for older ones, who soon fall into the same pattern. Zero nurturing and camaraderie. Not recommended at all!

My daughter was told by Sensei before she began what was to be the first day of twelve weeks of summer camp, that she would become friends with everyone right away. She continued that it would be accomplished one of two ways, either easy or hard, but the result would be the same. Lifelong friends. And so it is.

That was one year ago and my daughter has never enjoyed anything or felt she accomplished so much. She will now begin her second year.

Thank you all.