Toronto Aikikai has classes for men, women and children at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Visitors are always welcome to observe. No prior appointment is necessary. Prospective new members may participate in one of our Beginners classes without charge or obligation.

The class schedule as of January 2008 is as follows:

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
					WEAPONS Bokken   10:30 - 12:00	AIKIDO Children   10:00 - 10:45
					AIKIDO All Levels  12:15 - 1:15	AIKIDO Beginners   11:00 - 12:00
					IAIDO 1:30 - 2:30	OPEN PRACTICE   12:00 - 12:30
AIKIDO Children   5:00 - 5:45		AIKIDO Children   5:00 - 5:45
AIKIDO Beginners   6:00 - 7:00	WEAPONS Jo   6:00 - 7:00	AIKIDO Beginners   6:00 - 7:00	AIKIDO All Levels  6:00 - 7:00
AIKIDO All Levels  7:15 - 8:15	AIKIDO All Levels  7:15 - 8:15	AIKIDO Advanced   7:15 - 8:15	AIKIDO Beginners   7:15 - 8:15	AIKIDO Beginners   7:15 - 8:15
	IAIDO  8:30 - 9:30

 

   Beginners classes
The main focus of these classes is on the development of the essential skills required for the safe and correct practice of Aikido. Techniques and principles are presented at a pace which allows beginning students to understand and learn the basic principles and techniques of Aikido, including proper etiquette, footwork, body movement, positioning, falling (ukemi), the use of momentum and the development of a strong and stable center. As beginning students benefit from training with more experienced practitioners, these classes are open to all adult members of the dojo regardless of rank. In the initial stages, and until a beginning student has developed sufficient skills to safely train on their own, a senior member is assigned to them for the duration of the class.

   All Levels classes
These classes emphasize fundamental and applied techniques at intermediate and advanced levels, reinforcing the basics learnt in the Beginners classes, and focusing on the development of supple ukemi, increased stamina, flexibility and practical application. Attendance is open to all adult dojo members, and the pace is more demanding than that of the Beginners classes.

   Advanced classes
These classes focus exclusively on advanced level techniques, preparing the student for testing at higher levels and for real life situations. The pace and intensity of these classes is more demanding than the All Levels classes, and attendance is open only to adult dojo members who have developed the required stamina and have mastered the art of ukemi.

   Weapons classes
Weapons training, although a study in itself, is part of the Aikido curriculum, and is synergystic with the practice of Aikido body arts. Weapons practice helps in the development of balance, posture, movement, hand to eye coordination and concentration. We practice with Jo (wooden staff), Bokken (wooden sword) and Tanto (wooden knife). Attendance is open to all adult dojo members.

   Children classes
Our children's program emphasizes safety, cooperation and simple Aikido. Classes are taught in a disciplined yet fun setting, and include stretching, rolling, basic techniques and games.
The classes provide children with benefits in the following areas:

Personal Skills:	discipline, focus, concentration, self confidence and self awareness;
Social Skills:	cooperation, tolerance, relating to others, good manners;
Physical Skills:	flexibility, agility, balance, stamina and strength;
Cultural Skills:	etiquette, Japanese customs, tradition, counting, language and clothing.

Development of these skills will help children improve in school and in sports. They will learn early on that exercise on a regular basis reduces stress and anxiety in their lives. These classes are open to children starting at age 6 and their parents.

   Open Practice
All members are encouraged to practice on their own before, between and after the scheduled classes. In particular, the Sunday morning period after formal classes can be used to prepare for tests, to train on specific areas of interest, to consult with senior members, or for personal development.

   Iaido
Iaido is the traditional art of drawing, cutting and resheathing the Japanese sword. It is a practice separate from, but complementary to, Aikido. Each class is divided into two parts: warmups, consisting of the practice of basic movements, and kata, the practice of set forms..