There are currently openings for Adult and Children students. Interested candidates are invited to observe a class. The dojo is co-located with the Toledo Zen Center at 6537 Angola Road Holland, OH 43558 jayrinsenweik@gmail.com

Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that can be practiced by almost anyone. Aikido techniques do not rely on physical strength but rather develops relaxed power through the focus of intention and Ki. The result is a creative method of non-destructive conflict resolution.

Aikido is practiced on many levels. The first level is includes the development of stamina, flexibility, and learning how to focus one's intention. The second level is built on the first and stresses self-defense techniques that teach the natural order of movement. In this process the students also become adept at ukemi, the art of rolling, falling and protecting oneself. Aikido provides the opportunity for the development of the entire person. It is a workout of the entire body and mind and results in increased strength, overall physically fitness, flexibility and centeredness.

At the third level students are gradually introduced to the secrets of receiving and harnessing the power of ki, they also develop spatial awareness and learn to judge proper timing and distance. During this training the goal is to establish and maintain an energetic connection to your partner and to lead them off balance. This eliminates the need for more destructive means of resolving situations.

The highest level of aikido is mind over matter. This involves the use of visualization techniques, the power of intention and ki, breath control and meditation. Aikido is truly a spiritual martial art that explores themind - body - spirit connection. This advanced level of training at Shobu Aikido reaches a level not easily found elsewhere. The student learns how to manifest power and effectiveness by the focusing of intention alone. This level depends on and can only be reached through the refinement of technique and the students own deepest feeling. For this reason it alternates between the physical and the spiritual.

In the process of practicing aikido, students inevitably find themselves less stressed and more energetic, better equipped to manage life's many conflicts with calm control. Aikido is great for adults and kids alike because practice encourages respect for self and others, self control, cooperation and responsibility.

Gasshuku or weekend long intensive seminars with William Gleason Sensei are available seasonally.

Children's aikido classes provide a friendly, non-competitive environment for students to become more physically fit, agile, flexible, aware, focused, and relaxed. They learn how to safely fall, roll and perform a variety of self-defense techniques in a supportive, comfortable setting, and parents like Aikido because kids learn how to be powerful without becoming destructive.

Warm up

Warm up
Usually I just upload photos, but I would like to say something on the blog. As a beginner student, I didn't realize how in depth the warm up is. At last thursdays lesson, we spent the entire lesson learning to focus on our core/breathing/mentality. It gave me a new and great appreciation for the warm it. I have been trying it at home and it is a great way to start your day!-Roy

1 comment:

toledoaikido said...

Thanks for sharing, Roy-san!

Yeah, there are many "hidden secrets" in the exercises we do in the beginning of each class. These warm-up exercises are not, of course, just exercises to stretch and loosen up our muscles and work up a good sweat before the main training commences. Many, if not all, are ki exercises. And each individual exercise we perform in the warm-up has a unique meaning and evokes a special feeling. If done properly, it adds a new dimension into one's Aikido practice.

Like you, when I started training in Aikido I was a bit lost when it came to the warm-up exercises. But I remember my very first basics seminar where Sensei not only went through just the basic techniques, but he also explained the meaning behind the warm-up exercises as well. It made a whole lot of sense afterwards, and I had a better understanding of Aikido technique since.

Keep at it.

Gassho.

-Andre ("Muketsu")

Saotome

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