Business Details
39 Years
experience
Traditional Aikido Training in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Aikido has been dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional aikido since 1987, rooted in the principles of harmony, gratitude, and self-awareness. Our dojo, affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation, offers structured training for adults, children, and families, emphasizing both physical techniques and philosophical growth. Led by Chief Instructor Gentil Pennewaert Shihan, a second-generation student of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, we provide a welcoming environment for all skill levels.Our curriculum includes weapons training with bokken, jo, and tanto, alongside seminars and community events that foster discipline, strength, and camaraderie. With morning, lunch, and evening classes, we accommodate busy schedules while maintaining a focus on safety, etiquette, and technical excellence. The dojos legacy, built over decades, reflects a commitment to authentic practice and lifelong learning, ensuring students develop both inner and outer resilience.
Services
Adult Classes
Children's Classes
Weapons Training
Corporate Wellness
Summer Camps
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of experience in traditional aikido instruction.
- Our chief instructor is a second-generation student of aikido's founder.
- We provide structured weapons training alongside hand techniques.
- Our family-friendly environment accommodates all skill levels and ages.
- We host international seminars with visiting master instructors.
Associations and certifications
- United States Aikido Federation
What people say
Experienced instructors
Family friendly environment
Authentic traditional practice
Well-disciplined practice
Positive atmosphere
Services
Adult Aikido Classes
Our adult classes focus on traditional aikido techniques, blending physical conditioning with philosophical principles. Students learn joint locks, throws, and defensive movements while cultivating mental discipline and self-awareness. The program emphasizes safety, proper etiquette, and progressive skill development for all experience levels.
Children's Aikido Classes
Designed for ages 5-12, these classes teach fundamental aikido techniques while promoting focus, respect, and physical coordination. Instructors use age-appropriate drills and games to build confidence and teamwork, creating a supportive environment for young practitioners to grow both physically and emotionally.
Weapons Training
This program covers bokken (wooden sword), jo (staff), and tanto (knife) techniques, integrating weapon practice with empty-hand movements. Students develop timing, spatial awareness, and precision while exploring the historical roots of aikido's martial principles through structured partner drills and forms.
Summer Camps
Our seasonal camps combine intensive aikido training with outdoor activities and team-building exercises. Participants engage in daily practice sessions, leadership development workshops, and nature-based learning experiences that reinforce aikido's principles of harmony and cooperation in a fun, immersive setting.
Corporate Wellness
Tailored programs for businesses focus on stress reduction, conflict resolution, and physical wellness through aikido principles. Participants learn practical techniques to improve focus, communication, and teamwork while engaging in low-impact physical activity that enhances overall workplace well-being.
People
Gentil Pennewaert Shihan
Chief Instructor
A second-generation student of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, Gentil Pennewaert Shihan holds 7th Dan rank and has taught internationally for decades. He emphasizes traditional technique while adapting instruction for modern practitioners.
Questions
What aikido experience levels do you accommodate?
We welcome all levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners in our structured classes.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothing; we provide loaner uniforms for initial sessions.
Are there family discount options available?
Yes, we offer discounted rates for multiple family members training simultaneously.
Do you offer women-only self-defense classes?
Our regular curriculum includes self-defense techniques applicable to all genders.
Can I observe a class before joining?
Yes, we encourage prospective students to observe any class before participating.
What rank recognition do you offer?
We follow traditional dan/kyu ranking systems with testing opportunities through USAF.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Natasa Dzidic
Jan 10, 2021
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My boys and I are beginners at Aikido, and are so excited to have found this dojo. We now have this amazing experience to share together for many years to come (and honestly I would say for lifetime). It is a perfect blend of physical exercise, mindful meditation, and spiritual practice that with every visit brings us sense of wellness, harmony, and peace. There is so much to learn about the martial art and yourself, and with patient and expert direction of Sensei and Charn who have been the most excellent teachers. It amazes me how every time I walk away from the practice, I feel a sense of clarity
Viet Tran
Jan 05, 2020
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Sensei and Charn are truly second parents to my kids. They teach them not only how to defend themselves but also to be respectful, responsible, and decent. I have 2 sons each taking aikido classes 3 times a week for 6+ years already. My third son will go there next year. I live more than 30 minutes away; my 2 kids have different Aikido classes so I ended up driving there 4 days a week spent 1-2 hours there. It's been more than 6 years and they haven't missed a class. That's a huge investment and commitment in this busy life if you don't think this aikikai is necessary for your kids' future. My
Megumi Arai
Aug 30, 2019
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My son had great time at 2019 Samurai Summer Camp even though it was very first time for him. Because of full activities through out the day, 9AM to 3PM schedule went by so quick even for my six years old boy. He is teaching what he learned at the camp to us at home even after the summer camp was over. I am so glad to send him to Newport Aikido summer camp. Also, nothing can beat the homemade food served at the camp as all children say ^^.
N. I.
Jul 25, 2019
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My daughter always looks forward to her class here. We rearranged her after school activities schedule to be able to come to practice three times a week. This dojo is a great place for children to build up their character and to make them stronger physically. The facility is clean and maintained nicely. The owner has all the reasons to be proud of his own achievements, but he is humble and is the nicest person ever! He has a good sense of humor, which is always a plus :) He treats you as a family member - with care and respect - while challenging you and making sure you make progress.
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Art Martinez
Jan 25, 2019
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It is difficult to find a good dojo. It took me a very long time. A good dojo should have a certain spirit that is crafted by an exceptional sensei. The spirit at this dojo is one of disciplined practice, genuine camaraderie, and sincere, yet critical, guidance. There is a very strong familial feeling in this dojo; it is common for the Aikido practitioners to have their children practice alongside them. This includes the senseis own family. One thing that stands out is the quality of the people and their relationships that make this dojo great. Sensei Pennewaert stands at the door before every
