Aikido of Charlotte Reviews

Nan Rodriguez 2026.02.12

     

Jonathan Weiner Sensei has quite literally dedicated his life to the continuation of excellence in Aikido. His emphasis is on the improvement of his students. Reading his thoughts, learning what it took for him to get to where he is today, discovering through his students’ words how much he means to them, all caused me to realize that if you haven’t found a way to meet, study with, and learn from Jonathan, you should.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

We appreciate your support and friendship!

Daniel Lantos 2026.02.04

     

Been training here for 10 years. An incredible culture of respect, etiquette, and individualized training. All classes are designed to accommodate the skill levels of whoever happens to be there, from brand new beginner to very advanced. Weiner Sensei has an incredible amount of skill and knowledge, and cares deeply about everyone progressing in their aikido journey. He sets a high standard but in a kind and supportive way. Would recommend Aikido of Charlotte 1000% for anyone interested in learning this very special art.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thank you Dan-san for your many years of dedication and loyalty!

Jim Hyde 2026.02.03

     

The dojo is spacious, clean, modern, and very well maintained. The instructors are highly experienced and the students are friendly! I’ve been training here for years and every class is a wonderful experience.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Jim!

Ravee T 2025.11.25

     

Perfect Dojo for everyone who wants to learn martial arts. People here are well trained in Aikido who helps us to learn the fundamentals.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Ravee, it's been great having you as part of our dojo family!

Dilan Sahin 2025.11.15

     

What I like the most about here is being able to see a human’s mastery in action. It is rare to meet with people who have reached the mastery in any type of self-defense, yet alone they contribute to your learning every single class. I like seeing certain rituals being carried in dojo which creates a innate safety and appreciation for people who have come before us. I like the respect everyone has for eachother. It is like you enter a different type of world giving a break from this fast paced life and join a sacred practice which calms your body and mind.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Dilan, you and John and been a delight to teach! Thank you for your kind words.

Jack Freund 2025.11.13

     

Training under Weiner Sensei has profoundly shaped my Aikido. He has an extraordinary ability to prepare students for testing, not simply to pass, but to demonstrate their best Aikido under pressure. His instruction is precise, detailed, and rich with technical vocabulary that opens new layers of understanding. Weiner Sensei has a gift for seeing the core of a movement and communicating it in a way that makes correct execution feel accessible and repeatable. He has helped me not just do techniques, but truly understand them.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte 2017.11.26

Thanks Jack!

John Baluch 2025.11.12

     

This is a high-quality dojo, and I am personally impressed with how well it is run. It is not just a place to practice a martial art. Sensei takes it further. Being a part of Aikido Charlotte also means being a part of a culture of discipline and respect, and joining a community of people who want to work together.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks John, you and Dilan have been a delight!

Castle Rock AIKIDO 2025.09.24

     

Castle Rock AIKIDO hosted Jonathan Weiner Sensei for our annual Fall AIKIDO Seminar in 2025. Weiner Sensei was a wonderful guest. His content was exciting and thoughtful, and his students who accompanied him were an excellent reflection of Weiner Sensei’s talents. He was kind, courteous, and considerate of all seminar attendees. He communicates very well and with an amicable sense of humor. If you are looking for an AIKIDO instructor to visit your DOJO for a seminar, I would highly recommend contacting Jonathan Weiner Sensei of Aikido of Charlotte in North Carolina. We look forward to inviting him back.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Appreciate the friendship from Sean Hannon Sensei and his dojo!

Robert White 2025.05.29

     

I joined Aikido of Charlotte 7 weeks ago after a 20 year hiatus from aikido. The dojo is an outstanding training space. Sensei Weiner and the instructors are personable, knowledgeable, and experienced. There is a terrific sense of community among the students and instructors. This is a super place to continue my journey of self-confidence, self-discipline, and overall well-being.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thank you Robert-san! You've been a model student from the beginning!

Jim Plunkett 2025.05.15

     

Aikido of Charlotte has the 3 key elements that define a Superior Dojo - The most senior, certified instructors, an amazing facility with the largest mat around, and a supportive community (in every sense) of practitioners. I am very fortunate to have found Aikido of Charlotte.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte 2017.11.26

Glad you are a part of our dojo!

