“Training should always be conducted in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.” – O’Sensei
Aikido training is energetic and rigorous, but not painful. An Aikido class is a full-body workout. Training in Aikido is an effective, stimulating, and fun way to learn self-defense, build discipline, and cultivate a calm mind. Safety is the top priority in our dojo. Those who practice with us are expected to always exhibit compassion and concern for their training partners.
In the beginning, greater focus is put on learning how to properly roll and fall (ukemi). Learning how to roll and fall is important for safely practising techniques. As well, ukemi training is highly practical in everyday life. Many Aikido practitioners have stories of slipping on ice or falling off a bicycle and walking away unscathed thanks to their Aikido training.
General Practice
Practice begins with instructor-led warm-up exercises to loosen the body and settle the mind. These include stretches, breathing exercises, movement exercises, and rolling and falling exercises.
Following the warm-up, the instructor will demonstrate techniques, after which students break into pairs or small groups to practise what they have been shown. Free-form practice in which students may perform any technique they wish is also conducted. As students progress, they will practise defense against multiple attackers, and defense against knives, staves, and swords.
To conclude the class, paired and individual cool-down exercises are performed. These cool-down exercises place heavy emphasis on the power that can be found in breathing.
Weapons
Aikido has its roots in the martial arts of feudal Japan. The precursors of Aikido techniques were developed for use against both armed and unarmed opponents. All basic Aikido techniques have expressions through the sword and staff as well as the empty hand.
To better explore timing and distance, Aikido training includes instruction in the wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo). Weapons practice is a fundamental part of Aikido training. Students are expected to train in weapons as part of their Aikido practice, especially at higher ranks.
We practice aikiken and aikijo as codified by Morihiro Saito, the most advanced weapons student of O’Sensei, as well as Kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship).