Testimonials

Student Testimonials

Exploring Aikido is with us at Arundel Aikikai is a unique chance to make martial arts your own.  Here’s what dojo members, parent, students and course participants have said about their experiences. 

This course has helped me recognize and respond to uncomfortable and overwhelming situations but simulating them on a much smaller scale. For example, I never thought I’d know what to do if I was attacked by multiple assailants. However, after this course I am quite comfortable in this situation now
AACC Student
PHE228; Martial Arts
My son is very shy and isn't into sports. He tried the free two-week trial and after that he was hooked. Instructor Christian is absolutely perfect with his way of teaching. My son understands what he's saying and enjoys Instructor Christian humor too. I'm so blessed that we found this class and I would recommend it to anyone.
Kim G
Parent, Dojo Member
Christian is a great teacher for me and my fiancée. He is patient and if his explanation does not come across to us, his example of the moves and the true reason for the moves is explained which leads to a better knowledge of this art for us. While in New York City recently, I experienced a feeling of security that I cannot pinpoint except to say that Christian's lessons have given me a greater confidence in myself. Thank you Christian!!!
Erin O
Private Lessons
This course has … helped me recognize and respond to uncomfortable situations by showing me specific things I should be aware of if … attacked and how to use my body/weapon when needed, and how to use it correctly. … before I started (this course) I though martial arts was mainly about things like kicking, flipping, and hurting others but that isn’t exactly true. I learned how to protect me and my personal space more than trying to hurt someone else. I am also more aware of when someone is invading my physical boundaries and if they are planning to attack.
AACC Student
PHE228; Martial Arts
I didn't know how much I knew! Didn't think going in that anything we did like working edges, moving with shape and structure-vague obscure stuff really, hard to teach I imagine, even harder to grasp I know, would help me and translate into all the techniques and break falls in front of me now. And now I see it very clearly: All the torment and crap we avoided. All the unlearning required to move past "technique". Take what you get, move, make something happen. It will. You'll do great. I did. (even if I do say so myself!) Hang-in-there, friends, especially on those nights you think you didn't get anything right in class, didn't get much out of it. You are. Christian Noll is an excellent teacher. As slow as it seems, you are actually in warp drive! And when it comes time to venture out, all those complicated techniques and high break falls are not nearly as important and impressive as you once may have thought or believed. I can look forward to the challenge and fun because of the great foundation and teaching I received from all who I played Aikido with Arundel Aikikai and Christian Noll.
Eve D
Dojo Member
This class has challenged my views because I’m so much better at telling danger now… I a person is moving or shifting their body a specific way, you can tell if they’re trying to go into an … attack mode or self-defense mode.
AACC Student
PHE228; Martial Arts
Christian has taught me skills that not only help me in martial arts, but also in everyday life. He does a really good job of connecting all the major components of body, mind and spirit. He is very methodical and does a great job tailoring his lessons to fit my learning style. The cool part is that he keeps very fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. I highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed. I even have my wife doing it with me!
Natt F
Private Lessons
Exciting stuff, Christian is an awesome teacher, and everyone has an all-around fun time! I've been attending Arundel Aikikai classes for about three years now, and for one, I can say my confidence has definitely increased. If you don't at least give this class a try, you're missing for sure!
Audrey W
Dojo member
This class showed the potential difficulty of fighting someone you know.  We had problems practicing and thinking about hurting people we see twice a week. This would only be magnified if you had to protect yourself from someone you are close to.
AACC Student
PHE228; Martial Arts
Since starting lessons, I have found my overall confidence has improved in many ways. I had an instance where someone clearly was trying to intimidate me. This person came to the edge of my safe zone and had a little bit of a belligerent tone. While never being threatened I simply visualized being in an Aikido posture, was completely calm was incomplete control of the situation. I never had the visceral response that I sometimes get. It was very empowering. I find that I can no longer be intimidated, and I am much more in tune with my surroundings. As a bonus by being more aware of proper use of mechanics and energy I've been able to apply that to different sports activities
Rich B
Private Lessons
Christian Noll so skillfully injects humor into every training session that you might not realize how much you've learned until you're done for the day.   Since starting … I have not had a single bad experience. The environment is low-pressure so that I've never felt bad for having trouble with a technique or not remembering something from a previous session. At the same time, I feel like I'm learning a lot in every lesson.   I would definitely recommend working with Christian, no matter who you are or where you are in life.
Jeff
Dojo Member
I have learned to be more aware of where I am in relationships with others
AACC Student
PHE228; Martial Arts
I noticed a change in my mindset, in all areas of life, after we talked more in depth about changing the script.  Beginning to understand that I don't have to stay in the subordinate victim role, just because someone else tried to put me in it, has made a big difference.  I immediately noticed it making a difference in my personal relationships with others who I have pretty unhealthy relationships with.  Even before acting on it, it was liberating just realizing that I can change the script and respond in a way that allows me to take back my power.     I think it has been that recognition that has really helped reduce my anxiety in situations that trigger me- but also in my daily life.  Adding the physical element of learning how to own my space has added to that sense of liberation.  I don't feel like I'm constantly looking over my shoulder.  In fact, my “what-if” scenarios always included immediate submission on my part.  They don't anymore.     It was as though I needed someone to give me permission to reject the script I had been taught as I child.  I'm still working on all of this, but I have noticed a significant difference. As my mind is learning to set boundaries and stand up for myself, Christian is helping me to physically learn how to assess a situation and respond in a smart way.  This is not a typical self-defense class.  This is a re-training of my mind to better understand the physical forces at work, so I can then retrain my body to respond in a most efficient way.  He came to my house for the lesson (it is hard to leave with 3 kids at home), he started with the theory and basics to build on, he moved at a pace that worked for me, and he continually checked in as we progressed with the lesson.  I am already feeling more empowered and in charge of my body.  I look forward to continuing these lessons and discovering my internal strength.  Thanks, Christian!
Sam D
Private Lessons
This class has helped me get out of my comfort zone which was great because now I’m more confident if a group were to attack me or (even if) someone has a weapon
AACC Student
PHE228; Martial Arts
Christian Noll so skillfully injects humor into every training session that you might not realize how much you've learned until you're done for the day.   Since starting … I have not had a single bad experience. The environment is low-pressure so that I've never felt bad for having trouble with a technique or not remembering something from a previous session. At the same time, I feel like I'm learning a lot in every lesson.   I would definitely recommend working with Christian, no matter who you are or where you are in life.
Jeff
Dojo Member

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