Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Lambert.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Mike Lambert. I am a husband, a father of two, and I’ve worn many hats over the years: an Aikido Shodan (Black Belt), a certified private pilot, and a musician, alongside my earlier career as a programmer and business owner.
Music was my early passion, but after some time touring, I felt drawn to a new field. I went back to school to study computers. My wife and I started a company in South Florida called The Computer Center, and later, I also started a software company. The timing was right to step away from that world once my children were grown and those professional commitments were met. That allowed my wife and me to happily move to Anderson, South Carolina.
While coaching at a local soccer field, I met Sensei Emmanuel Herzog, who invited my family to try Aikido classes. That introduction sparked what has become a 20-year journey so far. I found the study of Aikido incredibly fulfilling, much more so than any martial art I had studied previously.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
About ten years into my practice, I was diagnosed with severe, debilitating knee issues—a result of past running and physically demanding activities. I was left unable to kneel and had difficulty walking. I made the choice to pursue intensive physical therapy, deep tissue work, and other alternative treatments, choosing to avoid surgery. It took a full year, but I was able to fully recover. I could once again kneel, fall, and perform all the movements required in Aikido. And then, at the age of 55, I successfully passed my test for my Black Belt. I was deeply grateful to simply be back on the mat and continue practicing.
As you know, we’re big fans of Upstate Aikido. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I was looking for a dojo in Anderson and was fortunate that one opened nearby. I trained there for a short period, but the owner, Sensei Ivan, had to leave the country unexpectedly. He approached me and asked if I would consider taking over the dojo to keep Aikido available for the community. I was honored. Since my certification is with the United States Aikido Federation (Aikikai style), which was a different lineage, I rebranded it to Upstate Aikido and began teaching that curriculum.
Like many dojos, we provide thorough instruction in the art and culture of Aikido, but our unique focus is on holistic wellness. Our adult classes incorporate substantial stretching and aerobic work before we even begin techniques. We cultivate a very calm, peaceful atmosphere—it’s more Zen than it is aggressive. Students learn the crucial skill of Ukemi (rolls and falls), which fosters balance and flexibility, making our classes a complete workout. Adult classes are currently Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday mornings, with a weapons class on Wednesday evenings.
Our kids’ class is similar in structure, but the training is often delivered through fun games and exercises to keep them moving, entertained, and happy. We’ve built up quite quickly and are looking at possibly expanding those class times soon. Currently, kids’ classes run Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Selecting the correct martial art for you is a challenge. The pervasive search for the singularly “best” martial art is a historical and logical fallacy; if one were truly supreme, all others would be obsolete. The true inquiry must shift from external comparison to personal introspection. Before training, define your individual objectives: Is it the specialized mastery required for high-level Mixed Martial Arts competition, the rugged necessity of self-preservation in high-risk environments, or the pursuit of discipline, cultural insight, balance, and lifelong health? The spectrum is vast—from Tai Chi’s fluidity and Taekwondo’s athleticism to BJJ’s specialized combat and Aikido’s philosophical harmony. Therefore, when a practitioner champions their art, they testify only to its efficacy for their specific journey. The “best” martial art is not a fixed destination; it is the one perfectly aligned with your unique purpose and desired evolution.
Pricing:
- Adults: $150/mo
- Kids $130/mo
- Families: Call for special pricing
- Teaching your discipline at the dojo: call for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://UpstateAikido.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upstateaikido/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upstateaikido
