Welcome to
Southland Aikido
A traditional dojo dedicated to the martial art of Aikido, Southland Aikido offers classes in Monterey Park, Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Traditional
Aikido
Southland Aikido teaches the traditional Aikido as passed down by its founder. Training develops the whole person through a full-body practice that builds strength, stamina, flexibility and coordination. It provides a mental discipline that cultivates calm, focus and self-awareness under pressure, alongside a philosophy of harmony that extends beyond the mat into everyday life.
A Welcoming Place to Train
New students are welcome regardless of age, fitness level or prior martial arts experience. The dojo provides an environment where beginners find their footing and experienced practitioners continue in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Many students who started with no martial arts background have gone on to train for decades, finding a rewarding lifelong practice.
Martial Arts Community
Training at Southland Aikido means joining a close-knit dojo community in Monterey Park, where students from across the Los Angeles area train together. Our community extends globally; through its affiliation with the USAF and the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan, students are welcome to cross-train at dojos, seminars and with training partners across the country and around the world.
New Student Introductory Offer
$125 includes first month of membership and heavyweight (gi) uniform.
Get in Touch. We’d Love to Hear From You.
Led by Certified Aikido Instructors
James Graves Sensei, 6th dan, Shihan
Our instructors bring decades of traditional Aikido practice and Aikikai affiliation. We are committed to safe, disciplined instruction grounded in the traditional principles of martial arts.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art that uses movement, timing, balance, and redirection rather than force against force. At Southland Aikido in Monterey Park, students practice Aikido through paired techniques, ukemi (safe falling practice), weapons work and disciplined attention in a supportive dojo environment.
Why Train at Southland Aikido?
Heritage
Affiliated with Aikikai World Headquarters in Japan and the United States Aikido Federation.
Instruction
Certified instructors with decades of practice in the tradition passed down by Aikido’s founder.
Practice
Structured progression from beginner fundamentals through advanced techniques and weapons work.
Community
A warm, disciplined dojo culture that welcomes beginners and supports lifelong practice.
Aikido in Monterey Park, Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley
Located in Monterey Park, Southland Aikido welcomes students from Alhambra, East Los Angeles, Pasadena, Montebello, San Gabriel, El Sereno, Rosemead, Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
Reviews From Southland Aikido Students
Ting X.
“I have been taking classes at Southland Aikido for about 6 months now and I enjoy training Aikido here. Sensei breaks down every technique so that it is easy to see and to understand that his students like me can practice safely and properly. I feel very fortunate to be part of this warm and dedicated Aikido community.”
Yoshi R.
“Southland Aikido is a great place to train if you’re a beginner or more advanced due to it’s friendly environment and amazing teacher/sensei(s). It has helped me learn more than just martial arts but as well social skills and teamwork.”
Mario M.
“The Southland Aikido community is a very friendly and supportive community. All of the instructors are very experienced and provide quality Aikido instruction. Aikido is more than a martial art, every time I practice at the dojo, I feel the way I used to when I practiced Karate. My mind is cleared, my body is becoming more flexible and have a positive outlook at life which is helping me in my business and personal matters.”
Edward E.
“My experience at Southland Aikido has been 100% positive. I started aikido only about four months ago expecting to learn some self-defense techniques, however, what I have happily stumbled upon is increased focus, mental clarity, confidence, physical fitness, camaraderie, AND the ability to defend myself. As a beginner, I have so much to learn and I look forward to training at Southland Aikido for a long time to come!”