Testimonials
What People are Saying About the Aikido Network.
I am 69 years old, and have been taking Aikido for approximately one and a half years.Aikido has helped me in the following ways by:
- increasing flexibility
- increasing concentration
- increasing balance
- providing achievable goals
- providing a very good physical workout in which, at my age, I can participate
In addition to these benefits, Aikido is also about learning to defend oneself against an attack (an area of increasing concern for many of us seniors). One learns to defend not by using strength and violence against an attacker (which of course, for our age group, would likely be futile against a younger male), but by using the attacker’s strength and energy against him (something that though practice I have been able to do successfully against much younger male club members than myself).
I also like this particular club. Sensei Derek Bindner and the other instructors have been extremely enthusiastic, helpful, and patient. They make me feel a part of the club. Here, I am allowed to progress at my own slow pace and never feel pressured into trying keep up to the younger members in an adult class (in my case that would include anyone between 15 and 56 years old).
David Vollick
I've found that the flexible schedule at the Aikido Network accommodates my needs as a shift worker. The ability to attend both daytime and evening classes allows me to progress at my own pace as a student.
M. Clements
My daughter Emma had just turned 7 when she first expressed interest in taking martial arts. I had studied the Korean martial art form Hapkido for 3 years and although I enjoyed it thoroughly was hesitant to introduce my young daughter to its violent nature.
After investigating a number of other martial arts clubs in London I was introduced to the Aikido Network and was delighted by both Aikido’s non-violent approach to self-defense and the expert, nurturing instruction offered by Sensei Derek Bindner.
The transformation in my daughter after one year has been remarkable. Her level of self-confidence has increased dramatically; she’s learned vital self-defense skills, made new friends, found a fabulous role model in Sensei Bindner and has unlimited opportunity to advance in Aikido developing mind, body and spirit as she grows into a young woman.
I was so impressed with Derek Bindner and all of the instructors at the Aikido Network that I joined myself! I have been training 3-4 times a week for almost a year and feel very fortunate to belong to such a high caliber club.
I would encourage anyone who wants to experience what martial arts training is supposed to be about to join the Aikido Network!
Paul Allison (father and student)
My two boys, aged 13 and 11, have been participating in classes at the Aikido Network for over a year and in that time, their sense of body awareness and self confidence has been noticeably enhanced. We are particularly impressed with the balanced approach which emphasizes self defense instead of aggression. An increase in the abilities to concentrate and to be quietly attend has also been noticed. We have and will continue to recommend the Aikido Network to anyone interested in a gentle martial art.
Lynn Haslam (mother)
Aikido is something that really boosted my confidence from the first time I tried it. I love how it is a non-violent martial art, and how the technical exercises are almost magical. I think that I will be doing Aikido for the rest of my life. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a non-violent but exciting martial art.
Callum Haslam (age 13)
“The practical and useful information that I received in women's self-protection class inspired me to continue instruction in Aikido."
T. MacDonald (age 51)
"I do Aikido because it is a very serious and spiritual art. Aikido makes me feel more confident around other people. I feel safer in the school yard. And it's fun!"
P. Breach (age 10)
Mary Beth Vanderaar-Reid (mother)
Originally I was interested in Aikido lessons mainly for my son. I thought it would teach him self-control and respect for himself and others. After only a few lessons, my daughter was drawn into the fun and wanted to take the lessons as well. I have seen them benefit from a strong male role model who is not a part of their immediate family. They respect him and seek his approval. They are learning excellent lessons about character development, doing their best in what they do, and patience.
Bethany McLachlin (mother)
I just finished my first class. I like the teacher!! And my favourite thing about the class is hand escapes
Madeline (age 10)
I just took my first class. I think the teacher is very funny. My favorite thing in the class is somersaults.
Samuel (age 7)
I like the wide array of ages in the class.. Seeing what the adults are doing inspires the younger children and shows them where they can go in the future. Whenthe children are not focusing on their own tasks, watching the adults becomes another part of the learning experience.
I like the teaching regarding mind strength as well as body strength.
I like the way the teacher makes everyone feel at home and tells jokes every once in a while.
