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 What
is a class like?
Aikido classes are made up of both
beginners and advanced students. Beginners receive individual
instruction from senior students in exercises, falling safely,
and basic Aikido techniques. Students with varying levels of
experience practice together to the best of their ability, and
newer students learn from their seniors.
What do I wear to my first class?
At first, students may wear loose
fitting "work out" clothes. Then it is customary that
students wear a white practice uniform (Keiko Gi).
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, members are encouraged to invite
their family and friends to observe or try out any class.
Will it hurt?
By learning how to fall safely and
move correctly, there is minimal risk of injury. In Aikido,
one harmonizes, or joins with an attack. The Aikidoist does
not block or fight against an attacker. Rather, the Aikidoist
moves with the attack, and redirects it so that an aggressor
is felled by his own energy. Then, instead of using potentially
crippling kicks or punches, the Aikidoist trains to apply various
wrist locks, pressure points, arm pins, or unbalancing throws
to neutralize aggressors without serious injury.
What if I'm out of shape?
Aikido techniques move the body and
joints in ways they naturally bend. Thus, the body becomes stronger
and more flexible. However, Aikido is more than self-defense
and physical techniques. Aikido improves not only your physical
conditioning - stamina, balance, flexibility, coordination and
strength, but your mental conditioning as well: self-confidence,
concentration, alertness, and overall well-being.
What if I have no martial arts experience?
Great! Aikido is like no other martial
art. Each class focuses on developing the basics and fundamentals
as a key to advanced training.
How often do I have to come?
All members are encouraged to practice
as often as possible, but each student determines how many times
per week or per month they are able to attend class. Classes
are open to students of all levels. In any case, the pace of
each class, whether relaxed or more vigorous, is also determined
by the individual student.
Who is the teacher?
The chief instructor is Glenn Brooks,
Shidoin, 5th Degree Black Belt. His study began in 1980 under
one of the world's greatest teachers, the late Akira Tohei Shihan,
8th degree black belt. Tohei sensei trained in Japan directly
under Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba.
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