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 Beginner's Mind

A Beginner’s mind is something that we should all strive to maintain in our lives.  That does not mean that we come to class and forget everything we have learned in the past but rather to be in a state of openness to learn and grow.  At keiko practice this Saturday morning we had three students just beginning their way with our Aikido school.  Christian, Donovan and Heather did a wonderful job working to understand Aikido at the start of their journey.  When I look at them make their way down the path it reminds me of when I began 5 years ago and that we should all strive to approach our time on the mat with the mind of a beginner.  Open and without ego to absorb new concepts, ways of thinking, people, and movements. 

 

We are currently in a cycle of testing preparation for the dojo.  It is a wonderful time when we especially work to help each other grow in a more concentrated effort.  The newer folks learn from the upper ranks and as an upper rank, I ALWAYS realize how difficult it is to verbalize and to help someone learn a particular technic.  But we make our way and I ALWAYS come away from sharing, with a better understanding of what we were working on.  The learning definitely goes both ways!

In music we say if you really want to learn to conduct try teaching someone to conduct.  That is when you really realize you don’t know what you are doing!  The gift in teaching is similar to meditation to me in the sense teaching really acts as a mirror to what you know (or think you know).  It is like the beginner’s mind all over again.

In class this morning we focused on making a connection with uke (one who receives the technic) through katate tori (single hand grab) and morote tori (two hand grab to tori’s one arm).  Once that connection is made then tori (the one executing the technic) can shape the direction on how things can go.  So much of Aikido is about relaxation and being able to sense uke’s intention.  It was great to see our new friends connect, relax, sweat, and smile through the course of the morning.  The mat is a great learning space for us to learn about ourselves as well as others. The relationship between uke and tori is one that allows growth for both as long both are present and mindful in the moment.    But first we must bring the “Beginner’s Mind” and to have our hearts open to receive the gifts offered. 

Peace,

The Maestro

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