Dayana Orozco 2025.04.04

     

I took a self-defense class and it was awesome. I learned so much about staying aware and how to handle different situations. The instructor, the team, and everyone there were super nice and made me feel really comfortable. I definitely recommend it—especially for women. If you get the chance to take it, do it!

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Dayana!

Yvonne Scaheffer 2025.04.03

     

I went to the 2 hr self defense class and loved it. Jonathan is a great teacher, I learned a lot and enjoyed working with the other students and teachers. It is a very warm and inviting atmosphere . At the end, Jonathan and the other black belts did an Aikido demo that was really cool to watch. I highly recommend this class.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Yvonne!

Clay Crawley 2025.03.26

     

I've been fortunate enough to study at Aikido of Charlotte both when Sensei Dennis Main taught there and since Weiner Sensei took over after Main Sensei's unfortunate passing. The dojo was a wonderful place then and still is today. I only returned several months ago but I was immediately impressed at the continuing technical skill and traditional etiquette employed by Weiner Sensei and the assistant instructors. Every year each student is asked what their particular goals are and then plans are made to achieve them so there's an added personal touch to the training. Whether it be self-defense, spirituality, or just physical exercise each student's goals are considered. Moreover, the curriculum has been expanded over the years to include not just the direct Aikido lineage of Main Sensei but also elements from other Aikido styles. This gives the Aikido practitioner a more holistic view of the martial art that is not present in most dojos. Finally, the atmosphere is very welcoming. Classes are conducted with a positive energy and a tolerant attitude. So if someone wants to learn authentic, practical Aikido with a group that sincerely cares about the art and each other I can think of few places that fit better than Aikido of Charlotte.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Clay-san! I value your loyalty and commitment to Aikido, Martial Arts and our dojo!

Izzy Cross 2024.12.29

     

I joined AOC a few months ago after relocating to the area and have felt welcomed by everyone here. All the students at AOC are dedicated to their art, and take both training and etiquette seriously. They treat each other with respect, and support and encourage one another. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, and push students to reach their fullest potential. I'm grateful to be a part of this dojo, and I look forward to continuing my training here!

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Izzy-san! You've been a joy to teach!

Tarrah 2024.11.03

     

It has been a delight training at Aikido of Charlotte. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and attentive to all students. The philosophy of Aikido is apparent in how they conduct their classes. The senior students are encouraging and want to help beginners grow. The facility is in great condition and lovely.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Tarrah-san! We loved having you in the dojo!

Kelsey 2024.10.19

     

I’ve been training at Aikido of Charlotte for years and love it! The instructors are extremely experienced - they make learning and training fun and rewarding. Best culture - everyone really cares about learning, performing proper etiquette, and taking care of the dojo. Great people, great place, great martial art!

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Kelsey-san! Appreciate your many years of dedication and commitment to our dojo!

Santha Garver 2024.09.23

     

My daughter and I took several private self-defense classes with Sensei Jonanthan. He was very accommodating with our challenging schedules, and was professional and helpful. He was a very patient instructor, and was responsive to what both my daughter and I wanted to learn and review in each class. We left the classes feeling that we had learned valuable skills!

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Santha!

Emilie Spillman 2024.08.16

     

I attended a self defense class led by Weiner Sensei and assisted by his senior student Tasha earlier this month. From the start of the class Weiner Sensei was engaging, patient, and encouraging. He asked what we wanted to learn in the class and addressed any questions or concerns that came up. He described, demonstrated, and had us practice multiple scenarios that we might find ourselves in every day. I left feeling empowered by the skills I learned. I highly recommend this class for anyone, regardless of their age or background. Thank you Weiner Sensei, Tasha, and Aikido of Charlotte!

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Emily! You all did amazing!

Angela Gamboni 2024.08.07

     

Awesome class!! Fun to take with a group of friends! Lots of great information and practice! I will be taking other self defense classes from here to keep up the practice.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Angela!

Nicolas Cadena 2024.04.15

     

Had been interested in picking up a martial art for a while when I ran into Aikido of Charlotte. I chose the perfect place to begin my Aikido journey! Weiner Sensei and all other instructors are great teachers. Dojo members are all incredibly friendly and made me feel at home right away.

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Reply from Aikido of Charlotte

Thanks Nicolas! Appreciate it!