Two NGA students practice their one-hand blocks against a roundhouse punch.

Your SELF-DEFENSE training starts
ON YOUR FEET

You will learn the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) at the Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona. NGA is a complete Japanese self-defense system consisting of smart and practical defensive applications to protect yourself against single or multiple adversaries. More below

Our Covid-19 Protocols: Please continue to follow the current CDC, Pima County, and the state of Arizona guidelines. Our mask-wearing policy is currently not required, especially for those who are vaccinated. Thank you and we’ll see you on the mats!

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FAQ

We practice the martial art of Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) and we have answers. Learn more about Nihon Goshin Aikido.

$90 per month

No binding contracts, no testing fees, special rates for families, unlimited classes, and more. Get the details on our affordable pricing.

Contact Us

Ready to train? Shoot us an email or call us at (520) 825-8500 and we will get you on the mats. Looking forward to meeting with you.

An NGA student is seen enjoying his lesson on the NGA classical technique of the Jacket Grab.

welcome

Schedule a Visit

Your time is valuable and we want to make the most out of your visit. Feel free to contact us and we’ll open up our schedule to fit around yours. We appreciate your interest and we look forward to meeting you and getting you on the mats!

“Aikido — The Way in Harmony With Nature”

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Affordable & Effective

As Low As $90 Per Month*

With no binding contracts, no testing fees, and special rates for families, we’ll create a hassle-free, non-obligated approach to your self-defense training. Attending classes at least twice per week will give you an edge and the flexibility to learn the tools you need to improve your self-awareness on the mats and also within your daily life.

*$90 — Adult pricing (unlimited classes)

An NGA Purple Belt student is demonstrating the extended hanmi stance.

Join Us on the mats

Nihon Goshin AIkido is for ANYONE SEEKING to Utilize Momentum against Weight & Power

Blocks

NGA starts the one-hand block in a relaxed stance and it is surprisingly effective when provoked.

Blends

NGA movement emphasizes a one-two-step positioning inside the calm eye of a hurricane.

Control

NGA thrives in close quarter scenarios and invites the engagement for effective control.

Direction

NGA is designed to flow with movement and to also redirect it as needed. Flow overcomes strength.

An NGA Black Belt instructor demonstrates the logic of the Arm Bar.

An NGA Black Belt student is seen demonstrating a Peel Off technique during his participation in an attack line session.

Two NGA students are seen practicing the Elbow Chop classical technique.

Two NGA Black Belts demonstrate defensive options for straight punches.

HOW WE TEACH & PRACTICE

Slow is smooth... Smooth is Fast.

An NGA Blue Belt is practicing her two-hand blocks during the Gauntlet Line session.

An NGA Black Belt is instructing a student to disarm a baton attack with an Arm Bar application.

An NGA Green Belt performs a Pivot Takedown Hold Down classical technique on a Blue Belt student.

The Sr. NGA Instructor is seen sharing his knowledge to the class during practice.

An NGA Black Belt instructor is seen controlling his partner (uke) from a two-handed grip to his collar.

An NGA Green Belt student is seen practicing the Hip Throw classical technique.

An NGA Brown Belt is seen demonstrating his abilities with the Bear Hug Throw classical technique.

WHAT YOU BUILD AS YOU PROGRESS

Discipline | self-control | confidence | respect

An NGA Black Belt instructor demonstrates various scenarios to apply the Arm Bar application.

An NGA Black Belt is seen teaching the Scissors classical technique, which requires the instructor to launch themselves towards their partner (uke) using their legs to scissor and twist their partner's back toward the ground.

An NGA Black Belt instructor is seen participating in the Gauntlet Line.

An NGA Green Belt is seen performing throw against their partner (uke).

An NGA Purple Belt is seen practicing the Scissors classical technique on their partner (uke).

THE MATS DON'T LIE

YOU WILL MOTIVATE & elevate YOUR SPIRIT

Join Us on the mats

FEATURED PROGRAMS

Students who have overcome the paralyzing effects of fear of failure excel in their pursuits. They develop a highly focused and motivated spirit because they attain goals readily. These students are calmer and less prone to anxiety. We teach discipline, self-control, confidence, and respect through Aikido training. We teach body control, poise, balance, and peace of mind through exercise and basic self-defense techniques. The emphasis is on non-violence, safety, and patience.

