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.

Dojo Garden help needed


I have set aside some time to help with the creation of the Dojo garden out at Sensei's ranch. If you have some time and would like to help let me know. I have plans to be out at the ranch Friday April 6th. More than likely I will have several kids with me so if you would like to help with the garden or have kids and would like to help bring them with you.

A couple of items that might be of use:

Roto-Tiller (We can rent one and if someone knows of a good place let me know)
Compost - We will need as much as we can get
Seedlings - If you have certain veggies in mind and know how to grow them please share your knowledge.
Half Casks or Rail timbers for the plant beds - We are thinking about a raised bed planting ideas and will need some help with the bed creation.
Fencing - It would be nice to put a rodent/deer fence around the garden, if anyone has materials or experience with fencing your help would be nice.

Thanks

Bob

3 comments:

Chuck Greer said...

I would say that the rodent (rabbit)/deer fence is not just a nice to have but a neccesity, given the numbers of each out that way. I am willing to help with some chicken wire to enclose individual plants, but won't be able to show up until Saturday afternoon. Anyone else able to be there then, let me know...

March 28, 2007 at 3:58 PM
Chris W said...

I have never been to the ranch , so I don't know the layout, but have you considered maybe planting some fruit trees like plum, cherry, or apple? of course it would be years before any fruit could be harvested, but it still could be a cool idea to plant a couple, especially for the kids. They can grow up with the trees!

March 29, 2007 at 8:56 AM
Bob said...

I was able to escape work earlier on Thursday and headed out to Sensei's ranch to plant some veggies.

Planted thus far:

Kale
Red Peppers
Brocolli
White Onion
Cucumbers
Pumpkins
Celery
Peppermint

There is still some room left for:
Carrots
Lettuce
more onion or peppers?

-Bob (pics to follow)

May 25, 2007 at 9:32 AM

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