I am foster/grandma to my three grandchildren. My 11-year-old grandson has always been excited to try martial arts but is not a competitive child. He was allowed to try both Aikido and Taekwondo classes and chose Aikido. It has been a great class for him. He likes the style of teaching, his classmates and Sempai. He likes the opportunity to be successful in class every week. We are very pleased with the school, the discipline and most of all that my grandson loves it.
– Ms. Patricia B., Grandma
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I would definitely recommend Main Streets Martial Arts to anyone looking to get started in the martial arts. The positive training environment allows for all levels of training and the instructors really work with you to help you to achieve your goals.
As an Aikido and Iaijutsu student I’ve been challenged both physically and intellectually. Werth Sensei (Aikido) and McGuirl Sensei (Joshima Budo) are both friendly, approachable, and highly trained. MSMA keeps with dojo traditions while keeping the training fun and enjoyable.
If you’re contemplating on where to start training, Main St. Martial Arts is the place to go to!
– Mr. Max G., Firefighter
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My experience at MSMA has been excellent. The staff have been wonderful and I have had an excellent experience every time I am there. I highly recommend MSMA. The approach involves more than just learning techniques but understanding the meaning behind the techniques and how they apply in the real world.
– Mr. Derek T., Student
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My son has been attending this dojo for almost 5 years. He absolutely loves it. Not only has the training helped him to focus in school but it has improved his overall confidence. There is a true sense of community and support here. I would recommend attending to anyone.
– Ms. Melissa P., Mother
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I was quite impressed with the way Sensei Werth greeted us before class, having been fully prepped on the quirks of my sometimes overly sensitive 8-year old. What impressed me most is that he met us in regular clothing before dressing to lead the class – thereby giving my son an opportunity to interact with him as a regular person he might meet on the street as opposed to another instructor we’d visited a few years prior, who was already engaged in teaching students. My son was “incorporated” into the class, not just to observe, but to participate so he’d have a much better (hands on) opportunity to understand how the class was run. What continued to impress me was that Sensei Werth continued to be the genuine individual he is and not morph into someone teaching in a rote manner – he managed to meet each individual in the family class where they were, without judgement and clearly giving them the respect he aspired to be given himself. I wish I could introduce you to my son as a part of this review as it’s difficult to relay in writing how challenging he can be. He is silly at times, has hopelessly high expectations of his abilities (and himself) at other times…he’s probably just like any other boy aged 8-10 years old, but the only one that I’ve had to raise. He’s funny and smart, but always thinking, thinking, thinking, and if he thinks he can’t master something right away, he’s ready to throw in the towel and quit. Sensei Werth has a manner about him that is curious, respectful and encouraging – basically the patience of a saint when it comes to young children. How he and the co-owner of the dojo manage essentially a pack of wild wolves (boys) during a class (we’ve been to 3 now!) is amazing. Wait, don’t think there’s only young children in this class as well as beginners – no, there are adults and parents participating as well! My martial arts experience is limited and from well over 20 years ago, so I like to think I have a good idea of how classes can be run. My experience is more from a self-defense prospect; I very much enjoyed classes offered by my Sensei in college, but he did have a slightly different approach when he was addressing larger groups of individuals at varying levels and practicing Go-Jo-Ru Karate. Sensei Werth’s approach with students seems much more gentle and individualized – skills are not rushed and everyone is encouraged to participate at their level – whether it be skill and/or energy. Overall, this has been a very rewarding experience and I look forward to seeing my son’s self-confidence (the secondary goal) grow and hope he’s able to learn how to efficiently and safely burn off his abundant energy (primary goal).
– Ms. Crystal D., Master of Public Health
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My sense of feeling when I walked into the environment was extraordinary. It was a feeling of acceptance no matter what you look like or what ethnicity. Everyone is accepted for who they are. You become a family with other people with the same interest of Aikido, Taekwon-Do, or any of the Japanese or Korean practices of Martial Arts. The Sensei’s/teachers are amazing with children. They make it fun to learn for the children as well as the smaller children. I especially enjoy talking with the Sensei’s about goals for my children and to watch my children learn about themselves.
– Ms. Lynn M. and Mr. Mike C., Parents
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My experience with Sensei Werth has been a wonderful experience. I am enjoying his class. I enjoy the fact that after he demonstrates moves he comes by each individual and will watch how we do the moves as his students and is there to explain anything we are uncertain of and show us how to correct any errors we have. I hope to be able to learn the moves quicker and one day even teach it. I look forward to working with him more and achieve all I can through him.
– Mr. Marcel E., Student
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This is based on just one morning’s experience, but I’ve signed up for more. My goal is to be able to fall safely, and if I stick with this that goal should be met. The class was mostly kids, and to my surprise, mostly girls. Mr. Werth has a very engaging style and is good with kids, some of whom are more serious than others. Apparently he’s also good with old folks like me – not wanting me to overdo it at first. He may have included the initial instruction on falling backwards because I was there – clearly the other students are a lot more advanced. So I can recommend him for his obvious skill and flexible approach, all done with good humor.
