Southland Aikido is a traditional Aikikai dojo serving Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley from its location in Monterey Park. The dojo offers Aikido and Iaido instruction for adults at every level — beginners, returning practitioners, and experienced students looking for a dojo with verified lineage and certified instruction.
Classes are taught by James Graves Sensei, 6th Dan, Shihan, whose certification was awarded directly by Aikikai World Headquarters in Japan in 2024. Southland Aikido is affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation.
Aikido Training in Greater Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a long history with traditional Japanese martial arts, and Aikido has been practiced here since the mid-twentieth century. Southland Aikido continues that tradition — a dojo grounded in Aikikai lineage, with instruction connecting students directly to the art’s source.
Training at Southland Aikido develops timing, balance, centering, and connection through consistent paired practice. It is not a fitness program or a competition sport. It is a lifelong discipline that rewards attention and accumulates over years of honest practice.
Serving Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley
Southland Aikido is located at 670 Monterey Pass Road in Monterey Park — accessible from across the greater Los Angeles area.
Students currently train here from across the region, including:
Monterey Park · Alhambra · East Los Angeles · Pasadena · Montebello · San Gabriel · El Sereno · Rosemead · Downtown Los Angeles · Temple City · San Marino · Arcadia · Garfield Park · Lincoln Heights · Boyle Heights · Glendale · Burbank · Silver Lake · Echo Park · Koreatown · Mid-Wilshire
If you are searching for traditional Aikido in Los Angeles and are willing to make the drive for serious instruction, Southland Aikido is worth the commute.
Classes for Adults and Returning Practitioners
Southland Aikido’s classes are open to adults regardless of prior experience. Three clear entry points cover the full range of incoming students.
New to Aikido
Begin with the Saturday morning class, structured specifically for beginners, moving at a pace that allows real learning rather than exposure. No uniform required for the first visit.
Returning to Practice
Whether your Aikido training was interrupted by life, injury, or a dojo closure, you are welcome back on the mat. Students returning from other martial arts — Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo — will find their prior discipline carries into Aikido training directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find traditional Aikido classes in Los Angeles?
Southland Aikido in Monterey Park offers traditional Aikikai Aikido classes for adults across Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. The dojo is led by James Graves Sensei, 6th Dan, Shihan, and is affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation and Aikikai World Headquarters in Japan.
Is Southland Aikido beginner-friendly?
Yes. The dojo’s beginner program requires no prior martial arts experience. Classes introduce movement, ukemi, partner technique, and dojo etiquette progressively. The Saturday morning class is the recommended entry point for new students across the Los Angeles area.
How is Aikido different from other martial arts in Los Angeles?
Traditional Aikido is non-competitive and cooperative. Rather than training to defeat an opponent, students develop timing, balance, centering, and the ability to redirect force through consistent paired practice. The art is suitable for adults at any fitness level and does not require strength or speed to practice effectively.
Does Southland Aikido accept visiting practitioners?
Yes. Visiting USAF members are welcome at a $10 mat fee per class. Non-USAF visitors train at $20 per class. Contact the dojo in advance to confirm current schedule and available mat space.
Start Aikido in Los Angeles
Southland Aikido is open to new students year-round. There is no enrollment period or waiting list. The New Student Introductory Offer: $125 for your first month and a heavyweight gi, available to anyone starting for the first time.
Southland Aikido
670 Monterey Pass Road, Suite 210
Monterey Park, CA 91754
dojo@southlandaikido.org
Training in or near Monterey Park? Read about Aikido classes in Monterey Park specifically.