Martial Arts in Brooklyn
About Our Aikido Dojo
We are an independent, family-owned martial arts school in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. We specialize in aikido martial arts classes for adults and children starting at age 4. Josh Paul Sensei and his partner Courtney Paul started the dojo and its community outreach company, Mind Body Arts, in 2011.
We maintain small class sizes, and provide all students with individualized and personal instruction. Every class offers students one-to-one, hands-on interactions with instructors and other students. Starting is easy: free trial classes are available for all ages. Our practice emphasizes developing proper aikido technique and skills, as well as aikido’s ability to improve mental and physical fitness, and to build community.
AOSB is a member of the Aikido World Alliance. The AWA is affiliated with the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. To find out about our office-, school-, and home-based programs, please visit Mind Body Arts, Inc.
martial arts Programs
What our Students are Saying
I am so grateful to Aikido of South Brooklyn for the training I've received these past 7 years. Josh Paul Sensei is a gifted and generous instructor, who's skill is matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing the art with others. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aikidoka, AOSB is a good place to spend your time.
—S. Flores
Hi, my name is Zach. I am 13 years old, and I have been practicing Aikido since I was 4 at Aikido of South Brooklyn. Aikido has taught me a lot throughout my life. The practice has not only taught me aikido. It has also taught me self-confidence.
This is a warm, welcoming dojo filled with people who are serious and good-humored in equal measure. It is tiny, but that turns out to be an advantage in the big bad world when you can execute your techniques even when you've no room to maneuver. Often enough, but not so often as to be a drag, the dojo opens itself up to reveal its essential nature: it is a temple. None of which is the main reason this is where you ought to train. The main reason is this: it is a singularly non-sexist place in the world of martial arts.
—M. Keifetz
This is an incredible place. My son had been studying at AOSB since he was four. He has so much fun. He has learned and taken to heart the philosophy of Aikido and its a place where he feels special and valued. My younger son can not wait to be a student there. The senseis are thoughtful, generous and provide a kind place for structured and disciplined behavior. The place is a true Brooklyn gem.
—A. Phillips
Aikido of South Brooklyn teaches the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido in a setting that is simultaneously warm, welcoming and highly disciplined. The head instructor, Josh Paul Sensei, is a fourth-degree black belt in Aikido and an excellent teacher. The dojo has classes for children (4-5 year olds), youth (6-12 year olds), teenagers, and adults. The classes welcome beginners and experienced students and the monthly rates are very reasonable. I have been training there for one and half years now and can't imagine going anywhere else.
—A. Marcus-Sells
I’ve been training in Aikido since the age of 6 (I’m 21 now), particularly under the guidance of Sensei Josh Paul. With 15 years under my belt (pun intended), I transitioned from the youth program to the teens and lastly, the adult program at the age of 13. Because of the confidence that Sensei Josh had in me, I was able to obtain my first dan at the age of 16 after training diligently for 8— 9 years prior. The last 15 years on the mat have been a journey of self— discovery, empowerment and growth…
I have been training at Aikido of South Brooklyn for a year and a half, and I'm so glad I chanced upon this dojo. Josh Paul Sensei is an excellent teacher: unpretentious, warm, knowledgeable, and encouraging. That attitude is typified by the dojo community, as well. Every class presents an opportunity to learn something new, get your body moving, and, most importantly, have fun.
I've been training here for three years now, and I can't say enough good things about the art, the instructors, and the members of our dojo. From day one, everyone has been friendly, helpful and eager to make all students feel right at home. Aikido is an incredibly fun, challenging and interesting experience, and Aikido of South Brooklyn is a great place to experience it.
—I. Broggy
I’ve been a member of Aikido of South Brooklyn since its inception and have only had positive experiences. It’s not only an amazing place to train but a space where you can find a community like no other. Josh Sensei has fostered a space where everyone learns and teaches one another in a caring and collaborative environment.
—M. Embrey
I've been training here for roughly six years, and with any luck, I won't be stopping anytime soon. The instructors are unpretentious and understanding, there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and the martial art they teach is as fascinating as it is layered.
—A. Anderson
I’ve been training at Aikido of South Brooklyn for about 2 years and I’ve had the good fortune of learning the art of Aikido under Sensei josh’s tutelage. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the dojo and I highly recommend it to people that want to gain a wonderful experience from learning Aikido.
—D. Rodriguez
I began training at Aikido of South Brooklyn about 11 months ago. I'd had some martial arts study as a kid, but the prospect of re-starting at the age of 44 was daunting.
I've been training at Aikido of South Brooklyn for well over 10 years. This dojo is more than just a place to get a workout. There is a lot of camaraderie among the members. We often go out for drinks or dinner together after training. The head instructor, Josh Paul sensei, is one of the most dedicated practitioners of aikido I've ever met. He lives and breathes the art. And he's an excellent teacher who has that rare gift of knowing when to explain something just a little more and when to let the students work through it themselves. I definitely recommend this dojo.