Adult Aikido Classes
Aikido can be practiced with many motivations. All ways of approaching Aikido involve the refinement of the spirit and so developing a sense of skilful ease and relaxation in one's daily life. Arts like Aikido, Yoga and Tai Chi have many benefits for persons who are not particularly athletic, young or vigorous. These arts serve to free the functioning of ki ("chi" in Tai Chi, or "prana" in Yoga). This improves bodily health and helps the practitioner develop a sense of deep calm through life's experiences. The individual becomes more aware of inner mental and emotional processes, and so can become free of old and dysfunctional habits - as a natural result of training. This allows our inner power to manifest itself: both in daily life as well as in self-defense situations.
Aikido techniques are natural, in the sense that they mirror the spiral movements of nature (and our bodies). They express living principles of the Universe and the realization of these principles in ourselves is a way of being in harmony with our own nature.
Aikido is Budo and Process: "Budo" means the Way of the Warrior, or the Way of Enlightened Courage. Budo students are those who take Aikido as a full martial arts program. They will participate in the testing process, rising in rank and responsibility as they progress. Their physical training will progress from easy to more intense, but always self-paced and in keeping with their age and physical condition.
For more on rank, please go to Ranking for Adults
Along with and informing this somewhat "external" aspect of Aikido, Aikido is also always "Process": i.e. the exploration of "inner" aspects of Aikido principle. Martial arts practice inevitably brings a person in contact with their inner realities: limitations of body, mind and attitude become clear, as well does the way to transcend these limitations and fulfill one's potential as a fully human being.
All of our adult students will hold membership in Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.
Which classes should I attend? Workout intensity will vary from mild to moderate in the beginning and weapons classes to a good workout in the basics, open and advanced class. Students can match their selection of classes to their level of body conditioning. Please warm up and then stretch before class, as well as stretching after class, for about 5 minutes each. You will find that this enhances your flexibility. Click here for our schedule of classes.
For a summary of our Aikido classes, please see our Class Description