Student Testimonials

I have learned many valuable lessons since I started training at Aikido of Scranton. One of the most important of which is that fact that after the basic techniques are practiced and then understood, there are many opportunities tocreate more from those fundamentals. This leads to a very unique form of individual growth for each student, while staying within a marial arts system. Growth of this type is made possible by the diverse martial arts background and knowldge of Ven Sensei, and should be looked upon as a gift from him to all existing and future students.

-- John P.

Practicing the martial art of Aikido has taught me to be more confident, focused and relaxed when dealing with a stressful situation or difficult individuals. I feel that Aikido training is constantly strengthening me both physically and mentally. The Aikido self-defense techniques are very effective and never ending.

I am fortunate to have Frank Vennero Sensei as my instructor, his vast knowledge and experience in Aikido and numerous other martial arts is impressive. Vennero Sensei is always guiding and encouraging us to imporve our techniques and ourselves.

-- Marty R.

Since I took Aikido I learned a lot of techniques. Also Aikido teaches you good manners and self control. I have been doing Aikido for about 6 or 7 months and it's a lot of fun. The thing I like about Aikido is using the bokken (wooden swords).

Will H. (15)

I practice Aikido for flexibility and for the love of the martial arts. I have practiced Korean hapkido and a hybrid of different forms of martial arts due to my role in law enforcement for the last 25 years. In 2003 I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This is a progressive disease that affects muscle movement and balance along with other body functions. Aikido has increased my flexibility and slowed the progression of the disease relating to muscle stiffness and rigid movements.

Sensei is knowledgable in martial arts, gives excellent instruction with complicated techniques, and cares about the well being of his students. Safety is Sensei's primary concern for his students.

I will continue with my Aikido instruction as long as I can.

-- Scott R.

I practice Aikido because I love Aikido. I meet new friends, and my body gets a nice workout. I also get stronger and more flexible during the process of practicing Aikido. I learn things that I never learned before.

-- Tommy R. (10)

What Aikido Means to Me

Aikido is the manifestation of life. To practice Aikido is to become aware of one's place in nature. The path of Aikido is to begin movement in harmony with nature as opposed to struggling against the force of creation.

To view Aikido as merely a fighting art or a spiritual exercise practice would be an incredibly shallow understanding. This is a limited perception. Aikido is much more vast in scope than I can fully fathom at this point. I stumble blindly trying to imitate, until slight shifts in my perspective make it possible for me to understand just what Sensei is showing me. Sensei is very patient, showing us over and over the very simple, the very simple which I just blunder through and make seemingly complex.

Aikido is truly a Budo of Love. It is not for destroying wantonly or showing off the reality of aggressive animal instinct. Love is the tempering force of Aikido. Love is incredibly difficult to comprehend. Aikido is this practice that I am trying to live, to comprehend.

I thank Sensei for being true to this path and being patient enough to bring this way to his students.

-- Lisa R.

At Aikido of Scranton, we have been the recipients of extraordinary blessings. First and foremost of these blessings is this art of Aikido itself, through which we can not only develop our own bodies, minds, and spirits but can also positively influence the lives of our families, friends, coworkers - indeed, everyone with whom we come into contact. Aikido shows us the quiet but awesome power that becomes available when we are truly centered, and holds out the hope of another way for human beings to relate - neither as victor nor victim.

We have been blessed in having been given a space with enormous potential for our practice to grow, and in having attracted a group of students characterized by a positive attitude of dedication, determination, and humility.

And of course, we are especially blessed in having an extraordinary teacher. Vennero Sensei's encyclopedic knowledge of the martial arts, his ongoing and insatiable thirst for greater understanding and exploration, his love of his students and his faith in his Lord combine to produce a curriculum of training that is ever-changing and unpredictable, yet ever-constant in its core focus - conveying the true essences of both Aikido and the Word.

--Skip M.