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.

A Letter from Bill Gleason Sensei



Dear Friends of Okugyo,

As we enter into the new year the yang spiritual ki of our
environment continues to grow in intensity. Nature is attempting to
purify the earth and all beings upon it. Unless we empty ourselves of
everyday concerns and self-centeredness, no amount of training will be
sufficient to merge with the times we are now living in.
We are living with the problems of global warming and natural
disaster, the general lack of clarity and awareness of the world
population, a worldwide instability of the financial markets, and the
population of people who are, for the most part, sleeping at the helm.
The ki of nature and the universe is pushing each of us towards
awakening, yet when we resist this natural power of evolution, the
result is only greater difficulty.
In these times it is especially important to live intentionally and
take responsibility for our own spiritual evolution. The rest of
nature evolves at the dictates of natures law and order, yet it is
natural for human being to become free and that requires intentional
practice with a definite purpose. First of all it is important to
become really clear exactly what that purpose is and then put it at
the forefront of our everyday lives.
I hope that more and more people, especially aikidoka, will take it
upon themselves to go beyond the mere study of technique and seek the
deeper meaning and potential behind this incredible training. In this
spirit I welcome each of you to attend Okugyo as often as possible in
this New Year.
If you are planning on attending a retreat, please sign up online as
soon as possible to it is easier to prepare for the number of people
attending. On the other hand, if you are not attending also, please
answer this email and let us know that you will not be attending. In
the same way this makes our planning much easier. Thanks and I hope to
see you in Vermont in February.

Sincerely,
Bill Gleason

see www.shobuokugyo.blogspot.com for more information on Okugyo Aikido retreats.
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