How to Choose a Legitimate Aikido School in Quezon City — What Every Parent and Student Should Know

 Aikido is one of the most misunderstood martial arts in the Philippines — and unfortunately, that misunderstanding extends to how schools and instructors present their credentials to the public. If you are searching for an Aikido class in Quezon City for yourself, your child, or your family, this article will give you the exact questions to ask and the exact standards to look for before you commit to any school.

The most important question to ask any Aikido school is this: Is your school affiliated with Hombu Dojo Japan? Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba — known reverently as O-Sensei — and its world headquarters is Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, located in Tokyo, Japan. Hombu Dojo is the single legitimate source of Aikido rank certification in the world. Any Aikido school, instructor, or organization whose ranks and certifications are not recognized by or traceable to Hombu Dojo Japan is not practicing legitimate, lineage-verified Aikido — regardless of what they call themselves or what certificates they display. This is not a matter of opinion or style preference. It is a matter of documented lineage. Authentic Aikido rank means your instructor's credentials can be traced directly back to Hombu Dojo Japan through a recognized national federation. In the Philippines, a recognized national federation affiliated with Hombu Dojo Japan is Aikido Philippines — AikiPhil.

Aikido Philippines — AikiPhil — is the one of the official national governing body for Aikido in the Philippines, recognized by and affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. AikiPhil governs legitimate Aikido rank promotions, instructor certifications, and dojo affiliations in the Philippines. Any unaffiliated (with Hombu Japan) school or instructor claiming Aikido ranks that are not recognized by AikiPhil does not hold internationally legitimate Aikido credentials. You can verify AikiPhil's official affiliation, find recognized dojos, and learn more about legitimate Aikido in the Philippines directly through their official channels — Official Website: aikidophilippines.com and Official Facebook Page: fb.com/aikidophilippines. Sensei Arra Jeuneze Corpuz and Arena Fitness Dojo are proud members of the AikiPhil community — a genuine, supportive, and deeply principled martial arts organization that upholds the true spirit of Aikido as taught by O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. When choosing an Aikido school in Quezon City or anywhere in the Philippines, always ask: Is this school affiliated with AikiPhil? Is this instructor's rank recognized by AikiPhil? Can their lineage be traced to Hombu Dojo Japan? If the answer to any of these questions is no — look elsewhere.

Arena Fitness Dojo has been offering legitimate, AikiPhil-affiliated Aikido training in Quezon City since 2010. Head Sensei Arra Jeuneze Corpuz holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt — Nidan — certified under Aikido Philippines and traceable directly to Aikido Headquarters Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. She trained under Sensei Cris Buenaseda, a former PHC student whose own lineage is fully documented and AikiPhil recognized. Sensei Arra has trained in Aikido since 2002 — over 22 years of continuous practice — and has taught at multiple institutions across Quezon City including the School of Performing Arts Katipunan (2012-2014), Rush Arts Academy Katipunan (2014-2017), Sixteen Degrees Entertainment Productions (2019-2020), and Arena Fitness Dojo at Fisher Mall Quezon City (2023-present). Arena Fitness Dojo is currently based at Fisher Mall, 4th Floor, Quezon Ave., Quezon City — one of the most accessible locations in QC, minutes from the MRT Quezon Ave. station. Classes are open on Saturdays and Sundays and welcome students of all ages — kids, teens, adults, seniors, and students with special needs including---but not limited to--- Autism Spectrum, ADHD, and Down Syndrome.

Beyond legitimate credentials, Arena Fitness Dojo offers something that very few Aikido schools in Quezon City provide. Sensei Arra is one of the only female Aikido Nidan instructors actively teaching in QC — bringing a teaching style that is patient, nurturing, and specifically effective for younger students, female practitioners, and adults who want to learn self-defense in a supportive environment. Her classes are not performance-based or competition-focused. They are grounded in the genuine philosophy of Aikido — the martial art of peace, harmony, and the redirection of force without aggression. Arena Fitness Dojo also welcomes students with special needs — a commitment that is rare in Philippine martial arts schools and reflects Sensei Arra's broader advocacy that movement and martial arts belong to everyone, at every age, at every ability level.

Your first class at Arena Fitness Dojo begins with a warm introduction to the philosophy and principles of Aikido — what it is, how it works, and why its techniques are effective for real-world self-defense situations. You will be guided through basic ukemi (falling and rolling techniques), fundamental stances and movements, and your first taste of partner practice in a completely safe and controlled environment. No prior martial arts experience is required. No special equipment is needed for your first class — comfortable athletic wear is perfectly fine. All you need to bring is an open mind and the willingness to learn something genuinely valuable.

Before enrolling in any Aikido school, ask these five questions. First — Is your school affiliated with Aikido Philippines AikiPhil? Second — Is your instructor's rank recognized by AikiPhil and traceable to Hombu Dojo Japan? Third — How many years has your head instructor been training and teaching? Fourth — Do you welcome beginners, kids, and students with no prior martial arts experience? Fifth — Is your location accessible and your schedule consistent? At Arena Fitness Dojo, the answer to all five questions is yes.

Arena Fitness Dojo is honored to be part of the Aikido Philippines — AikiPhil family. The AikiPhil community represents everything that authentic Aikido should be — principled, welcoming, technically rigorous, and genuinely committed to the growth of every practitioner regardless of age, background, or ability. We are grateful for their guidance, their recognition, and their continued support of legitimate Aikido practice across the Philippines. If you are serious about learning real Aikido — Aikido with verified lineage, internationally recognized rank, and a direct connection to Hombu Dojo Japan — Arena Fitness Dojo and the AikiPhil community are where you belong.

Ready to join a class or inquire about coaching? Reach Coach Arra directly:

🥋 Aikido — fb.com/arenafitnessdojo

🥋 Wushu & Taichi — fb.com/wushuartsacademy

🩰 Ballet & Taichi by appointment — fb.com/teacherarra

📚 Academic Coaching — fb.com/missarrac

📞 0936-921-8511

✉️ arrajeuneze@gmail.com

📍 Fisher Mall 4th Floor, Quezon Ave., Quezon City (Wushu, Aikido & Taichi — Weekends)

📍 Nerv Studios, OctoArts Building, 108 Panay Ave., Quezon City (Taichi & Ballet — Weekdays)

📍 Online — Nationwide & International (Academic Coaching — one on one, limited slots)