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Dan Meeks
Glen Cove, CA
Retail Sales
Age: 44
  
  I really like the people I have met in Aikido - students of various work, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It is really great to be taught by teachers who are very excited by Aikido. I get to learn at a very in-depth level.
  I was here at the beginning of Aikido of Diablo Valley. I have known Shari and Rick and they are a part of my life that I don't want to let go of. I have seen their dedication to their school. It seems a privilege to be here.
  Aikido training can help when accidents occur outside the dojo (studio). I once fell over and found that I not only didn't smack the ground real hard, I actually rolled out and stood up on one continuous movement.

Jennifer Kloski
Walnut Creek, CA
Website Designer
Age: 30

I was looking for a body training or a martial art that combined principles of anti-violence with higher principles of mind, body, and spirit integration. I found in Aikido all of that plus infinate possibilites for growth in all of these areas.
  Often I've started an interest only to have other life events get in the way. I end up quitting just because I have more important things to do. With Aikido, however, I've found that all of those so-called important events are only helped when I have attended class. The feeling of accomplishment, centered presence, and calm that I get from Aikido is very addicting.
  I've never been in a physical conflict. I have seen that I am more aware of my surroundings, so perhaps I have prevented conflict without ever knowing it. The way that I now use the principles of Aikido is in verbal conflict. I had a stupid, obnoxious boss once who used to get me so mad because he wouldn't listen. The more I was going to Aikido, the less that his attitude affected me. The less I was affected, the better I was able to step back from the situation and find away around it and get what I want. Plus I stopped taking all of that anger home with me.

Kevin Alciati
Novato, CA
Musician
Age: 27

  The principles that I learn at Aikido of Diablo Valley help me deal with all types of situations that go on in my daily life. If a situation in my life comes up in which I feel stressed or worried, I use the principles that Aikido has taught me to help stay calm. I can stay focused on what it is that I need to do to help resolve the situation. When I am calm, I resolve things much cleaner and quicker. It has also helped me to have more confidence in myself. I can wake up every morning knowing that no matter how good or bad the day can be, I can still end the day knowing, that with my training, I am doing something good for me.

George Alpi
Bay Point, CA
Banker
Age: 50

  I came to Aikido of Diablo Valley about 1.5 years ago. I had studied Judo over 30 years ago and was looking for an art that was not competition oriented and less physically demanding. Also I was looking for a school that encouraged rather than intimidated students.
  After a long day at work I needed something other than jogging to clear my head and release stress. I found what I was looking for at ADV. When I started classes I felt welcomed despite my lack of physical agility and age. No matter how frustrated I got the Sensei (teachers) and other students always encouraged me. I never felt like I was being left behind. An interesting "side effect" since I been here at ADV is I have become less confrontational and listen more.

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