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. Through training with me you'll discover the fluidity, forcefulness, and fun of meaningful martial arts training; effective martial arts movement that leaves the ego of meanness and machismo out of the experience. 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!
I began martial arts training in 1999 while attending Gettysburg College and haven't stopped! In addition to the physical activity, it provided a strong sense of sanity during the pressures of collegiate studies. It has been a cherished activity for me, providing both a source of mental calm and physical challenge for me ever since. I've treasured the chances I've had over the years to share the gift of martial arts training with others.
I gladly teach anyone looking to begin -- or continue -- a martial arts journey. I am happy to train anyone interested in Aikido’s martial arts movement mechanics and enjoy empowering others in their own self-defense. I believe everyone has the ability to define and defend their space and safety. I specialize in providing meaningful martial arts training experiences for diverse students; including those who may encounter difficulties in traditional training environments. This could be students who are: facing cognitive or movement challenges; living with chronic medical or mental health conditions; or students marginalized and threatened in their relationships or communities.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
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.
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 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.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
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 when scheduling/purchasing 6 sessions at once. Additional discounts apply when multiple students participate (any additional students pay half-price!). The full, non-discounted cost of a single session for one student is $75. If you have questions about cost or discounts let me know; I'm happy to help!
How did you get started teaching?
I began martial arts training in 1999 while attending Gettysburg College and haven't stopped. In addition to the physical activity, it provided a strong sense of sanity during the pressures of collegiate studies. It has been a cherished activity for me, providing both a source of mental calm and physical challenge for me ever since. I've treasured the chances I've had over the years to share the gift of martial arts training with others.
What types of students have you worked with?
I gladly teach anyone looking to begin -- or continue -- a martial arts journey. I am happy to train anyone interested in Aikido’s martial arts movement mechanics and enjoy empowering others in their own self-defense. I believe everyone has the ability to define and defend their space and safety. I specialize in providing meaningful martial arts training experiences for diverse students; including those who may encounter difficulties in traditional training environments. This could be students who are: facing cognitive or movement challenges; living with chronic medical or mental health conditions; or students marginalized and threatened in their relationships or communities.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I'm proud of the recent outreach seminars I've been able to do through my local library system. I've hosted two seminars on topics important to me; one on empowerment self-defense and one focused on diversity in conflict resolution and cross cultural communications.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Before beginning any martial arts training, strongly consider why you want to train and what you would like to get out of training. If you need help or would like my input, I'd be happy to talk more about this during the initial assessment.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
There are many studios that offer diverse products - some of them are brawling pits disguised as martial arts, while others are dance studios in a martial arts disguise. Still others seem to be daycare centers disguised as martial arts. Being clear in what you are looking for will help you see the truth of things. The "best" martial art is the one you've been training in the longest. There are no secret moves or techniques; just time in training.