Kim S. (Mom to Madeleine and Samuel)
Prior to joining the Aikido Network my confidence was at zero. I was over weight, unsure of myself and pushing 30. I needed to make a change and a martial art seemed like the best course of action. I've been a member of the club for over a year now and have not regretted a minute of it. I am nearly 20lbs lighter and my confidence is through the roof. I would recommend the Binder Alliance experience to anyone who is looking to make a change in their life. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming to newcomers to marital arts and a exciting addition to those who are experienced. Sensei Derek Bindner is a well versed instructor that will accommodate any fitness level.
C. Luther
Overall I am very pleased with Aikido Network and Derek Bindner. Andrew and Benjamin both really enjoy their classes on Thursdays.
Derek is teaching them a similar philosophy to what we live as a family and the values we believe in—honesty, integrity, confidence, leadership and utilizing the universal energy that is all around us.
When the class expanded to include may new, younger children—I experienced some frustration, as the disciplined dynamic of the class seemed to wane as the younger children needed more attention to learn how to behave within the class. However, both Andrew and Ben still enjoyed attending, so I emphasized to them, that they had to set the example in the class—not to run around and be noisy at the beginning, but to sit quietly or practice their moves until Sensei was ready for them. So even though they were not learning new Aikido moves, they were learning about the Aikido philosophy.
I am glad that they are now progressing forward with another belt level.
Sincerely, Liana Jennings
Thanks for the DVD. I will certainly be using it. I love coming to class. It's great and you are truly a great teacher.
E. Angus
We just got back form Josh’s first Aikido lesson of the new year and as I was sitting there I thought that this would be a great topic to talk about. Aikido is a fantastic activity to get your child involved in. As a parent, what I like about Aikido is the the attention to focus and centering of self. Students learn meditative technique to calm and centre the mind, a skill that is necessary in this fast paced, plugged in world. It also teaches the students how to use words to diffuse conflict. At The Aikido Network, the students also work on setting short and long term goals. I have found that this has been extremely helpful in developing Josh’s confidence.
S. Liabotis
Over the past several years, Cory has had many instructors for dance, skiing, tennis, and gymnastics. We have been pleased with most of these instructors, but by far, her Jiu-Jitsu instructor has impressed us the most. Sensei Derek Bindner works extremely well with the children. He maintains an appropriate level of discipline within the class and his patient, methodical and supportive approach to teaching makes it impossible for his students not to learn and have fun.
L. Friday
The true strength of this program comes from the quality of instruction offered by Sensei Bindner. There are few martial arts instructors that demonstrate as much passion, patience and attention to detail. Sensei Bindner has a real gift for working with children, and a particular talent for helping them feel valued and empowered. I have been involved in a number of different martial arts over many years and have encountered few instructors that work so well with kids.
As a participant in the adult Jiu-Jitsu program I can speak to its value and the high level of continuity between the child and adult programs. Despite my obvious bias, I feel that I can recommend this program as a parent, based on its many merits.
T. Crawford
Wow.
Awesome. Class. Tonight.
I really enjoyed the "warm-up" (though I think my sedentary lungs could have used a warm-up for the warm-up). I remember watching Seagal movies as a kid. I thought the demonstration of jiu-waza you did with Paul tonight was the first time I had seen live aikido that looked like what I saw in those movies. It was fast, and close-in, not as "sanitized" as the typical techniques we practice. It was cool to see aikido applied in a sense that seemed very practical to me. Very enlightening, and I thank you for it.
M. Clements
Aikido has changed my life by allowing me to join a new family. With this new family there i have started a journey and that journey is to blend the mind, body, and spirit in to one motion. I have been going to Aikido roughly 6months and within even the first few weeks I thought to my self I have changed every time I practice and study Aikido. This is a relaxed martial arts and I feel more better about my self and concentrated and I even do better in school, Sensei and all the new people I have met at this wonderful school is just something people should really try, Some people say you will never know what it feels like unless you truly do it yourself.
Sincerely, Tyrone
I have been a student at Aikido Network for more than one year, as has my son in the kid's classes. Having a background in other "striking" martial arts, I have found Aikido to be both a peaceful, yet equally *powerful* martial art. Since I have been taking lessons I feel that Aikido has become more than an obligation to show up and train; rather it has become a way of life. Aikido was definitely what was missing in my life, which can get rather chaotic. It gives me a chance to centre myself, slow down and breathe; all of this while getting in exercise and connecting with fellow classmates who have become friends. It has helped me build newfound confidence and manage stress more efficiently. I would recommend Aikido Network as Sensei Derek Binder provides a welcoming / safe environment to train and first class instructors.
Shonna