San Gabriel Japanese Community & Cultural Center

A welcoming place with great groups in a small community setting. I found the place while looking at different community centers, searching for activities that piqued my interest.
I’ve been a member since 2013.

Awesome!

Wow, surprised to see this on here. Nice.
Well, my review is biased because I’m a member, but that being said, I wouldn’t be a member here if it wasn’t a good investment in time.
This center is a non-​profit organization, and is one of the oldest in Los Angeles, having been established in the 1920’s. The annual membership fee is modest, and includes the «San Gabriel Nikkei Quarterly» newsletter containing articles and upcoming events. One of the things that is unique about this center is the family-​style atmosphere generated by the senior members and board of directors.
The center offers a number of activities. Some are related to Japanese culture, while others represent community based groups. At the time of this review they are as follows:
— The San Gabriel Judo Dojo: This martial art group is well established and HIGHLY recommended. They only teach kids, and have an excellent instructional staff, many of which grew up as kids training at the center before becoming instructors. This is a great, positive activity and cultural experience for kids.
— The Nikkei Senior Group (Keirokai): Also a great group of seniors who meet at least weekly for lunch, bingo, and other activities. They also take regular group trips to places like Las Vegas. This is a very popular group with a large membership.
— Sogetsu Ikebana: This is a traditional Japanese flower arranging class.
— Nippon Minyo Kenkyukai: Instruction in traditional Japanese dances.
— Nippon Kokusei-​ryu Shiginkai Kakuyo: A school that preserves classical Japanese singing.
— Daito-​ryu Aikijujutsu Kodokai: A rare classical Japanese style of jujutsu /​aikijujutsu martial arts. This art is for adults only, and there are no competitions. Training consists primarily of throws and take downs from various attacks and positions. Great for self-​defense or law enforcement. This art was the forerunner of modern Aikido.
— Ono-​ha Itto-​ryu Hyoho: One of the most famous and oldest classical Japanese styles of swordsmanship, once taught to the Shogun. This is for adults only, and there are no competitions. The dojo representatives are direct members of the headmaster in Tokyo, Japan, which makes this a rare opportunity to recieve direct transmission in the art here in America. This art was the forerunner of modern Kendo.
— Qi Gong: A Chinese art of energy cultivation, manipulation, and movement. While this art has a martial art component to it, this class is focused on improving health and longevity.
— Where Eagle’s Soar: A non-​profit Christian fellowship that meets once a week at the center on Sundays.
Those interested in membership or any of the above activities can try calling during activity hours at: (626) 286‑9850, however, currently trying to call in is not the best way to make contact. Until a web page can be put up, the best option is to swing by and visit during activity hours.
Help preserve this historical center and be a part of a positive community of people!