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.

Onegaishimasu


Just five days to Christmas. I did some Christmas shopping today but not before heading to keiko practice this morning at Shobu. It was chilly in the dojo this morning and the body was achy but once we got into the business at hand it is amazing how the body gets the job done.

Today we examined a cousin of ikkyo. The attack that we used included kata tori (lapel grab) and katate tori (single hand) grab. The connection point was an interesting aspect that we needed to move toward (irimi) the attack in order to maintain the proper connection. Seisei made several references to jiu jutsu and grabbing. What we want to maintain in our Aikido practice is connection rather than grabbing uke’s wrist or arm when doing the technic. This requires one to really be sensitive to where you and uke are in order to maintain proper connection. This has to do with the ittai (one point) and that we can create a vortex or an empty space to draw uke into. Connection is the responsibility of nage and uke to maintain.

Connection in life is important and maintaining a healthy connection with the important people in our lives. During this time of the year it is important that there is a spirit of gratitude for the many blessings that are bestowed upon us. The relationship between uke and nage is a relationship where one needs the other. I think that it is interesting that we say onegaishimasu (please do this for me) when we partner up. To me, it signifies a spirit that this person is allowing me use their body for some Aikido technic in order for me to grow in the art and I respond in kind to help them with their growth offering my body and ability. It is a wonderful gift that I receive from my partner in order to grow in the way. I wish all of the people at Shobu, their families and the important people in their lives a happy and safe holiday. See you all in the new year!

Peace to all,

The Maestro
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