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This organization helps trap, spay/neuter and release feral (stray) cats.
Martial Arts
Aiki Academy is a training facility that offers reality based martial arts, mixed martial arts and fitness martial art programs for both adults and children. You will not feel like another number at our facility. We offer a wide choice of class times; therefore, class sizes are small and members receive personal attention. Our focus is personal training in a small group setting without the high cost associated with personal training.
As a certified personal trainer, chief instructor Dennis Hill and his qualified staff, will keep you motivated and help you reach your martial art and fitness goals. Our programs will add tone and definition to your body, plus increased flexibility, agility and mobility. Our programs are also designed to accomodate any fitness level, ranging from a highly conditioned person to someone who cannot remember the last time they exercised. Classes are fun, the school atmosphere is very friendly and the first class is free!
"I have been involved in martial arts for the last nine years. It is refreshing to train at a martial arts studio which focuses on a wide variety of schools of thought, rather than your traditional martial arts only. The staff is top notch at Aiki Academy."
J. Bunnell (Sambo Student)
"Considering I have taken kickboxing elsewhere, I know from experience this is the real deal. Its fun, its educational and there is an excellent and friendly staff!" L. Peryer (Thai Kickboxing)
"Since starting the kettlebell workout, I now have more strength and endurance in my kickboxing sessions. Consistently coming to class 3-4 nights a week will give you positive results.....I've gotten into clothes that I haven't worn in years. Some of my slacks are too big. It's a nice feeling that anything in your closet will fit you. I also walk about a mile and a half a day. All of this activity combined, gives me a good cross-training workout." E. Lelasher (Thai Kickboxing and Kettlebell student)
"The kettlebell workout is awesome! In 2 months of training (3 - 4 times per week) I have noticed a 5 pound weight loss without any special diet. My clothes fit better and I have more energy. I highly recommend the kettlebell workout - you will look and feel great!"
L. Dansereau (Thai Kickboxing and Kettlebell student)
"Aiki Academy is so wonderful in many different ways, and I just want to again convey my appreciation for the uniqueness, professionalism and personal warmth that all of you provide to your members. I am learning so much and I know that I am only just beginning the "journey" in martial arts."
I. Schoelkopf (Thai Kickboxing and Hapkido Student)
"Since I joined the Academy, I feel like a young person with lots of energy and very healthy. I have lost weight thanks to all the trainers. They are all very special and I feel wonderful knowing such beautiful and caring people. At the age of 62, I have more energy today than I did 30 years ago. Believe me, I will do my best to reach my goal, which is to keep kicking for a healthy life." D. Ramada (Thai Kickboxing and Kettlebell Student)
"The instructors demonstrate such incredible patience, respect and professionalism and relate personally with each student. The program has done wonders for Pete's self-esteem and confidence. It's great to see the students learning so much and enjoying themselves at the same time. Thank you!" J. M.
"I would never consider bringing my children anywhere else. They receive the most friendly, consistent and patient martial arts instruction." A. Raffone
"CJ enjoys karate so much. This is the only activity that CJ does. He would come here everyday if we let him. We think that you are an outstanding teacher and you always make the kids feel great about trying something new." D. Korn
"This is the first after school activity that Ryan fully enjoys. Not only does he enjoy the program but he learns respect and manners as well as self defense." K. Murphy
"Thank you for all you do for your students, especially my son's Little Ninjas class! Anthony has made such progress and really loves karate. You're great with the kids- keep up the great work!" M. Rienzo
"Just a note to let you know that I realize how much work you must do so that Dennis can do all of the wonderful things that he does. My family and I appreciate the efforts of you and yours!" M. P.
"Thank you so much for making Matthew's 5th birthday a special one. Everyone that attended truly enjoyed themselves, and commented on how wonderful you were with the children. Both you and your wife were a pleasure to work with and we appreciated your kindness. Thank you again for a memorable experience." S. T.
"Dennis’ program fosters respect for self and others as well as the formal development of manners, patience and coordination. It is remarkable how well children respond to Dennis’ kind words and soft approach. I wish I could parent as well as he teaches. My child is richer because of his program. I tell everyone how much we love Dennis and his program." D. Heine
"We have had nothing but a great experience here! Luke has changed so much since he started almost 2 years ago. He still loves coming and has never once said he didn't want to come or complain about a class! So thank you for helping him grow physically and mentally." T. Valaouras.
