Scott Gore

Police Officer/Largo Police Department

I have been a student at this Dojo for approximately two years. I also have my two children, an eleven year old daughter and nine year old son, who have been active students in the children's class for approximately two and a half years. I could not be happier with my experience at this Dojo, to include my relationships with fellow students, and especially Sensei Leventis. He is a dedicated instructor who is expertly skilled in his craft. He shows the patience necessary to train adults and children alike, and always prepares challenging and innovative lesson plans for students of all experience levels. It should be noted that I have over seventeen years of law enforcement experience, and have trained with countless experts during that time. Sensei Leventis is easily one of the best instructors I have worked with. He provides personal attention on a consistent basis to all of his students. Sensei Leventis always encompasses his vast knowledge of martial arts to keep classes fresh and practical. It is not uncommon to train in traditional Aikido technique, edge weapon defense, and ground fighting in a single week. Most importantly, Sensei Leventis is adamant that the techniques he teaches are effective in real life situations, which I can attest to. If you are looking for a martial arts school that provides a friendly atmosphere, and practical effective technique, then I strongly encourage you to stop by and check out the Dojo for yourself. Scott G.

Laura Carpenter

My teenage daughter and I began Aikido to learn basic self-defense, however in addition to feeling more self-confident in our ability to protect ourselves, we have been welcomed into a fun and caring community. Even when we are frustrated or reluctant to go to a session, we always leave laughing and in a better mood than when we came. Our relationship has improved as well, both in and outside of the dojo, as we work together to accomplish a common goal. Plus I cannot say enough good things about Sensei Leventis. He takes the focus off of the possible dangers of the world and brings our attention to what we can do to be powerful and in control no matter our size or strength. His ease with a multitude of personalities and patience with those of us who don't learn as quickly as others enables each lesson to flow in a productive and enjoyable way. If you are wavering on whether or not to join, waver no more, join us. You won't regret it.

Darynn Magee

Teacher, Instructor at the Academy

I joined the dojo as a way to stay active and learn some basic self defense skills. I stayed because I found so much more. Stepping on the mats for the first time , I immediately felt a sense of belonging and family. Though I was a brand new white belt, I was made to feel safe and at home. Everyone at the dojo was on the same journey towards personal perfection and they all chipped in and helped me develop my skills and confidence in the art. There was no macho one-upmanship or unhealthy competition. There was only an unyielding focus on the skills and attitudes of the martial spirit. Over the years, we forged a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood on those mats. I have made friends that will last a lifetime and developed skills and mindsets that have changed me for the better. Looking back on who I was at the beginning of this journey I can see that I am a completely different person: stronger, tougher, more patient, responsible , resilient, and determined. Having earned my Black Belt, I have become a person I would have looked up to, chipping in and helping develop the skills and confidence of others. It has been, and continues to be a very fullfilling process. My journey continues. The circle never ends.

Daniel Faiella father of student Matthew Faiella

Physical Therapist Assistant / Published author

We had enrolled our son into a few different self defense programs over the years, including karate and kick boxing. None of those worked out as they just did not seem to want to take the time to teach but wanted to quickly advance students for competition or to just spend an hour having “games” and collecting fees. From day one at Aikido Academy of Martial Arts, Matthew was learning actual aikido techniques and was enjoying the process. Sensei Leventis takes the time to show the moves in a way that can be understood and replicated. He makes it known that the students aren’t there to have competitions but to learn real life defense. The other students are all so wonderful and care about each other. This can only be accomplished from the top down. Sensei teaches this by example! We will be staying with Aikido Academy of Martial Arts and highly recommend them to anyone who asks!

James Darios

Student of 10 years, started in kids program

I would like to say a few words about our school. My mom and dad enrolled me in the school in 2010 and I spent most of my life there. It is a great place and great teachers! I learned to rely on myself more and to have confidence in who I am. I recently became a brown belt and I hope to continue onto my black belt someday. It is one of the best choices I made to stay and persevere. James D.

Troy Duff

Student of 6 years

I met Sensei Leventis 6 years ago. I was driving by his Dojo and stopped in to check it out. I was looking for a place to continue my martial arts training. I could tell this was a patient person after talking to him at some length. Mr. Leventis has not disappointed, he cross trains in other styles which helps our training progress and fine tunes it so it's complete. I have trained in two other styles and this dojo has a home feeling. I have progressed in my martial arts training far beyond the other styles and am very blessed to be training with Mr. Leventis and the other instructors . Not only do I feel that this is my family but a lot of close friendships have been made. My son also has started training and over the past two years I can tell a change in him with his confidence and overall demeanor. Nihon Goshin Aikido is a solid style that can be applied in everyday life you just need to put in the effort. This dojo is always welcoming so matter your skill level from beginner to advanced there is always a opening for families and individuals here. - Troy Duff

Joe DiGiovanna

Black Belt/Student of 15 years

When I first entered the dojo some 15 years ago, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. Never having any martial arts experience, I thought "hey, i'll just go in for a few months learn a thing or two about self defense and be on my way. Being easily bored, this was my M.O. I could never have imagined the journey I allowed myself to take by just stepping in the door. Our art is different...if you are someone who is looking to just crack skulls or an "all hard, all the time" experience you'd best move on somewhere else. Do we have aggressive technique? For sure...for when there is a need. We also have less aggressive technique for when there is a need for THAT. Sensei Leventis has taken the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido (a pedigreed art that is closer to the ancient Aikijujitsu... the precursor for both modern Aikido and Judo) and married it to the quick and flowing Filipino Arts of Kali, Panatukan and Silat while at the same time, adding a healthy dose of Brazilian JuJitsu to grow a style that handles real world situations. We work with all experience levels and pride ourselves as being a family in a non-adversarial environment. We do not aim to be flashy, we aim to be effective. Do yourself a favor and come watch our family do our thing...maybe it just may become your thing too...just like me! -Joe D.

Elliott Schwartz

Senior Instructor

I have trained and taught the martial art of Nihon Goshin Aikido for many years. I have been training at this school with Mr. Leventis for over a year now and participating in some great lesson plans in Aikido. Mr. Leventis has great knowledge not only in Aikido but in many other martial arts which he incorporates in our training. This helps fill in the gaps needed from Aikido training to make the student more well rounded. This is an excellent program to learn solid self defense skills. I strongly recommend this school. Get started, stick with it and you will be greatly rewarded! Sensei Elliott Schwartz San-Dan

Anthony Sambucci

Student of 3 years

I went to the school when I was 51 years old, new to the martial arts. In the previous years I had 2 back operations , a bad shoulder and I am diabetic. I thought I would never be able to handle this kind of training. I watched one class and thought to myself this is crazy , but after talking to Sensei Leventis and the way he explained the training and his patience he makes you feel like you can overcome anything. This is true, because I couldn't even roll for approximately 6 months, I just kept falling to the side, LOL. Sensei worked with me and now I can do rolls, falls and everything necessary in class! I had other injuries that he was able to work around and make sure it didn't get any worse which still allowed me to get my training in. All the students and instructors are kind, patient and always willing to help you. Sensei does it for the LOVE of the art and you can tell he is not doing it for the money. The school is very professional and clean. Mr. Leventis teaches realistic self defense and it one of the best things about the training. If you are interested in the martial arts for you or your kids, check this school out and you won't be disappointed. It's been almost 3 years and I can't thank Sensei and all the instructors and student enough. - Tony S.