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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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

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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.

FAQ

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

What is Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA)?

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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)?

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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?

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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?

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

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

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?

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Registration: $95 / one-time fee
Includes uniform & manual

Adult Classes: (ages 13+)
$90 per month (unlimited classes)

Kids Classes: (ages 6-12)
$70 per month (1 class per week on Saturday)

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?

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Monday: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Thursday: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Friday: CLOSED

Saturday:
9:00am - 10:15am (kids class)
10:30am 12:00pm (adult class)

Sunday: CLOSED

Where is the Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona located?

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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

Francis SOle

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

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Alan Anderson - NGA Instructor

Alan Anderson

NGA Instructor
Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)

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Rick Groom - NGA Instructor

Rick Groom

NGA Instructor
Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)

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Jeremy Imes - NGA Instructor

Jeremy Imes

NGA Instructor
Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)

View Bio
Brian Kram - NGA Instructor

Brian Kram

NGA Instructor
Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)

View Bio
Brent Spencer - NGA Instructor

Brent Spencer

NGA Instructor
Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)

View Bio

YOUR NGA STARTING ESSENTIALS at the aikido academy of Southern Arizona

A one-time registration fee of $95 includes your uniform, white belt, and Nihon Goshin Aikido Manual. You will also gain access to pertinent online materials associated to the NGA classical techniques. We look forward to unlocking your capabilities as a martial artist!

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experiences on the mat

What our NGA members say

Aikido Academy is a fun an rewarding place to learn true self-defense. The self-paced, noncompetitive environment is exactly what I was looking for when searching for a school. I had previous martial arts experience and found that the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido gives real answers for attacks that didn’t feel confident with other arts. The instructors are very knowledgeable and patient. I would highly recommend the Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona to anyone who is interested in learning self-defense.

Jeremy I.
NGA Black Belt

My son and I started attending in 2018. We were looking for a martial arts school to improve and solidify our self-defense skills. Nihon Goshin Aikido (NGA) has served that purpose. During our short time training in NGA, we have seen improvement in reaction time, situational awareness and self-confidence. You can be assured this style of martial arts will be exactly what you have been looking for.

Luis C.
NGA Purple Belt

My two daughters (7 and 8) and I started classes at the same time. I wanted us all to learn how to defend ourselves if ever needed. We have gotten much more from this experience. My girls have learned respect and discipline, which is noticeable with their behavior at home. We all have more balance and have gained stability for daily activities as well. Love the class size because it allows for personal attention in each class. We supervised by knowledgeable instructors. Wonderful experience overall for all of us! I can’t wait to see what else we learn.

Tori H.
NGA Blue Belt

I was in the mindset of already being too old to start a martial art and with no prior martial art experience. But, as a father in my mid 40’s with a growing family, I felt it was necessary to learn some kind of basic self-defense training to protect myself and my family. In 2015, I took my first step on the NGA mats. If you are looking for a martial art with no judgement towards your age or experience or gender and you are willing to enhance your personal development and situational awareness, you’ll find incredible insights through the program of Nihon Goshin Aikido. Your daily life will feel less complicated in today’s complex world.

Desi A.
NGA Brown Belt
We appreciate your visit

we're looking forward to hearing from you

Please use the form below for membership inquiries, or for scheduling a visit, or for any other additional questions or other related topics. Thank you for your interest in Nihon Goshin Aikido at the Aikido Academy of Southern Arizona!

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