Aikido Mumonkan-Do of California

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I formally joined the Mumonkan-Do Aikido Dojo in June of 2009, after taking the Aikido class at a local community college. While enrolled in the college class, I supplemented my training with sporadic visits to the dojo. I was immediately impressed by the level of dedication and commitment on the part of the dojo students. I also found the dojo itself to be a very comfortable and serene environment (at least until the stamina training starts!). That is why I formally joined the dojo mid-2009. Since then, I have found that one of the dojo’s greatest assets is the people themselves.

After only a few months of training at the Mumonkan-Do Dojo, it dawned on me that I was actually enjoying physical activity for once in my life. I arrive for my training as early as possible so that I can get as much training in as I can. This is so new for me -- to feel so enthusiastic about doing something physical. I probably don’t even realize the full range of benefits that Aikido training is providing. I just find it so enticing to get to the Dojo, learn new things, get a LOT of exercise, and associate with people whose mere presence I have come to enjoy immensely.

When I first started my Aikido training, I enjoyed it, and it soon became clear that the instructor was very good. Nonetheless, a healthy skepticism remained. I continued to question the effectiveness and practicality of the techniques. But then one day, I was working with my partner on one of the most basic techniques. One of the senior assistants intervened. His intention was to demonstrate how I might refine my technique. But what he really did, was demonstrate true Aikido.



As he rotated my arm above my head and took my balance it was a surreal feeling. I felt safe, like I didn't have to worry about being hurt but at the same time, I knew there was no possibility of resisting him. Within seconds, I was on the ground and I was subdued. My arm was locked into place with a perfect balance of pressure and control and yet I felt no pain in that process. In that moment, I knew I wanted to develop that ability.



I continue to train at the Mumonkan-Do Dojo, because I have come to realize that effective physical technique (and, trust me, it is effective), is not the only result of my training and perhaps, not even the most important result. The more important result for me has been the ability to create balance in everything I do. I can honestly say that I have never felt better.

I have been training at Mumonkan-Do Aikido for a while now, and I don't regret a day of it. I was nervous at first, but I found myself pleasantly surprised on the first day. I was greeted by some of the most considerate, passionate, and admirable people I have ever met in my life. The senior students who assist in the beginning classes, are always there to provide the help and support needed.

My husband and I both train and Mumonkan-Do. I find that training together is a wonderful way to strengthen our relationship. There are several other family members (siblings, husbands and wives, parents and children) who train together at the dojo as well, which adds to the feeling of community.

When I began training at Mumonkan-Do I had a severe case of the butterflies. But Parker Sensei and the assistants have a way of making you feel comfortable and welcome. The days have now turned into weeks, and the weeks have now turned into months. I have been training here at Mumonkan-Do for over a year and I can honestly say, that is the best thing I could have done for myself. My relationships, my diet, and my overall perspective on life, has steadily improved . . . so much so . . . I can’t imagine discontinuing my training.

On my first day of Aikido training, I felt out of place, and I was incredibly nervous because to date, I had never experienced any kind of martial arts training. But my nervousness started to dissipate almost immediately (when I realized how nice my fellow students were, and how incredibly supportive and positive the senior students were). The instructor, Parker Sensei, has a way of captivating the class and she provides a very strong, safe, and comfortable presence. Having lived my life surrounded by emotionally volatile people, it is a real comfort interacting with someone who provides the stability that Parker Sensei does.

Senpai Okuma, who teaches the Youth Class and the Saturday Mixed Level Class, combines a genuinely warm and pleasant personality with a deep knowledge of Aikido techniques and an enthusiasm for teaching. His patience, kindness, and ever-present smile put students of all ages at ease. He also manages to create an environment in which the students (some as young as 8 years old) remain attentive and respectful while watching his demonstrations.

If you train at this dojo, you WILL get an incredible workout! But you may also find, as I did, that you get much more out of the training than that. My strength has increased and my focus and coordination have improved. Both my body and mind have been challenged to learn in new ways. I also seem to have an increased ability to slough off the stress and negativity that I accumulate in my daily life. Most importantly perhaps, I am learning to improve my interpersonal skills, and I am continually discovering many things about myself that I did not know.

My brother had begun training in Aikido and he repeatedly raved about. Although my tendency to date had been to discount the encouragement and support of my family and friends regarding matters such as these, and although I remained skeptical, my brother finally persuaded me to give it a try. I can honestly say that I had never before experienced this level of excitement for just taking the initiative to get out and start improving my life. I was determined to improve my health and lose weight. It was such a sensational feeling. On the very first day of training, I felt empowered and that feeling of empowerment has never left me. As I continue my training here at the dojo, I continue to move in the direction of greater health on every level . . . mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Sensei Parker, the chief instructor, is an amazing teacher. She brings to her teaching, kindness, insight, and a wealth of knowledge. Besides her role at the dojo, Sensei Parker teaches meditative movement classes that help students to become more body conscious. She also works with individuals who suffer from stress-related conditions. This diverse background allows her to more intimately meet the varied needs of her students.



Her instruction in Aikido techniques and principles is masterful, straightforward and profound. She continually reinforces the idea that Aikido is not only a martial art (and a highly-effective one at that), but a way of life that extends beyond the walls of the dojo.

Every day that I train at Mumonkan-do is a day I learn something new about myself, and the world. With so many different martial arts out there these days, and with so many dojos to choose from, I feel blessed to have found exactly what I was looking for . . . a traditional martial arts dojo.

I seem to leave every class at the dojo with more energy, self-confidence, focus, and joy than I had when I walked in. More often than not, I also take home a small pearl of insight into myself, my emotions, or the way that I relate to the people around me. I remain continually fulfilled by my experience at this dojo. Even though that I now spend more than 6 hours a week in various classes . . . I find that I still want more.

With 40+ years in martial arts, the past 20 have been with Mumonkan-Do Aikido ... when I was looking to study a new form of martial arts I wanted one that focused on defense not aggression, a traditional Japanese style dojo focused on the integration of martial arts with daily living.



What I have experienced is that and much more, the commitment of the instructors is matched by the commitment of the students ... only Sensei wears a black belt, the students follow traditional Japanese training where everyone begins in a white belt with the color reflected by the age of the belt becoming dark from years of wear and training ... senior students belts are brown from wear and experience not dyed to a rank color.



Student ages range from twenties to late fifties, all training together to provide a unique blend of mental & physical characteristics challenging everyone, while classes are conducted to an individual pace and performance.



As a student in my later years the aerobic pace we train has been endorsed by my physician as a great form of exercise and cardio vascular maintenance, only a tribute that is now out weighing the original intent of my martial arts training which began as self defense, competition, and as a personal character and confidence builder.