Reviews of Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan: Genshinkan Dojo

I recently began practicing Aikido at Zenshinkai Aikido of Manhattan, and attending class has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the week! Everyone who practices at the dojo is very welcoming and helps make beginners feel comfortable learning in a judgment-free environment. Classes are run very traditionally, emphasizing etiquette and respect for the art form, which I can relate to very well as a classically trained dancer.

It's also wonderful to practice in a school that incorporates Zen meditation. Life in New York City can get so crazy, it's nice to balance it out with such a rewarding routine.

Because it is a small school (about 25 students), the instructors are able to give corrections to all the students. Wagener Sensei, the head instructor, is very invested in every students' development. While the atmosphere is very focused throughout class, everyone is encouraged to practice with joy and take good care of each other.

What really spoke to me from the very start is how much importance is laid on the connection between the philosophy of Aikido and the physical techniques involved. Class isn't just about learning movements for self-defense purposes. The spirit of harmony and compassion in Aikido is always a major component of the instruction.

I'm so happy to be practicing at such a wonderful school!

I have been a student of ZAM since they first opened their doors and the most redeeming quality about the school is the openness to beginners. They are extremely patient and everyone is really helpful. No experience is necessary and they just want everyone to enjoy themselves while maintaining a seriousness about the art. I would highly recommend this school to anyone in search of a martial art or a mental/spiritual path.

Few times in life does one come across something that nourishes mind, body, and soul. I've found that here at Zenshinkai of Manhattan. The students (and instructors) are extremely courteous, caring, and compassionate. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or an expert at aikido, Wagner Sensei gives every student personal instruction time during class. This is a very well balanced school that I was very fortunate to find.

This is a great dojo--serious without being competitive. The focus is on technique and connection, both with your partner/opponent and with your own center and body. Watching Wagener Sensei and senior students demonstrate techniques is awe-inspiring. The method of teaching is different that I'm used to from other schools, and I find it much more understandable. You watch the technique demonstrated, then you partner up and do it. So even as a total Aikido beginner I have an idea of why I'm doing things and what I'm aiming for. If you are looking to study Aikido, this is a true dojo driven by a love for the art and desire to impart knowledge, rather than ego or plans to make piles of money. Plus, it's fun and the classes feel like a team rather than a competition. A real find!!

If you're at all curious about learning this most enlightened, Zen-based martial art, this is the perfect place to do so. Wagener Sensei - its founder - has created a truly unique atmosphere, where both beginning and advanced students support and encourage each other, in a non-competitive yet richly challenging practice. And there's always an emphasis on applying the principles of this 'Way Of Peace' to our everyday lives outside the dojo. A real jewel in the East Village!

I stumbled upon this school by sheer serendipity. Sometime ago I was looking to get into Zen, I was recommended by a friend to try out Aikido instead. I had two main concerns in choosing a school- it's not commercially driven and teaches the art the traditional way, and the teacher takes personal interest in the development of his/her students.

On my very first day, I was welcomed by the students at the dojo and given the option to jump in and try out the class for free! Honestly, seldom have 2 hours passed away faster than the way they did during this class. I felt like a kid again when everything was just so new! Wagener Sensei (the teacher) was very aware of the beginners (there were 2 more), and centered the entire class around us. He also took time to demo us some of the advanced techniques with another teacher later. It felt like I was watching a movie in real life!

Right after the class he and the other students came around to ask me about my first experience with Aikido, and answer any questions I had. Second criteria check. Personally what has spoken to me most over time is the beauty and grace of Aikido, and the depth and quality of the instruction at this school. Not limited to the technique and form, the teachers go at lengths to explain the philosophy behind everything that is taught and Aikido itself. All of the students here are super helpful and accommodating, and take sincere interest in your development. This creates an atmosphere that is fun, supportive, non-competitive, and yet challenging at the same time.

In summary, it's been a blessing to discover a school that actually exists to spread this amazing art the traditional way i. e. in a sincere, peaceful, and non-egocentric environment. I strongly encourage anyone who's flirted with the idea of trying martial arts or is just looking for an exciting way to unite their body and mind to try a class at this school!

I was recommended by a friend to try out Aikido at Zenshinkai. I have practiced and experienced other martial arts before, but I was a complete beginner to Aikido. I was excited but also anxious for the first class. Upon entering the dojo, any feeling of anxiousness that I had before completely dissipated. I was greeted by two students of the dojo. They were extremely warm and welcoming and more than willing to answer any questions I had. Every student I was paired with throughout my first class was extremely patient and very helpful. Wagener Sensei walked the room and would step in and help everyone while they were practicing. I took notice that the atmosphere of the class was extremely peaceful, and contained no edge of competitiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed my first class and when it ended my first thought was I can't wait to come back! I have been at the dojo for a month now and feel extremely privileged to be able to practice with such dedicated, and compassionate individuals. If you have been searching for a martial arts school, or want to try something new, I strongly recommend this school.

I just started 4 months ago, with no expectations and no idea how I would take to aikido.

Wagener Sensei makes the class. He has a way of being cheerful and witty while at the same time imparting a deep sense of respect for this martial art form. I was a complete novice, and I was disoriented at watching the instructions at first. The students I was paired up with were more than willing to walk me through the moves slowly, with additional guidance from Wagener Sensei himself.

The students are all, beginners and long-time attenders alike, dedicated to this Dojo, which speaks volumes about the quality of work put in by all who contribute to the school.

I've been studying here since the school opened in 2013. Practicing here is a real privilege. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and highly focused. Deep respect for Martial tradition and the philosophy behind Aikido is strongly emphasized.

The head instructor, Wagener Sensei, is highly experienced and gives individual attention to every student. Another striking feature of the school's environment is the lack of ego and competition. The students practice with great sincerity and joy.

Training here has absolutely changed my life. Anyone looking to study Martial Arts or self-defense in an encouraging setting in NYC should definitely not leave this school off their list.