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.

Chelsea-san Featured in the Toledo City Paper

(Taken from the Toledo City Paper. You may click on the title above for the link to the article.)

Toledo says goodbye to the Toledo Symphony Orchestra’s resident conductor, Chelsea Tipton II

It’s all about the music. That’s the mantra Chelsea Tipton II, Resident Conductor for the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, has lived. The son of two music teachers from North Carolina, he was inspired at an early age to expose young people to music. Tipton began conducting while studing clarinet at the Eastman School of Music. He became so enamored with the power of an orchestra that he continued on to earn a Masters of Music in orchestral conducting from Northern Illinois University. After many years of teaching and conducting, Tipton settled into his role with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, one that he has held for seven seasons.

But the end of the 2009-2010 Season marks a close in this movement of the symphony that is Tipton’s life. Over the last year he has doubled as TSO’s conductor and as Music Director for the Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont. He will make the latter his full-time pursuit next season. “This is a bittersweet moment,” said Tipton. “Toledo is my home.”

“I remember my first concert in the Peristyle [in the Toledo Museum of Art]. It’s my favorite moment. We played Pines of Rome, featuring the Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps. It had all of this offstage brass surrounding the audience for the crescendo. It was so loud. The audience leapt to their feet. My parents were there. Great, great, great moment.”

“I have grown so much since that concert,” continued Tipton. “One of the blessings of the position is that you are always busy: music, concerts, endless opportunities to hone your skills. I think I’m a better conductor now than when I started, as well as more able to connect with the audience. I feel I owe much of that to the excellent group of musicians in this orchestra.”

Supplementing Tipton’s love for the symphony is a passion for martial arts. “I’ve also grown by studying Aikido, which promotes a philosophy of peace to resolve conflict. This is a life principle I apply to all areas of my life, including conducting,” he said in preparation of his black belt test in early June.

Being the face of TSO for nearly a decade, Tipton has worked diligently to connect the symphony with the community. “Some orchestras, certainly not this one, have an air of distance about them. ‘This music is for special people.’ But I have the philosophy that music is for everyone, and this orchestra does better than almost any at bringing music to the people.”



What will you miss most about Toledo?
The main thing that I will miss is the level of music making we are able to achieve with the TSO. The orchestra plays so well, and it is an absolute job to work with these musicians week to week.

What restaurant do you visit to treat yourself?
My favorite restaurant is Chipotle. I eat there 2-3 times a week. Good clean healthy food.

What has inspired you while living in Toledo?
I love the martial arts scene here in Toledo. That is how I spend a good part of my free time when not with the TSO.

Chelsea will be a guest at WGTE FM Radio (91.3 FM) this Friday, June 11, from 1 to 3 PM. Please tune in!

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