Beginner Aikido and Iaido for Adults

Program Description


The Beginner Aikido and Iaido Program for Adults introduces new practitioners to the basic concepts and techniques of Aikido body arts, Aikido Weapons arts, Iaido and Iaijutsu. Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art of self-defense developed in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, or O-Sensei (Great Teacher) as he is called by Aikido students. Aikido is known for its graceful techniques: swift apparently effortless movements that fling an attacker through the air, or immobilize and control by means of subtle pressures to the joints. Above all, Aikido training is an encounter with one's self. The student of Aikido seeks to identify and gain control of the ways in which he or she reacts to opposition, and so learns to remain centered under all conditions. There are no contests in Aikido, no winners, no losers. Just honest practice, the exhilaration of learning new skills, and a lot of fun! Weapons practice is part of the Aikido curriculum but can be practiced independently of Aikido body arts. Practice takes place with bokken (wooden sword), jo (wooden staff) and tanto (wooden knife), and focuses both on solo practice (e.g. bokken suburi, jo suburi) and practice with one or more partners (e.g. kumi tachi, kumi jo). Iaido (pronounced ee-eye-do) is a traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship. It focuses on methods of drawing and cutting with the sword. There is no contact in Iaido - it is performed solo and helps develop mental discipline and physical skills through the practice and perfection of forms called kata. We study and practice the curriculum of the Muso Shinden Ryu style of Iaido as established by Mitsunari Kanai Sensei. Iaijutsu is a quick-draw sword art, part of the Ryushin Shouchi Ryu, a school of kobudo or ancient martial arts. This system originated from traditional Japanese swordsmanship techniques that have been transmitted over hundreds of years, distilling the wisdom, discipline and determination of generations of masters.The current headmaster of Ryushin Shouchi Ryu is Kunikazu Yahagi Soke.
● FOR WHO	The Program is specifically tailored for adults who have no previous experience and are interested in trying out Aikido, Aikido Weapons Iaido and Iaijutsu.
● FOCUS	With an emphasis on safety, beginners learn the fundamentals of Aikido practice including etiquette, footwork, body movement, posture, positioning, basic techniques and falling safely, all under the supervision of senior instructors. The initial focus of Aikido Weapons practice is the proper holding and handling of the wooden sword (bokken) and the wooden staff (jo), fundamental postures, basic cuts and blocks and simple paired exercises. In Iaido and Iaijutsu beginning students learn fundamental cuts, simple kata and how to sheathe and quickly draw an iaito (pronounced ee-eye-toh), an imitation Japanese sword.
● BENEFITS	Among many other benefits, the practice of Aikido and Aikido Weapons improves health, increases flexibility, sharpens reflexes, enhances coordination, improves body alignment and promotes relaxation. The practice of Iaido and Iaijutsu helps develop mental discipline and physical skills. These are fun and excellent ways to learn self-defense and the most modern of Japanese martial arts.

How do I join?

Joining the Beginner Aikido and Iaido Program for Adults is really easy and consists of 3 steps:

Registration
Register by completing this REGISTRATION FORM.
When we receive it we will send you a confirmation email with additional instructions and an invitation to a free trial class.
Trial class
Come to the dojo for a no-obligation free trial class.
Payment
If you want to continue you make a payment and join the dojo.

How much does it cost?

For a limited time we are offering a PROMOTIONAL RATE that includes:

3 months of unlimited classes in the program
A free Aikido uniform (while supplies last)
Examination for 6th kyu in Aikido
All for $360 (regular price $490 plus cost of uniform)
Note: The promotional rate includes Aikido, Weapons Iaido and Iaijutsu, but you can choose to attend only 1, 2 or 3 of them if you prefer.
Regular fees apply after the 3 month Promotional Rate period.

Payment can be made

in cash or by cheque at the dojo,
by e-transfer to torontoaikikai[at]gmail.com, or
through Paypal or a credit card with the button below.

Please note:

Please do not send payment via Paypal to the email address above as it only works for e-transfers. For payments with Paypal or with a credit card please use the button above. Thanks.

Additional Information and FAQs

When and where are the classes held?
The Beginner Aikido and Iaido Program for Adults starts on Mondays and runs for 3 months.
Beginners can attend an unlimited number of Aikido, Aikido Weapons and Iaido classes as shown on the schedule below.
The Aikido Weapons classes include jo or the wooden staff and bokken or the wooden sword.

This is the Beginner Aikido Program class schedule:

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
					IAIDO Eric 9:30-10:30 am	CHILDREN Joe, Kelly 9:30-10:15 am
					WEAPONS Sensei 10:45-11:45 am	AIKIDO Joel 10:30-11:30 am
	CHILDREN Joe, Otto 5:00-5:45 pm	YOUTH Joel 4:45-5:45 pm			AIKIDO Sensei 12:00-1:00 pm	IAIJUTSU Joel 11:45- 1:00 pm
IAIDO Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	WEAPONS Sensei 6:00-7:00 pm	IAIDO Sensei/Yelitza 6:00-7:00 pm	AIKIDO Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	YOUTH Alireza 5:45-6:45 pm
AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO TEST PREP Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Alireza 7:00-8:00 pm

Can I visit the dojo to observe a class?
Yes. You do not need an appointment to observe any of our classes.
Can I try a free class ?
Yes. Please register by following the instructions above.
What should I wear and bring for the trial class?
Comfortable clothes or gym clothes, but no shorts please.
We may be able to lend you a visitor uniform for the day if we have one in your size.
Is a uniform required?
After joining the dojo you will require a white martial arts uniform and a pair of sandals for walking within the dojo while off the mat.
Are there COVID-19 related requirements?
We follow standard safety protocols.
Wearing a face mask at the dojo is optional.
What should I expect when arriving for a class?
Practice on the mat is barefoot.
Before joining a class you will be required to sanitize your hands and feet.

Is this the right program for me?
To help you decide, the following table shows what is included in each of the Promotion Programs.

PROGRAM	Includes Aikido?	Includes Weapons?	Includes Iaido?	Includes Iaijutsu?
Aikido
Aikido and Iaido
Iaido / Weapons

Do you have additional questions?
We'll be happy to answer them.
Please contact us.