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.

Falling Down

Lately, when I've been reflecting about my aikido practice, I've been considering how many times, since I began practicing over 5 years ago, just how many times I've fallen down to the mat. And while I have absolutely no idea what the actual number is, (tens of thousands but I don't think it really matters) I wonder what my life would be like had I not fallen down all those times I estimate I have fallen. I remember early on in my training, the muscles burning in my legs, my stomach, the seeming absurdity of falling down. "Why not just stay here, down?" Of course though, falling implies getting back up. There is no doubt in my mind that the physical effects of picking oneself back up, over and over again, builds an amazing resiliency and strength. Not just physical strength though, a transformational strength if you will, to continue to rise to the challenges life presents with skill and confidence, that I can be there to assist my fellow human beings to rise up when they are down. I know that if I fall down, I get back up. Fall down 7 times, get up 8.
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Bujin Closing


Bujin design is reporting that they will soon close their doors. If you need a new hakama or would like to plan ahead, now is the time. They are selling only their current stock.
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