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About
Hello there! My name is Christian Noll, the founder, owner, and instructor at Arundel Aikikai. I connect people to meaningful martial arts training experiences to help people become their own, best defender.
I structure the curriculum for my private lessons around the martial-arts movement-mechanics of Aikido. Training content focuses on teaching students how to freely and creatively respond in any self-defense situation. By joining me on a martial arts journey guided the Aikido curriculum, you will discover the peaceful freedom of unlimited responses to an infinite number of attacks.
Martial arts training has deeply benefited my health in body, brain, and mind. I believe these benefits to be worthwhile - and achievable - for everyone. To ensure you have the best chance to effectively gain these benefits, I meet with you to understand your personal situation and your training goals before working with you.
Through training with me you will connect the meaningful martial arts movement to what matters most; the unique challenges you face in your life.
I hope to train with you soon!
Overview
Hired 2 times
Serves Annapolis, MD
Background checked
1 employee
12 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for value, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
7 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Natt F.
Jul 25, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Christian has taught me skills that not only help me in martial arts, but also in everyday life. He does a really good job of connecting all the major components of body, mind and spirit. He is very methodical and does a great job tailoring his lessons to fit my learning style. The cool part is that he keeps very fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. I highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed. I even have my wife doing it with me!
Private Self Defense Lessons
Kim G.
Oct 1, 2018
My son is very shy and isn't into sports. He tried the free two week trial and after that he was hooked. Instructor Christian is absolutely perfect with his way of teaching. My son understands what he's saying and enjoys Instructor Christian humor too. I'm so blessed that we found this class and I would recommend it to anyone.
Jeffrey H.
Sep 19, 2017
Christian Noll so skillfully injects humor into every training session that you might not realize how much you've learned until you're done for the day.
Since starting at Arundel Aikikai 10 months or so ago, I have not had a single bad experience. The more advanced students never begrudge working with a beginner, instead helping to further enhance the good instruction that Christian provides. The environment is low-pressure so that I've never felt bad for having trouble with a technique or not remembering something from a previous session. At the same time, I feel like I'm learning a lot in every lesson.
I would definitely recommend taking aikido here, no matter who you are or where you are in life.
Samantha D.
Feb 2, 2018
This is not a typical self-defense class. This is a re-training of my mind to better understand the physical forces at work, so I can then retrain my body to respond in a most efficient way. I am already feeling more empowered and in charge of my body. This is flowing over to my mind as I begin to take more control over decisions I make and relationships I am in. This is a self-defense class for my entire being- not just my body.
Erin O.
Oct 3, 2018
Christian is a great teacher for me and my fiancee. He is patient and if his explanation does not come across to us, his example of the moves and the true reason for the moves is explained which leads to a better knowledge of this art for us. While in New York City recently, I experienced a feeling of security that I cannot pinpoint except to say that Christian's lessons have given me a greater confidence in myself. Thank you Christian!!!
Credentials
Background Check
Christian Noll
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My training sessions are for 90 minutes/1.5 hours. Discounts apply when scheduling multiple lessons, with prices as low as $52.50 per 90 minute session. Additional discounts apply when multiple students train (any additional students pay half-price!).
I train with students in their homes (or other student-selected location). Students are also invited to travel to my location in Glen Burnie MD.
Any students actively taking private lessons are also free to attend any regular Aikido classes at Arundel Aikikai at no extra cost.
Scheduling sessions is flexible, with time available early mornings, day-time, and evening.
Martial arts training sessions normally include a curriculum check-in, stretching, basic exercises, and technique training.
Curriculum can cover a diverse set of situations based on student input/requests. Longer sessions give students the best chance to practice, ask questions, and discover their answers.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Before setting up lessons, I meet with (or talk with via phone) all potential clients to become familiar with their personal situations and training goals.
This meeting is always free and functions as a no-obligation quote for training with me. It allows you to learn more about me and to build a self-defense curriculum structured around your unique needs. You are encouraged to take ownership of your martial arts journey, and this meeting is a critical step in that process.
In-person meetings can be conducted at a location of your choosing. Phone meetings are a possible alternative but limit my ability to conduct a detailed assessment.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a professor of martial arts at Anne Arundel County Community College, and the owner/instructor of Arundel Aikikai. I have dan ranking (black belt) in both classical Korean Karate and the Japanese martial art of Aikido. I have additionally trained at length (unranked) in the Chinese martial art of Pa'gua (boxing) as well as the Japanese martial art of Iaido (sword).
In addition to martial arts experience, I have a Master's Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, as well as a Human Services Certificate from Anne Arundel Community College focusing on mental health support.
I have strong experience in cross-cultural environments and international communities. I also have over 5 years of work experience in both professional emergency medical response and mental health support/case management.
