Reviews of Soseikan Dojo/A Center for the Martial Arts

I just wanted to let people know that "Sensei Bob" is a fake. He was a student of Toyoda Shihan, that is true. But Toyoda Shihan always told us that he was too dumb to really teach. Bob is all about his tender little ego. Toyoda Shihan would use him as a bad example. Our beloved Toyoda Sensei spent so much time yelling at Bob that it really took away from class. Now, he fancies himself as the head of some organization? Well, you all need to know that "Sensei Bob" has gotten himself in deep trouble with all the organizations he's been a part of. He can fool some people, but he is a fake and will be exposed as such someday soon. I guess he did have to start his own place because no one who really knows about martial arts would have him or keep him around.

My name is Rick Butler, I am the dojo cho of Pathway to Harmony, I've been a martial artist for almost 40 years, 32 of those years have been dedicated to aikido. So I can say with some authority that Soseikan Dojo is truly a place to polish your spirit. If you are looking for a place to train for you or your children, I highly recommend Soseikan dojo. I have known dojo cho, Bob Garza, for well over 10 years. I've watched him grow as an aikidoist and a person. He is a great instructor and I am honored to call him a friend. Garza sensei is a devoted student of the late Shihan Fumio Toyoda, founder of the Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International. He has committed himself to keeping the teaching methodology of Shihan Toyoda alive and spreading the art of aikido. Garza sensei is the founder of Sosei Aikido Kyokai, a gathering of aikido schools dedicated to that purpose. In the spirit of Shihan Toyoda, Garza sensei has created a center for the martial arts. A place where students of disciplines such as Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Mugai Shinden Mugairyu Iai Hyodo Iaido, Tai Chi, Silat, Kenpo Karate, and Aikido can come to polish their spirit. Nationally and internationally he has earned the respect of his martial arts peers. Over the years, I've trained with Garza sensei many times, we've attended seminars together, conducted promotional exams together, and our students have trained together. I can honestly say that Soseikan Dojo is a reflection of Sensei Garza the instructor and the man. It is a place of discipline where students develop their mind, body, and spirit; and like Garza sensei it is a place full of integrity and honor, fun and laughter, love and respect for everyone. It is a humble place where life time friendships begin and like marines, never die. Again, if you're looking for a martial arts school visit Soseikan Dojo, experience for yourself what it means to "polish your spirit".

My name is Rick Butler, I am the dojo cho of Pathway to Harmony Aikido, I've been a martial artist for almost 40 years, 32 of those years have been dedicated to aikido. So I can say with some authority that Soseikan Dojo is truly a place to polish your spirit. If you are looking for a place to train for you or your children, I highly recommend Soseikan dojo. I have known dojo cho, Bob Garza, for well over 10 years. I've watched him grow as an aikidoist and a person. He is a great instructor and I am honored to call him a friend. Garza sensei is a devoted student of the late Shihan Fumio Toyoda, founder of the Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International. He has committed himself to keeping the teaching methodology of Shihan Toyoda alive and spreading the art of aikido. Garza sensei is the founder of Sosei Aikido Kyokai, a gathering of aikido schools dedicated to that purpose. In the spirit of Shihan Toyoda, Garza sensei has created a center for the martial arts. A place where students of disciplines such as Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Mugai Shinden Mugairyu Iai Hyodo Iaido, Tai Chi, Silat, Kenpo Karate, and Aikido can come to polish their spirit. Nationally and internationally he has earned the respect of his martial arts peers. I can honestly say that Soseikan Dojo is a reflection of Sensei Garza the instructor and the man. It is a place of discipline where students develop their mind, body, and spirit; and like Garza sensei it is a place full of integrity and honor, fun and laughter, love and respect for everyone. It is a humble place where life time friendships begin and like marines, never die. Come out and visit Soseikan Dojo, experience for yourself what it means to "polish your spirit".

My family has been training at A Center for the Martial Arts for just over two years and we have not only found a wonderful place to train but an extended "family" as well. We were instantly made to feel welcome and our two daughters absolutely love Sensei Bob, Sensei Barb, and Sensei Nick. Beisdes learning the martial art of Aikido, they have also learned invaluable lessons about being a friend, helping others, and another culture. The girls greatly enjoy attending class and report how much they miss their friends and training when we have to miss a Saturday. My husband and I also train at the dojo and have not only found it a fantastic workout, but a great way to have fun as a family. Sensei Bob has created an atmosphere that is family friendly and has the kids class and adults back to back. There are many of us that have kids and participate in the adults class as well. The kids love having their playtime with each other while the parents are practicing on the mat. I would highly recommend A Center for the Martial Arts as a family friendly place to train and have fun!

I have been practicing aikido here for about four months, with nothing but a positive experience. Sensei Garza has taught me so many things about aikido and other martial arts. Most importantly, that aikido is a practice to better ourselves rather than hurt others. Although this is some serious stuff, Sensei teaches in a loose fashion, accommodating each student to their best ability level, training at their own pace. Everyone I have met at the dojo is so friendly and helpful, even to those of us of a low rank ;] At the dojo, we all learn from each other, as every person has a different perspective of the same situation.

I am glad I have Sensei Garza as my aikido teacher. He demonstrates multiple views on various techniques, even demonstrating the wrong ways that can get us hurt. He would always take responsibility for an injury, even though it was caused by another student. He is one of those rare teachers that truly cares about each student and their ability to succeed. No doubt I will be training at this dojo for a while.

