Your Training
Your Practice
By nature, the martial art of Aikido is dynamic, interactive, and relies on close physical contact. As an Aikidoka, a practitioner of Aikido, you will develop techniques for self-defense, a calmer mind, confidence, Ki (internal energy), and healthier mobility. At the center of Aikido is KI development; it’s the development of the internal force that frees up the mind and body that allows you to move with fluidity and balance. In the practice of Aikido, training is the format to prepare you, the Aikidoka, for an actual self-defense situation.
Preparing the Mind, Body, and Spirit
(Meditation/Prayer & Breathing)
(Ki No Seiza Ho and Ibuku No Ho)
Through meditation or prayer and breathing, you clear your mind from the negative thoughts and energy that attaches to us throughout the day, preparing the mind, body, and spirit for training.
Warm-up Exercises
(Aiki-Undo and Ki No Taiso)
Through exercise and stretching, your body is further prepared by loosening and warming it up to prevent injury, as well as working on specific exercises that begin the muscle memory needed for safe and efficient falling, rolling, centering, blending, and extension.
Unarmed Training
(Taichi Waza)
Most of your training will be done through empty-hand, unarmed techniques where you will learn first to avoid conflict if possible but, if unavoidable, be able to efficiently neutralize and subdue an attacker without causing permanent injury or harm.
Weapons Training
(Ki No Kempo)
As an advanced student, you will learn how to use the Jo (staff) and Ken (sword) as well as respond to different weapon attacks such as from guns and knives.
Healing Arts
(Kiatsu Ho)
You may be surprised to learn that you will train in the healing art of Kiatsu, a form of acupressure massage. After a hard day of training, you may want someone to practice on you!