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.

Gleason Sensei and the New Shodans



What a great weekend we had with Gleason Sensei! As always I feel like a beginner (as in newbie as opposed to simply having a beginner's mind) whenever he comes to town. Many new concepts, different techniques, and deep philosophies were explored with an amazing Shodan test included as a special treat. Congratulations to our newly minted black belts: Andy, Bob ("Tenchi"), and Chelsea! Here are some photos from the gasshuku including our dinner at Sakura, the local hibachi-style Japanese restaurant in Toledo. (Note: In some of the photos there were several cameras taking pictures simultaneously which explains why everyone in the photos is looking at different directions.)



The Muketsu Brown Belt Lineage. Who will be next to join this exclusive and prestigious club?


Later that evening, Andy honorably restored our dojo's Shodan tradition (please refer to the 12/23/06 posting). Tenchi followed suit the following day as one can see in the later photos. Chelsea apparently has had a head start even before he started Aikido (pun not intended, or was it?) :p



The Two New Shodans:


The Two Senseis:


The Two Docs:


The Two Maestros:


And the Tradition Lives On...

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Bravo, Chelsea-san!!!



This past Sunday, our dojo's very own Chelsea Tipton II, currently 1st Kyu, conducted his final concert as Resident Conductor of the Toledo Symphony. He will be moving on as Music Director of the Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont. A good number of Aikidoka attended his farewell concert to show support as well as enjoying good music. Appropriately entitled "The Stars Align for the Toledo Symphony," the concert included special performances from Doc Severinsen, Mark O'Connor, David Shifrin, the Toledo Youth Orchestra, the Toledo Youth Orchestra Sinfonietta, and the Toledo Symphony School of Music. Congratulations, Chelsea-san, on your extraordinary performance, on your achievements with the Toledo Symphony, and on your contributions to the musical community in this town. And for now, good luck on your upcoming Shodan test!

Here are some photos from the concert:

Chelsea with Doc conducting one of the numbers...


Could switching to Geico really save you 15% or more on car insurance? Does Chelsea play a mean clarinet?


During the intermission...

We were laughing because Sensei was making fun of me for not paying my ASU dues on time.



And now, the finale...


Gassho.
1 comment:

Gasshuku with Gleason Sensei - This Weekend!

Yes folks, William Gleason Sensei, 6th Dan, is coming to Toledo this weekend, May 28-30. Here is a clip from his DVD, Aikido and Japanese Sword. His latest book, Aikido and Words of Power, is available in bookstores and for online purchasing.

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