– Ms. Joan L., Student
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Main Street Martial Arts is an excellent business. I am a student at RISD with no history in marital arts and was searching around Providence for a good martial arts dojo this winter. Main Street Martial Arts was by far the most impressive, professional, welcoming, and exciting organization I found, bar none. Werth Sensei is an incredibly thorough and motivational teacher who is wholly dedicated to the art of Aikido. It is extremely helpful how he integrates the beginning students’ practice with that of the more senior students. All in all, the Aikido classes are nothing less than exquisite, and you can’t find better instruction than you do with Werth Sensei. I am also enrolled in the exhilarating Olympic Taekwondo classes there. It is a ton of fun and is expertly taught by Sabumnim Abtin Timothy, a Team USA Gold Medalist in the ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships.
The community at MSMA is so incredibly helpful and fun to be around. Werth Sensei generously worked with me on the monthly price to make it affordable for a full time student, which is something special you will not find at most dojos or gyms in the area.
I could not recommend the classes at MSMA more highly. Even if it is one class per week, the lessons and the people there make the entire week better, ESPECIALLY if you have a normally hectic and stressful schedule.
– Mr. Otis G., Student
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My life has certainly changed for the better since I started at Main Street Martial Arts. At first I had been a bit skeptical, given that I had studied at different dojos and received mixed results in my training. By the end of my first class however, any doubts I had about MSMA were thrown out the window. The positive atmosphere the school gives off is like nothing else I have ever experienced, and the staff are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Dojo traditions and courtesies are upheld to the highest form possible while still remaining a modern day dojo. Everyone is taught to practice respect, politeness, and gratitude on the mat so that when you leave the mat, the values follow and stay with you. I have only been a student of Werth Sensei for about 3 months, but under his tutelage, my mind, body, and spirit have begun a journey towards the very essence of what it means to be a martial artist. Through Aikido practice, my body has become more flexible and lean. The warm-ups at the start of each class never fail to work up a sweat and consist of a good balance between stretching, calisthenics and cardio. The actual Aikido class has a constant diversity that keeps things interesting. All students work together regardless of rank, experience, and even age to create an environment where no one feels out of place or left behind. We learn, train, and grow together. The techniques taught every class also range to fit each students’ level appropriately. Though some advanced techniques can be a bit overwhelming at first, no student is left in the dark. The instructors and senior students are always willing give assistance to those who need it as well as showcase their skills to demonstrate what hard work and patience will yield to you in time. MSMA also offers Zen Meditation practice as part of the Aikido curriculum. It is a wonderful way to wind down after a class and even as a strict beginner you can feel the refreshing benefits after every session. Along with meditation, Werth Sensei offers lessons on the strategic game of Go. This game will test your mind and thought process like no other and rounds out the instruction for a very balanced curriculum. Through studying at MSMA, I have come to believe that anyone with an interest in martial arts will benefit from any of the programs they have to offer.
– Mr. Zach F., Security Officer
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My family and I love the atmosphere and family feeling at Main Street Martial Arts. We are already learning a lot about Taekwondo and enjoy our instructor’s enthusiasm, knowledge and ability! I always leave with a big smile!
– Ms. Taylor J., Student and Parent
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Hi, I have been a part of the Main Street Martial Arts dojo when my busy life allows me, but when I have been there I have to say that its a great place to learn and they really make you feel like family. The comprehensive programs that they offer are amazing! Master Werth Sensei and his instructors are all great and they teach the importance of respect, self-discipline, patience and self-control. They not only teach self defense but at the same time they also teach you how to be in control of your inner-self. They work with you to help you meet and reach your goals no matter how big or small.
– Ms. Karen C., Student
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I’ve been a student at Main Street Martial Arts for several years. I know from personal experience that Werth Sensei, during his more than thirteen years of developing this dojo, puts all of his energy, his love and himself into this place. He loves Aikido, but beyond practicing Aikido himself, he has made spreading appreciation and knowledge of Aikido into a lifetime project. It is truly a labor of love. This dojo that he has created is one of the most welcoming and accessible martial arts environments that you are likely to find. It is one of joy and cooperation, which is the way that Aikido is supposed to be. And even though Werth Sensei is very concerned about offering authentic Aikido to his students, I have never found the dojo to be stuffy, formal or intimidating, even back when I came in as a new student. And I was never pushed to do things that I wasn’t ready to do. If you have tried martial arts in the past but have been put off by an overly tough or stiff atmosphere, then I think that you’ll find Main Street Martial Arts to be a good contrast. Practicing Aikido here has been incredibly rewarding for me. When I first started, I didn’t even know what I was looking for. But I found all kinds of challenges, starting with an entirely new way of looking at the world. Werth Sensei and his many wonderful and dedicated students have made it all possible. This place is a community in the most genuine sense of the word, and if you’re in the Providence area and you want to try Aikido, then I highly recommend that you start here.
