Traditional Aikido
in Philadelphia

A martial arts dojo in Brewerytown. Rigorous, challenging, supportive. Training mind, body, and spirit since 2019.

Try Your First Class Free
Learn More
Aikido throw at Lemon Hill Aikido
The Art

What is Aikido?

“True victory is victory over oneself.”— Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei

Founded in Japan, Aikido is a noncompetitive martial art that trains mind, body, and spirit through intense partner practice.

We maintain a traditional Japanese dojo that fosters the growth of the individual through difficult training. We welcome all Philadelphians who seek something deeper.

What We Offer

Aikido, Weapons,
Zazen, Misogi

Aikido class
01

Aikido

合気道

Born in a time of world wars, Aikido develops the individual and, through intense practice, harmony between attacker and receiver.

Weapons training
02

Weapons

武器

We train with jo (staff) and bokken (sword) as a way of extending our Aikido outward. A challenging but deeply rewarding practice.

Students seated in zazen meditation
03

Zazen

座禅

Zazen is a form of Zen meditation. We practice zazen to still our minds and achieve ultimate harmony. Deceptively simple, but arduous.

Misogi purification practice
04

Misogi

禊

An ancient Shinto purification practice. Through intense breathing exercises, we push past perceived limits and forge an unshakeable spirit.

Where We Train

Inside the Dojo

We train upstairs at 2511 W Girard Ave in Brewerytown. Facing Koa Strength, take the door just to the left of the gym entrance and head up the stairs.

Dojo life
Dojo life
Dojo life
Dojo life
Dojo life
From Our Students
★★★★★5.0 on Google · 40+ reviews
Carlo I.
“I started here as a complete novice, and in not the best physical shape. It's been a struggle, but practicing here has really improved my life. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and skilled teachers, and I believe that there's something offered here for everyone. The physical practice includes body art as well as weapons. Additionally, Zazen meditation and Misogi are offered. The care that is taken by all members for the dojo is special and a sort of practice in itself.”

— Carlo I.

Val L.
“Returning to my practice at this dojo has been truly invigorating to both my mental training, as well as my body health and conditioning. Andrés has a good sense of where each student is at, and really pushes each person to their own personal limits. I can feel myself improving progressively. Besides all that, the people here are really nice; it's not competitive, we're all working towards the same goals.”

— Val L.

Ben S.
“Lemon Hill Aikido has introduced me to Aikido. I started with zero knowledge and no martial arts experience. The instructor is kind but rigorous and has gladly given me the attention and teaching I need to learn and grow. There is no coddling here, and if you are looking for a challenge of mind and body, this is the place.”

— Ben S.

J
“The movement in the teachings express human emotions that are beautiful, loving, powerful, frail, and ultimately never lies. The community is nice and welcoming. The students are kind to all. I highly recommend Lemon Hill Aikido to newcomers and those experienced.”

— Joon L.

J
“Lemon Hill is a great school. The training is rigorous and there is a culture of dedication and respect that extends the training into all aspects of practice.”

— James S.

D
“I am a new student, not yet 1 year in. I am so grateful to begin this learning journey with Lemon Hill Aikido. I always leave class feeling equal parts ready, activated, and curious to learn more.”

— Danielle C.

Faina I.
“My partner trains at this dojo, and it has had a tremendous effect not only on his physical ability but his confidence and his general demeanor. The practice covers not only your body but also your mind and spirit.”

— Faina I.

L
“This Dojo is a special space, the training is profound, focused and disciplined. The teaching is excellent. During my visit I had an amazing experience. I wish I lived in the city to train here regularly.”

— Luisa C.

Rob B.
“I have been doing Aikido for a long time and really enjoy this dojo. It's high-level practice with body conditioning and meditation. The instructor is knowledgeable and patient with great communication skills.”

— Rob B.

Weekly Schedule

Train With Us

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. Doors lock when class starts.
First time? Book your free trial.

