Testimonials

	"The great universal  path of Aiki  illuminates  all people,  opening the world (to the truth)".            ~ Morihei Ueshiba 1883-1969
	Going to Aikido has been my sanctuary from my everyday stresses.  The camaraderie between the students, the focus that Sensei brings to class, and the positive energy that I feel when I enter the dojo make me temporarily forget how hectic my life can be.  Aikido has been teaching me to be calm in spite of the challenges we encounter, in class or outside class. My Aikido family has been a source of support for me.  I have been unfortunate during the early part of this year and have been really ill.  The care, concern, and understanding from Sensei, Carla and my fellow students have given me a continuous source of inspiration and have been one of my motivations to get well   Jem Sebastian-Wortman Senior Business Analyst
	I started practicing Aikido over 10 years ago.  At that point in time, I was amazed exclusively on its self-defense properties and especially by the fact that small people can, without any muscular effort, make tall, big people fly in the air. Most recently, I started to focus on a different aspect of Aikido that deals with the harmonization of energies.  I became more aware of the surrounding energies and how to deal with them in a non-conflictive manner.  Aikido has become part of my life and a way of continuous spiritual growth. Through Aikido I found my own center and my connection with the rest of the universe.  Aikido changed my life and gave me hope while I was going through tough moments of my personal life.  Aikido is a lifetime experience,  a path that makes me a better person, a better member of society, and a better professional.  It is never too late for change.   Guido Gaiteri Attorney at Law
	I have been training at Hikari Dojo for three years and always look forward to the next class!  Louis Sensei's teaching style really helps new students to learn the basics of Aikido quickly.  Sensei's teaching includes not only the physical martial techniques of Aikido, but also ways of personal growth and well-being. My favorite classes at Hikari Dojo are weapons class in the park on Saturday mornings.  It is great to start your weekend with outdoor training using bokken or jo. Everyone in the dojo is very supportive and easy to train with.  Beginners are always given a lot of help and good energy at our dojo. For advanced students, it is wonderful to be able to draw on the depth of Sensei's teaching in the Iwama style.  When I leave class after free practice, I am usually dripping with sweat and grinning from the fun and intense training.  Aikido training is a path that I feel I can walk for the rest of my life, and I am very glad that my first steps on the path have been at Hikari Dojo. Aaron Computer Engineer
	I was seeking a martial art that was more disciplined than the former school of Judo I had been going to for 8 years.  I sat in to watch a class taught by Louis Jumonville Sensei over six years ago, and it was my first time learning about Aikido.  I was fascinated by how different it was than the other martial arts.  I joined, and as I continued to train diligently, I was amazed to see the overall transformation that was happening to my body and mind.  I had been and still go through a lot of stress running my business, and was out of shape as well.  I believe Louis Sensei's combination of yoga warm ups, meditation and Aikido teaching has helped my overall health and mental well-being. During my first month of training my son was sent to Iraq after the Sept. 11 attacks.  Had it not been for my continuous training with Louis Sensei and my fellow students, I would have been an anxious and scared person.  I notice when I am not able to train for a while my body isn't as flexible and my pre-existing injuries start to act up again. Aikido overall has helped how I look at things and interact with conflict.  I've come to understand why I think Aikido will be a life long activity for me for the rest of my life. Debbie Guyton Business Owner
	Our time at Hikari Dojo has been a wonderful experience.  Sensei helps foster a community spirit, which allows new beginners, younger or older, feel welcomed.  Students are taught self defense, as well as discipline and respect for others in a non-competitive environment, allowing beginning students the opportunity to develop their skills without the pressure of competing. Sean Street and Deb Bouchard Teacher             IT Systems Manager
	Aikido has been an important part of my life, both in the dojo, and in my personal life.  The training of the spirit, body, and mind has helped me in many stressful situations, and the people I've met in the practice have become very good friends.  I truly look forward to every class! Tim Parsons Educator