AIKIDO

Aikido is a modern martial art created in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, one of the most prominent martial arts instructors of his time. Aikido is a defensive art performed by blending with the motion of the opponent and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. In accordance with this core principle, Aikido has no competition nor matches. Aikido can be practiced at all ages and it is particularly good for developing self-confidence, as well as good balance and coordination. As a budo, classes are conducted with an emphasis on etiquette, good manners, and cooperation. Practice consists of empty-handed techniques, wooden sword techniques, and staff techniques.

Classes are conducted in a dynamic and friendly way, using English and Japanese as main instruction languages.

Each class includes a short 10-minute warm-up, followed by rolls and falls (ukemi), basic techniques (kihon), and then moving on to more flowing techniques. Empty-handed techniques are practiced, in addition to weapons techniques using the wooden sword (bokuto), the staff (jo), or the wooden knife (tanto).

There is no gender or level distinction made during class, and everyone is expected to practice cooperatively at a pace that is the most adapted to the degree of competence of the junior student.