MOVE WITH PURPOSE. BUILD STRENGTH. FIND YOUR BALANCE.

Adult Aikido at MCRPD-Classes start OCTOBER 26th 2026

Where: 579 S Franklin St Fort Bragg (MCRPD Martial Arts Studios)

Cost: FIRST CLASS IS FREE! $15 drop-in by cash or venmo at the studios OR REGISTER HERE!

Ages: 16-up 

Taught by black belt instructor Aaron Goertzen

Aaron Goertzen-see below for black belt certification

ABOUT AARON GOERTZEN M.A.

 

With a passion for helping others grow stronger in body and mind, Arron brings together decades of experience in martial arts, mental health, wellness, and community care.

Aaron holds black belts in Ki and Iwama Ryu Aikido and a blue sash in Tiger Claw Kung Fu. Through Aikido, he enjoys helping individuals and groups develop confidence, focus, and personal strength. He believes that true Budo—the martial way—combines selflessness, kindness, and being true to oneself.

For 15 years, he has owned Andersson Care in Fort Bragg, helping more than 1,000 local residents remain in their homes. His professional background also includes serving as a therapist and Mental Health Crisis Manager for Lake and Mendocino Counties, working as a primary therapist with St. Helena Hospital in Lake County, and supporting adolescents with serious emotional disturbances in Santa Rosa.

His commitment to wellness continues beyond the mat. He recently earned three certifications from Harvard Medical School in lifestyle, nutrition, and wellness coaching. An avid enthusiast of weightlifting, strength training, and conditioning, Aaron believes nutrition and movement can play an important role in improving quality of life.

Outside of his work, he  enjoys fine art, building a classic Alfa Romeo, learning German, and creating a Zen garden at his home. Whether through Aikido, strength training, or nutritional counseling, his goal is to help people discover their strengths and create positive change in their lives.

 

Discover a martial art that brings movement, mindfulness, and practical self-defense together. Aikido emphasizes balance, coordination, and working with an opponent’s movement rather than relying on brute strength.

Build confidence, improve flexibility, reduce stress, and connect with others through focused practice.

What to expect in class:

• Centering & preparation: Begin with a respectful bow and a brief quiet moment to settle your mind and focus.
• Warm-ups & mobility: Prepare your body with stretching, joint movements, and breathing exercises.
• Safe falling & rolling: Practice techniques that help protect your body and build confidence on the mat.
• Footwork & balance: Learn to pivot, maintain stability, and move smoothly with a partner.
• Partner practice: Explore controlled throws, pins, and responses to grabs or strikes, with an emphasis on technique and cooperation.
• Traditional weapons practice: As training progresses, wooden practice weapons may help develop awareness of distance, timing, and alignment.
• Reflection & gratitude: Finish with a respectful bow, acknowledging your instructor and training partners.

A noncompetitive practice with benefits beyond the mat—greater focus, calm, resilience, and confidence.