Monday

Aikido

7:00 – 8:00 PM

Misogi

8:15 – 9:00 PM

Wednesday

Aikido

7:00 – 7:50 PM

Start here

Weapons

7:50 – 8:30 PM

Zazen

8:45 – 9:15 PM

Thursday

Aikido

7:00 – 7:45 PM

Aikido

7:45 – 8:30 PM

Misogi

8:45 – 9:15 PM

Saturday

Aikido

11:00 – 11:50 AM

Weapons

11:50 AM – 12:30 PM

Zazen

12:45 – 1:30 PM

Pricing

Join the Dojo

Money an issue?
We offer need-based .

Start Here
Free

Your first class. No commitment, no credit card.

Get Started
Visitor
$20 / class

Visiting from another dojo? Train with us for the day.

Pay Now
Member
$100 / month

Unlimited classes. All disciplines included.

If you can, please consider contributing more. It keeps our dojo running.

Subscribe
Birankai Annual
$75 / year

Yearly dues for ranked members to Birankai, the aikido federation we belong to.

Pay Dues
Andrés Cruciani performing a throw
Chief Instructor

Andrés Cruciani

Yondan (Fourth Degree Black Belt)

Originally from Argentina, Andrés Cruciani Sensei began training in 2008. Under his teacher, Ryūgan Savoca Sensei (Brooklyn Aikikai), Cruciani Sensei trained in aikido, weapons, misogi, zazen, and iaido.

He traveled the world as Savoca Sensei’s otomo (attendant) and was initiated into the rigorous ascetic practice of misogi at Ichikukai Dojo in Japan.

A teacher, writer, and former publisher, Cruciani Sensei founded the original dojo in 2019 at St. Michael’s Church in Kensington. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spencer Cobrin Sensei (a fellow student from Brooklyn Aikikai) joined the effort. Together they began training via Zoom, and soon they moved outdoors to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park by Lemon Hill Mansion, giving the dojo its name.

Cobrin Sensei taught and co-led the dojo for three years, and the dojo owes much of its early shape to his teaching. He stepped away in late 2023 to pursue other interests; Cruciani Sensei continues running the dojo, and pushing its members!

Lineage
Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei)▶T.K. Chiba Sensei▶Ryūgan Savoca Sensei▶Andrés Cruciani Sensei
FAQ

Common Questions

We know starting a martial art can feel intimidating. Here are the answers to what most people ask.

None at all. Most of our members started as complete beginners. We welcome people who want to try something new, get in shape, or who have trained before and are looking for a serious dojo.
We're upstairs at 2511 W Girard Ave in Brewerytown. Use the door just to the LEFT of the Koa Strength entrance, then head up the stairs. Come 10-15 minutes early for your first class and we'll meet you at the top.
Girard Ave is metered. Free street parking is usually easy to find a block south, around Robert Morris School at 26th and Thompson.
Wear sweatpants and a t-shirt (or change at the dojo). We train barefoot.
Yes, if you train it honestly, and it takes time. We work with real grabs, real strikes, and partners who don't always cooperate. You'll build awareness, technical skill, and the ability to fall without getting hurt. There's no competition in Aikido, but we take the training seriously.
Come as you are. Training is rigorous, but we meet each student where they are. You'll build fitness naturally through practice. We have members of all ages and fitness levels. Your first class includes learning to fall and applying some basic joint locks.
Yes! We recently welcomed several teenagers to the dojo, and it's been a wonderful addition to our community. Aikido offers young people discipline, focus, physical challenge, and a supportive environment that goes far beyond a typical sport.
We believe Aikido should be available to all, regardless of income. We offer partial need-based scholarships to serious students. Email us to inquire.
Not to start. If you continue, you'll need a dogi (training uniform, about $60 to $90). For weapons classes you'll eventually need a bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff). We'll tell you what to get and when.
Begin

Your First Class
Is Free

No commitment, no experience needed. Pick a date and show up ready to train.

Book Your Free Class

Have a question first? Send us a message.

hello@lemonhillaikido.com(971) AIKIDO-1

or email hello@lemonhillaikido.com  |  text or call (971) AIKIDO-1