Aikido of Amherst

I absolutely love Aikido of Amherst. Sensei Heath Atchley is an exceptional teacher, crafting classes to support people at all skill levels and ability. The classes are infused with depth (for those looking for it) while remaining completely practical and relevant in increasing your physical skill in this powerful defensive art. Heath Sensei is also exceptional at fostering community and comraderie within the dojo, which I find impressive in its own right. (I once complimented him on it, and he humbly replied that he considers it part of the art.) The atmosphere is jovial and welcoming, and people celebrate each others successes with genuine enthusiasm. I actually never thought I'd get into a martial art, and only checked it out after I realized a friend of mine drives 45 minutes to get to THIS PARTICULAR dojo. I live down the street from it, so I had to check it out. I wasn't even looking for martial arts, just a bit of exercise, and now I am completely hooked. I leave every class with a deeper sense of connection, within myself and with others, and an aliveness that I've not found anywhere else. I seriously go through Aikido Withdrawl on the days there is no practice!