"Seve loves Martial Arts so much that this is the only sport he wants to do. He loves to come to the academy right after school. He loves to come here so much that he gets angry if I book a doctors appointment when he is supposed to be here. Keep up the good work." W. Bernier-Burgos.
"Nathan's experiences here have been nothing but positive. I am happy to be given this opportunity to tell both Dennis and Paul how impressed we are with all that you have provided to Nate. In the few months that he has been attending the academy, we have see significant improvement and growth in Nate's listening skills, coordination and overall attitude. He possesses so much pride every time he wears his uniform. We look forward to many more years of watching him grow with the academy. Thanks so much!" L. B.
"I am proud to be associated with and to have Jason at Aiki. With the smaller class, each Junior received some kind of personal attention and instruction from you, Mike and Paul. And Paul's reminder that the higher ranking belts are there to set an example (behavior) and allow the lower ranking belts to "showcase" their skills was excellent. EXCELLENT!"
M.Giordano.
"Everything is first class and the best run program we have ever been involved with." JM
Reality Martial Arts
Combat Hapkido is an extremely effective modern martial art that covers all aspects of hand-to-hand combat and modern-day weapon defenses. It addresses striking, blocking, throwing, and joint locking from a self defense situation. There are no Hollywood-style gymnastic moves in Combat Hapkido, just techniques that really work. Combat Hapkido can easily be described as "Street MMA" since it teaches formidable stand-up and ground fighting techniques. Combat Hapkido has strengthened its core by drawing upon other martial arts including Boxing, JKD, Kali, and Judo. Much thanks goes to Grandmaster John Pellegrini for popularizing this highly effective art throughout the world.
Mixed Martial Arts
Sambo is a powerful martial art developed in Russia. It is both a submission wrestling style and a self defense art. Our academy focuses on the wrestling aspects of the art in both jacket (gi) and no jacket (no-gi) classses. SAMBO wrestling is a powerful blend of many grappling styles including American Catch Wrestling, old-style Japanese Judo & Jujutsu, and Russian Wrestling. Our classes focus equally on standing and ground techniques and we cover throws, takedowns, and an array of submission holds. Arguably the best MMA competitor in the world, Fedor Emelianenko, is a SAMBO practitioner.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
We are proud to offer Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as one of our core grappling styles along with our SAMBO program and our Judo classes. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a ground fighting art with a heavy emphasis on positional stategy and submission holds. It is a very technical art that has been highlighted around the world in many professional MMA events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Our lineage dates back to the great Carlson Gracie, Sr. and our program is overseen by Dennis Hill's instructor: Luigi Mondelli, Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and American Top Team Black Belt representative in Connecticut.
Judo
Our academy also offers Judo classes taught by Judo legend, Sid Kelly. Judo is a great martial art to practice for MMA since it is one of the best arts to learn the skill of throwing. Judo has been highlighted in MMA events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) by Judo powerhouses like Karo Parisyan. Judo also employs formidable ground work which consists of holds, joint locks, and choking. Judo was actually the base art for both Russian SAMBO and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is one of the best striking arts in the world. It is referred to as the science of eight limbs since the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in the art. Muay Thai provides the MMA athlete with a fantastic conditioning regimen and an arsenal of striking skills.
Fitness & Conditioning Martial Arts
Thai Kickboxing is a modern kickboxing style that offers tremendous conditioning benefits along with the added benefit of developing incredible striking skills. We train with focus pads, heavy bags, kick shields, and a variety of other tools designed to make you sweat and burn off calories. Plus you will learn devastating punches and kicks that could be lifesaving if ever faced with a situation in which you must defend yourself or a loved one. Kickboxing burns over 700 calories per hour for an average adult weighing 150 lbs!
Russian Kettlebells were used for centuries to train Russian athletes and soldiers. They come in a variety of weights and look like a cannonball with a handle. The handle allows you to pick up the weight and swing it through a wide range of movements. Kettlebells are the ultimate fitness program for slashing and burning fat quickly, increasing flexibility, building strength and getting fast results.