I found the The Center for the Martial Arts at the beginning of 2010. Since then, I've been attending Aikido classes 3-5 times per week. It's a really nice environment and a good mood place, and you are always welcome there. It's a great place not only to practice aikido, also to make new friends, go to seminars together and to share experiences. In addition, instructors are very professionals. Working in multicultural environment they are very flexible and sensitive to everybody's need and ability. Thanks to them, I adapted the new place and learned the basic principles of aikido quickly.

The Center for the Martial Arts is a fine place to train, be proud of, make new friends and be treated like family. Parents of children with learning disabilities continually bring their children to class there. I hear reports, from the parents themselves, on how these children are happier; improving not only in school but socially since they began classes there. Sensei Bob Garza is among the most honorable, devoted and skilled martial artist and family man I have had the pleasure to meet. I do not say this lightly. (My teenage son is a student of Sensei Garza.) He is a man of honor who demonstrates, on a daily basis, the true meaning of "Samurai" (to Serve others unselfishly). His skill and integrity are unquestionable. He tirelessly strives to aid people less fortunate than him in any way possible. Students come back again and again, year after year because of what they are learning from him. It hurts to read slanderous, unjustified, nasty lies written by some miserable people hiding in shadows in a vain attempt to smear not only the names of this excellent instructor but those of their devoted students. Please feel free come to the school and watch or take your shoes off and join a class. Children or adults it matters not. Come see and judge for yourself. I'm sure you'll go home with a good feeling that will beckon you to return again soon.

I am a longtime Aikido student and as a female martial artist I looked for a strong, respectful teacher and was able to find that in Sensei Garza of A Center for the Martial Arts. I am amazed at the range of Martial Arts skills and instructors this dojo is able to offer students. And I know how much time and effort goes into making the school available to everyone regardless of ability, ethnicity and financial status. The kids classes are taught with nothing but the best interest of the children in mind. Each child is encouraged to become the best they can be by Sensei Garza who has sought to be a teacher in the purest sense of the word, one who seeks to continue his own education as well as a willingness to learn from his own students. Many children from his classes remain as teenagers, and as they go out into the adult world often come back to the dojo to express thankfulness to Sensei Garza. If your interest is to find a place for you, your children or your spouse to train, A Center for the Martial Arts is a dojo to call home.

This is our dojo. This is where my family and I train in Aikido. You probably will not find a better place to study (other than Japan). We live an hour away and I wouldn't make the trip if this wasn't the "real deal". The kids classes are fun mixed with technique and real world awareness. Adult classes are wide ranging from beginner to highly advanced with visiting instructors from around the world.

Robert Garza sensei started this organization to provide superior instruction to all and he has really hit the mark. Fees are very reasonable and payment is month to month. That's right, No Contracts! This is truly a dojo for all. You will not be disappointed.

Happy Training!

I have been an adult Aikido student for just over a year at the Center for the Martial Arts. The head instructor, Sensei Garza, encourages everyone to learn from each other as well as from other instructors. He breaks down techniques that are easily learned and explains where they can be used in real life situations. We also learn the history of Aikido's origin from other instructors. There are several instructors with a little bit different views to learn from. There are many opportunities to practice, as well as other offerings of martial arts. I would recommend this dojo for children and adults alike. They are kid friendly and teach them how to do the techniques while still making it fun. Many parents and children participate in the martial arts.

I have been a student at soseikan dojo for two and a half years. The teaching is excellent, the head instructor and other black belts are knowledgeable about the art, patient with learning students, and do not hesitate to share their knowledge.

Thanks to the leadership of the head instructor, there is a real friendly, family atmosphere at the dojo. Many social activities are held throughout the year to foster this feeling.

The dojo is active in the local community, and subsidises the dues for several underprivledged families.

I have been studying under head instructor Sensei Roberto Garza (Yondan - 4th degree black belt) consistently since 2005 and have always admired his ability, his skill and talents in Aikido. He is an excellent teacher, especially for children and new students. He adapts to each student's abilities and exhibits a lot of patience when students are having a difficult time.

I would also recommend every other instructor in the Aikido program, since each provides unique insight and is adept at working with a class of varying skill levels.

The curriculum is practical for self-defense and health benefits, but also places importance on aesthetics and traditional Japanese martial training. Each has its place and each is given a place at Soseikan Dojo.

The school also offers a variety of other martial arts, each with instructors specializing in that area - Jujitsu, Kempo, Tai Chi, Iaido, Silat, etc. (See 'A Center For The Martial Arts' for more information.)

The facility is clean and safe. There is a play room for children and seating area for non-participants. The parking lot can be full depending on attendance and weather, but plenty of street parking is also available.

The cost is reasonable and competitive with other martial arts schools.

Discounts are available for families, for new students interested in surveying the program, and for students interested in multiple martial arts.

The school is active in the community, participating in local events and fundraising for charity.

There is something seriously wrong there. The head instructor has serious ego problems. I think he should seek some professional help. He should not be teaching and he should not be around children. My kids will be doing something, anything but aikido. I think others should know about this. I do not want you to contact me. Stay away from my children, stay away from my wife.

The head instructor at this school has serious ego problems. It is the "look at me, look at me, BG dog and pony show." He teaches a conglomeration of stuff that does not hold together. There are other questionable practices going on at this school. I got my kids out of there and we will never go back there again!