Hudson Valley Aikido

Hudson Valley Aikido, Rishinkan Dojo is an incredible place to train. Copp Sensei and Zeh Sensei bring decades of martial arts experience to every class, and it shows in their teaching. The dojo follows a traditional approach to Aikido that is deeply respectful of the art, while also being completely approachable and accessible to beginners.

Every class reveals new layers of depth and what seems simple at first quickly becomes a journey into precision, balance, and awareness. It’s welcoming, challenging, and always rewarding. Best of all, it makes you think.

They offer both youth and adult programs, and the environment is one of learning, support, and mutual respect. If you’re looking for a place to grow in martial arts, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. Whether you've never been on the mat or have years of experience Rishinkan is the place to be.

I highly recommend Hudson Valley Aikido for various reasons. One is a very clean and well-taken care of location. I'd be remiss to find any dust anywhere. It clearly has changing facilities for both men and women, as well as being in a welcoming environment for both. It is on a tight main road, so you may pass it by, but it's definitely a hidden gem in the area.

The first time I visited this location, I was greeted by Zeh Sensei. I was able to watch him teach a full children's class with a lot of different energy, and he was able to maintain a calmness amidst the chaos that children can offer. The children are learning authentic martial arts, not some watered-down version filled with games. They also still had fun, which sometimes traditional schools can forget. Children were seen and respected as their own individuals, which is very important when shopping for a school for your child. Teachers who believe in your children and respect them the same way they respect others help children grow up to be better adults. My adult class was wonderful. I came in with an injury I was nursing, and everyone made sure I was taken care of.

Being a woman in martial arts, I'm very mindful on the female experience. This is a great place for women to train. There were other women on the mat, and no machismo energy. Everyone was seen as equals.

Recently, I met the Chief Instructor, Copp Sensei, at another seminar. His tone and demeanor were simply wonderful. He was warm, friendly, and accepting. Very mindful and responsible. As a seasoned teacher myself, I found it a refreshing delight to train with. I witnessed him not only be conscientious but also caring for new students who struggled. I was lucky enough to train with him as well, and his martial arts are spot on.

If you want to learn Aikido, this would be the place to go. If you want to learn a martial art and grow as a person, Hudson Valley Aikido is your school.

Trainers are welcoming and skilled
Establishment is clean and tidy
Good Value

I came in with my wife and with barely any martial arts training. We found that aikido was exactly what we were looking for. It's physical, but not violent. It's also very rewarding when you get a technique correct. Definitely worth stopping by and checking out.

My son has been attending classes here for four years. We sought out aikido over other martial arts as he had a heightened sensitivity to noise and could not tolerate the noise level of large martial arts classes. He’s grown in his confidence, focus and abilities with Sensei Giles and Sensei Mark as his instructors, both of whom model focus, respect and clarity. My son loves aikido (particularly the skill building games offered at the end of class). I particularly like that the classes are mixed gender and he can work with and witness girls excelling at the work. Highly recommend!