– Mr. David S., Senior Software Engineer
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Main Street Martial Arts Family Community Center is a welcoming, creative, inspirational place for any woman, man, girl or boy to learn something. I highly recommend using their services.
– Ms. AJ M., Student
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One way Aikido has changed my life is through the local community I’ve grown involved with since starting. In September I returned to Providence after a year away and very much wanted to get to know people nearby. Through training and other activities at the dojo, I’ve gotten to know a wonderful, warm group of people. They are also in a variety of age groups and professions, so this has given me valuable perspective on life outside of my academic community. Practicing Aikido has also given me more confidence in other areas of my life. Especially, I am at a stage in my graduate work—the dissertation—where I write constantly with few tangible markers of progress. I remember when Werth Sensei reminded us of the significance of the learning process of Aikido, in addition to belt promotions and other measures of success. This is something I have appreciated about Aikido. In addition to the new ways I am learning to move and defend myself, practice in itself is satisfying. A day has never been a bad one when it ends with Aikido. In turn, I’ve tried to apply Werth Sensei’s lesson to my dissertation work. This wisdom has helped me to value the very gradual, humbling process of learning that it involves. With Aikido, I’ve grown stronger, more flexible, and much better able to respond to my training partner’s moves, without always anticipating them. I also greatly value that I am learning to defend myself, if that were ever necessary. MSMA, Werth Sensei, and Waldman Sensei help me to meet my goals because they are patient while maintaining very high standards. Neither has ever pushed me to try something I was not yet comfortable with. Both have kept reviewing mechanics of certain moves until I better understood them. They also keep a sharp eye on areas where each of their students can improve, and offer suggestions when it is time for one of us to further hone our skills. I recommend MSMA to everyone who could be interested. It is an excellent way to meet people, get in shape, and gain some interesting new perspectives on life.
– Ms. Andrea M., Student
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MSMA first and foremost to me is a family community that my son and I now belong to. I feel blessed to have found such a place. My 3 teachers/Sensei’s are wonderful as is my son’s Sensei. They promote health, safety, community, respectful etiquette, fun, camaraderie, empowerment, etc. Financially, they work with you if need be which shows they value your being there more importantly than the monetary aspect. Here’s a true story I hope you will enjoy. After I had recently begun the Women’s Aikido Class where learning how to fall is taught, I had the opportunity to use it, which saved me some big scrapes and possibly a broken wrist. I was walking my dog down the sidewalk and tripped on a garden stone that had jutted out, and went flailing. As I was falling forward with outstretched arms and hands to catch me (how I broke both wrists before) I automatically went into my Aikido roll, right there on the sidewalk, to a teenage onlooker’s amazement. It didn’t tickle but I was good; no, I was great. No scrapes, cuts, or broken wrist. And oh, so proud! (The teenager I think was impressed because he just kept standing there looking at a 47-year-old, a little overweight, woman do what she just did.) It works. Last night playing basketball I tripped on a player’s foot and went flailing once again and once again automatically rolled. I’m not even sore today. Same thing happened a couple months ago playing soccer, I stepped on the ball and went flying. The women said I had a beautiful roll. And that is only one aspect of Aikido, the falling. I needed to get back in touch with my body after 10 years of ignoring it and found Aikido and Yoga my ways.
– Ms. Marsha S., Student
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Werth Sensei is an outstanding professional and entrepreneur who delivers high quality family-centered programs. I have known Mr. Werth for over two years during which my family has benefited from his expertise as a Martial Arts instructor and as a community leader. My children attend Main Street Martial Arts and take part in several of their programs. Mr. Werth has a vision and commitment that has allowed him to continue to create innovative programs that are family centered and provide an environment where children can learn more than martial arts. Their learning experience extends to principles and values that guide them in their development as responsible, fun loving, disciplined individuals with a sense of community. I highly recommend Werth Sensei and Main Street Martial Arts to individuals of all ages and their families.
– Dr. Thamara D., Doctor and Parent
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I think what Michael Werth Sensei is doing for Aikido in the local area is phenomenal. He holds true to tradition without wavering, following the teachings and methods in the true tradition of Ueshiba O-Sensei. At first, I wasn’t following the point behind the rigorous standards of Werth Sensei’s teachings, and even went to another Aikido school for a bit, but then came to understand the reason behind sticking to the basics. The basics prepare one to train harder and safer and strengthen one’s inner body core. While the other school offered flash and cool methods, there was a lack of tradition and focus, and therefore the training there seemed empty and robotic. In addition to the rich training tradition at the Main Street Martial Arts dojo, Werth Sensei’s outreach to help others in the community, to serve those who cannot easily afford to train, is wonderful. Hopefully, this program will give the gift of training to all who cannot afford it but who have a strong desire to learn. Keep up the great work, Sensei.
– Mr. Paul G., Federal Officer/WMD Tech/CITR Team