Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Aikido School in Tampa, FL
Since 2013, Tampa Aikido has been the Tampa Bay region's most respected school for traditional Japanese martial arts. Our mission is to provide experienced, safe, and serious Aikido instruction for individuals of all ages and skill levels. We emphasize cultivating mindfulness, composure, and calmness through martial training, applying these principles to resolve everyday conflicts at home, work, and in society. Our faculty includes three 6th-degree black belts, two 5th-degree black belts, and four 4th-degree black belts, representing diverse lineages and affiliations. All instructors teach voluntarily, driven by their passion for the art and its transformative impact on students' lives.We welcome thoughtful students seeking personal growth beyond sport or violence, offering a supportive community focused on fun, fitness, and purpose. New members receive a complimentary one-on-one introductory session with a black belt instructor to ease their transition into our dojo. We moved to a permanent location at 3200 West Cypress Street in 2025, continuing our commitment to inclusivity, respect, and fair promotion. Our environment values personal growth, effort, and contribution, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where every voice is heard and respected.
Services
Aikido Classes
Youth Programs
Family Memberships
Intro Sessions
Seminars
Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We have 3 sixth-degree black belt instructors with diverse martial arts lineages
- Our volunteer instructors teach solely for the love of the art
- Free introductory session with a black belt instructor for new members
- Family membership rates save $10 per member
- Inclusive community welcoming all backgrounds and experience levels
What people say
Experienced instructors
Inclusive community
Transformative training
Family-friendly environment
Expertise in traditional Aikido
Services
Aikido Classes
Traditional Aikido instruction for all levels includes foundational techniques, advanced waza, and mobility training. Our classes emphasize practical self-defense applications while cultivating mindfulness and composure. Students benefit from experienced instructors with diverse martial arts lineages.
Youth Programs
Structured Aikido training for ages 12-15 focuses on discipline, confidence, and physical development. Programs include age-appropriate techniques and character-building principles in a safe, supportive environment.
Intro Sessions
One-on-one orientation with a black belt instructor covers basic terminology, etiquette, and exercises. This personalized session prepares new students for group classes while addressing individual goals and health considerations.
Seminars
Guest instructor seminars feature advanced training in traditional Aikido techniques and philosophy. Recent events included sessions with 6th Dan instructors specializing in classical Japanese martial arts and weapon forms.
Family Memberships
Multi-member family plans offer discounted rates with $10 savings per member. Packages include unlimited access to all regular classes and community events while fostering shared growth experiences.
People
Guy Hagen
Senior Instructor
6th-degree black belt with decades of experience teaching traditional Aikido principles and techniques to students of all levels.
Don Ellingsworth
Senior Instructor
6th-degree black belt specializing in foundational Aikido techniques and mentoring new instructors within the Tampa Bay community.
Todd Jones
Senior Instructor
6th-degree black belt focusing on advanced Aikido applications and preserving traditional martial arts philosophies through practical instruction.
Christy Lee
Instructor
5th-degree black belt bringing expertise in Aikido's spiritual dimensions and practical self-defense applications to student training.
Julie Tollen
Instructor
4th-degree black belt emphasizing mindful movement and technical precision in Aikido practice for personal development.
Questions
What Aikido experience levels do you teach?
We offer classes for all levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners with specialized training tracks.
Are there family membership discounts available?
Yes, family memberships save $10 per member with unlimited access to all regular classes and community events.
Do you offer introductory sessions for new students?
New members receive a $20 one-on-one introductory session with a black belt instructor to start their training journey.
What should I wear for my first class?
We provide free uniforms for new students during their first month of membership.
Are there special programs for youth?
Yes, we offer youth programs for ages 12-15 focusing on discipline, confidence, and martial arts fundamentals.
Do you host special events or seminars?
We regularly host guest instructors for specialized seminars featuring advanced techniques and traditional martial arts philosophy.
Reviews (4)
YeOld RoosterTeeth
Nov 25, 2021
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Friendliest training environments in the city. Somewhere to learn from beyond the mat while training as intensely as you'd like on the mat. Absolutely best place to learn martial arts
Barry Engh
Jan 31, 2021
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Great place to train for personal development, martial training, and community. I've been coming here since it opened in 2013. Wonderful instruction with a quality lineage and great community.
David Durieux
Nov 14, 2019
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This school has become my second home over the year or so I've been going here. The community, both instructors and students, is welcoming and dedicated to training in the art of Aikido.
Chase Wolf
Jan 17, 2017
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Truly awesome dojo. Besides the welcoming traditional space, the Senseis are great instructors and always there to help on and off the mat. The sense of community spirit is palpable when you walk in the door. A home away from home :)
