Classes

These classes focus 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. 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. As beginning students benefit from training with more experienced practitioners, these classes are open to all adult members of the dojo regardless of rank.

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. The technical content and pace of practice in these classes are more demanding than in the Beginners classes. Attendance to these classes is open to all adult dojo members.

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 attained a high degree of skill in the art of ukemi.

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

Our children classes emphasize safety, cooperation and simple Aikido. Classes are taught in a disciplined yet fun setting, and include stretching, rolling, basic techniques and games. These classes are open to children starting at age 5 and to their parents. The classes provide children with benefits in the following areas:

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

In order to make their practice more fulfilling, challenging and interesting, as our younger members outgrow the Children classes, they are encouraged to attend some of the Beginner classes and practice with other youth and adults. In addition to adult members, the Monday, Wednesday and Sunday Beginner classes are also open to older members of the Children class as well as to pre-teenagers and teenagers.

Iaido (pronounced: ee-eye-doe) 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, which are performed from either seated or standing positions. Iaido classes do not involve contact with another practitioner.

All members are encouraged to practice on their own before, between and after the scheduled classes to prepare for tests, to train on specific areas of interest, to consult with senior members or for personal development.