Kids Defense

We teach something of value, yet fun, in a noncompetitive atmosphere. Self-defense and positive self-image are emphasized. Small classes with personalized attention help the student deal with frustration and fears of the unknown. They learn to cooperate with others, listen and speak with respect. They display much more ability to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. It is not uncommon for our students to report better grades in school, less social problems with classmates, and a less contentious home life.

An NGA White Belt is seen participating and practicing their two-hand blocks during the Gauntlet Line session.

An NGA Black Belt instructor is guiding two students with the Jack Grab application.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Offered to that student who wants person-to-person training in an intensive and accelerated format. Training is specific to the individual needs of the student. Times are by appointment only.

WOMEN’S SELF-PROTECTION

We teach women to eliminate dangers by recognizing and avoiding them. The majority of street awareness involves no physical skill whatsoever! You learn to use common sense and apply it in a martial way. To defend against an attacker, you must recognize who he is and how he works. You are taught the five stages of any attack and how to stop trouble before it starts. You learn to take control of your life, not live in fear and not be a victim!

The Sr. NGA Instructor is seen discussing topics of women's self defense.

A map of the general location of the Aikido Academy of Arizona school.

We are Located in Catalina

Take a Scenic Drive up North on Oracle Rd

We are only 2.5 miles north of Oro Valley and approximately 31 minutes north from central Tucson and approximately 31 minutes east from Marana. For additional reference, we are 4.9 miles west of the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa (as seen on the map) and 4.9 miles southwest from the Saddlebrook area.

Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona

16134 N Oracle Rd Ste 134
Catalina, AZ 85739
(520) 825-8500
Open map for directions

FAQ

Commonly asked questions about us, our training, and Nihon Goshin Aikido

What is Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA)?

It is a complete Japanese system of self-defense consisting of throws, join locks, nerve pressure points, blocks, strikes and weaponry. By using the attacker’s weight and momentum, along with mind and body coordination, a smaller person can defend against a large adversary.

Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) is the perfect blend of a smart and practical self-defense system used to defend and to protect yourself against single or multiple assailants. Whether you’re on the streets or at home or at a bar, the fight doesn’t have to always end up on the ground. We’ll teach you how to stay up on your feet and keep you off the ground.

Who participates in Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA)?

Adults and children (ages 6-12) with or without previous martial arts experience and also people from all walks of life interested in the finest in self-defense techniques and instruction.

What will Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) do for me?

Nihon Goshin Aikido gives the serious student confidence, self-esteem, relieves stress, improves coordination, imparts discipline and conditions the body in a safe and relaxed atmosphere.

Who are the Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) instructors?

Francis Sole
Sr. NGA Instructor, Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

Alan Anderson
NGA Instructor, Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
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Rick Groom
NGA Instructor, Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Jeremy Imes
NGA Instructor, Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
‍
Brian Kram
NGA Instructor, Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Brent Spencer
NGA Instructor, Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

What do the Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) classes cost?

Registration: $95 / one-time fee
Includes uniform & manual
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Adult Classes: (ages 13+)
$90 per month (unlimited classes)

Kids Classes: (ages 6-12)
$70 per month (1 class per week on Saturday)
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Private Lessons:
$60 per hour / $35 per half hour

• NO CONTRACTS
• NO TESTING FEES
• YES, FAMILY RATES AVAILABLE

When are the Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) classes?

Monday: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
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Tuesday: CLOSED
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Wednesday: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
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Thursday: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
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Friday: CLOSED
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Saturday:
9:00am - 10:15am (kids class)
10:30am 12:00pm (adult class)
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Sunday: CLOSED

Where is the Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona located?

On N. Oracle Rd., we are only 2.5 miles north of Oro Valley and approximately 31 minutes north from central Tucson and approximately 31 minutes east from Marana.

16134 N Oracle Rd Ste 134
Catalina, AZ 85739
(520) 825-8500
Open map for directions

Learn Valuable INsight

OUR NGA INSTRUCTORS

Francis SOle

Sr. NGA Instructor
Ni-Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

View Bio