Grade Levels

Schedule:

• Fridays, 3:30 to 4:30

Location:

• Cougar Café, Activity & Sports Center - Activity Room 3

Grades:

• Grade 3 to 5

Maximum capacity:

• 10 students

About the class:

Aikido is a modern martial art created in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969), one of the most prominent martial arts instructors of his time. Aikido is a purely 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.

About the instructor:

Dr Guillaume Erard is a High School Biology teacher at Saint Maur. He holds a 6th dan in Aikido from the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo. He travels extensively to give lectures and masterclasses about Aikido and old Japanese Jujutsu and collaborates regularly with the International Aikido Federation. He is also a writer for the Japan's main martial arts magazine, Gekkan Hiden.

Remarks: 

All students must wear a white training uniform (keikogi).