Say hello to Jay Tall

Tell us something about yourself/profession/background:

I own a construction company, a real estate development company, and a garbage company. I also own and manage a real estate holdings company, dealing primarily with multi-family dwellings. In addition, I co-own a real estate brokerage company with my partner, Hal Lehrman Shihan.

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When did you open your own dojo or become Chief Instructor of your dojo?

I have been on the board of Aikido of Park Slope for three decades. After the death of Rick Stickles Sensei, Yamada Sensei asked Hal Sensei to ensure the future of ASNJ. Because of my experience with Aikido of Park Slope and my move to NJ, Hal Sensei and I purchased ASNJ from Stickles Sensei's heirs in 2016. I took on the responsibilities of Dojo Cho in 2019. This is the fourth martial arts dojo in which I have had a managerial role.

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What do you consider some of your greatest achievements as dojo cho?

I write a monthly (or so) newsletter that I started during Covid in order to stay in contact with our membership. It has grown and now reaches more people than I expected. I am approached at many seminars with people asking if I am "the guy who writes the newsletter." I also feel one of my greatest achievements has been creating a dojo that is focused on its community, where people with various backgrounds and unique qualities come together to learn and study Aikido, Iaido, Tai Chi Chuan, Yoga and meditation, all while supporting and nurturing one another other.

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What have been some of your biggest challenges as dojo cho?

I have had to rebuild the dojo twice. First when it lost half the membership when its founder, Stickles Sensei, passed, and then again when we lost 2/3 of the membership due to Covid. We are now thriving and growing because we enlisted senior students of Stickles Sensei into significant leadership positions, enabling us to endure and remain successful.

 

Are you working on any aikido-related projects?

We are planning a large event to honor the founder of ASNJ Shihan Stickles' ten year memorial in June of 2025. In addition, I spend a lot of time helping other dojos start, expand or create new programs, from recently installing AC in Park Slope (I built the dojo) to helping New York Aikikai with the legal, financial and construction aspects of their latest endeavor. I have helped 3 dojos purchase their buildings with real estate advice and reviewing their contracts, and I assist dojos when they need repairs or upgrades. I have and continue to happily share any of the programs we have created. at ASNJ. All our curricula are in writing.

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What works best for you to attract new students?

First is strong SEO, mostly focused on Google, and second is word-of-mouth. We have a first month discount promotion to make it easier to give Aikido a try, and we offer a family discount as 2/3's of our members are related. And retention is crucial, so programs like the "Big Senpai" program are important, as well as making sure every student has access to contact me directly. Everyone has my cell phone number.​​

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Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Running a dojo is secondary to my practice. As the person who represents ASNJ, I am a passionate student. If my love of my practice is not first and foremost, why would anyone join? I take as many classes as my schedule will allow. I practice Tai Chi Chuan and meditate at home. Hal and I share what we are working on and try to explore these things everyday. Being a dojo cho is about loving to learn more Aikido. That is the core of ASNJ.