"Flying" John's Warrior Quest
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	Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by "Flying" John are his and only his. His opinions are not necessarily the same opinions of Aikido of Staten Island, Chief Instructor: Sensei Ralph Wemberly, Webmaster: Hyun C. Hwang, or any other member or instructor at Aikido of SI. Also, Aikido schools and instructors do move, close, or change hands. Please, confirm the schools correct location, transportation/directions, schedule, fees, etc. with each school. Contact their manager, instructor, or a student. Before just popping in. Based on old information. Go to our Links page to plan out your own "Warrior Quest." Finally, after a lot of begging on my part. "Flying" John has written a concise travelogue (or tourist guide) for the North American states of California, Connecticut, Florida, Nevada (Las Vegas), New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and, our nation's capitol, Washington, DC. "Flying" John is a 1st Kyu sempai (senior student). He works for a major airline carrier, at one of NYC's airports, as an experienced airline mechanic. Prior to Aikido John C. practiced Karate (reached green belt). Started his Aikido training in 1992 with us. And is a valued Aikidoka. Because he works for a major airline carrier. As a fringe benefit, when family and vacation time permits. He travels, almost all year long, to other Aikido (or Aikido-related) schools around the United States. Seeking different instructors & shihans and other Aikidoka. He's our unofficial "Wandering Warrior." He comes back and tells his warrior tales. And, as a result, the school learns different Aikido perspectives, techniques, & theories. Ratings System: Schools are rated ("Flying" John's creation) from one sword cut to four sword cuts. 1 sword cut = OK. 2 sword cuts = good. 3 sword cuts = better. 4 sword cuts = best. Again school ratings and opinions expressed here are solely the opinions of "Flying" John. Aikido of SI does not necessarily share the same views or ratings.
	California		Connecticut
	Aikido of San Francisco [Rating: One Sword Cut] "Flying" John: "They had a nice mat and a clean place. But I was disappointed when their Sensei decided there wasn't enough people on the mat to hold a second class." City Aikido [Rating: Four Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "Nadau Sensei held class in City Aikido. It was a very relaxed atmosphere. And the people were very open to working out with me. San Diego Aikikai [Rating: Four Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "The San Diego dojo was probably one of the nicest places to work out. The ventilation was good and the smell of flowers right outside the dojo blowing in was great. Chiba Sensei's class kept me moving. Was a great experience."		Aikido of Waterbury [Rating: Two Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "I visited last year while staying with friends in Connecticut. They have a very nice dojo. They had plenty of mat space and high ceilings. We did some sword work at the beginning of class. The students were friendly. And I had a good time. I'll come back when I can.
	Florida		Nevada
	Fort Myers Aikido [Rating: Two Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "Their class was held in a Gold's Gym. It was a fun class. Nice people."		Aikido of Las Vegas [Rating: N/A] "Flying" John: "I attempted to visit Aikido of Las Vegas. But was told they do accept visitors when I called."
	New Jersey		New York
	Aikido of New Jersey (in Elizabeth) [Rating: N/A] "Flying" John: "I haven't visited there in several years, but it was a nice place." Aikido Centers of New Jersey (in Morristown) [Rating: Three Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "The Morristown Dojo was really something. They had a lot of mat space. And the Japanese decorations made this place special. I liked that the front of the building was all glass windows. And anyone walking by can't help but look at the action."		New York Aikikai [Rating: Four Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "Of course, there is the New York Aikikai. Where else in the country can you work out with some of the top Aikidoka (Aikido students) in the country." Aikido of Nassau County [Rating: Two Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "This was a very large school. (And I have a friend that works out there.) I had visited several times. I went to a John Stevens seminar there and we did a lot of weapons work. The mat was filled with people. It was a great time." Bond Street Dojo [Rating: Four Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "I went there for a Saotome Sensei seminar. The people there were very friendly. The atmosphere of the school made it a cool place to work out."
	North Carolina		Pennsylvania
	Triad Aikikai [Rating: Two Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "A USAF school. Classes were held in a YMCA. A small class. But I had fun working out there. Aikido of Charlotte [Rating: Two Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "Another USAF school. Some of the people were friendly." Retsushinkan [Aikido] Dojo [Rating: Four Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "Classes were held in a large room in a church. I really enjoyed working out there. Because the people were so nice. And made me feel like a member of the dojo. If I were to move to North Carolina I would definitely join this dojo full time.		Aikido of Pittsburgh [Rating: Two Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "I visited both of their schools. In one, class was taught by a black belt, and we had a great time. But the other school had a yellow belt teaching. And I felt they took it too easy." South Hills Aikido [Rating: Three Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "I worked out here several times when I was in Pittsburgh. I really enjoyed it because it reminded me a lot of like my home dojo. We had a great time busting each other up towards the end of one class." Rising Sun Aikido [Rating: One Sword Cut] "Flying" John: "The night I visited there really wasn't much Aikido happening. We were getting into some grappling. Which was a nice change of pace. I would have liked to seen their Aikido though."
	Washington, DC
	Capitol Aikido [Rating: Three Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "A USAF school a few blocks off the metro. A good group of people. I had fun." Aikido Shobukan Dojo (Sensei Saotome) [Rating: Two Sword Cuts] "Flying" John: "This school is also just a few blocks off the metro. The place was decorated very well. However, I wonder how many visitors they get. Because they didn't seem too receptive to me. It was OK."
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