Weapons Training
6:30 – 8pm (Every Tuesday night)
Aikido training incorporates the use of the bokken (wood training sword) and jo (short staff). A third weapon, the tanto (dagger), is used primarily for learning to defend against knife attacks. Weapon training (buki waza) is an important part of Aikido training because the body movements of unarmed techniques were developed in the same system as the weapons techniques. Therefore, the body movements and principles of weapon techniques are the same as empty-hand techniques. Training with weapons builds fundamental skills and improves core strength and stability. Solo weapon training gives students the ability to practice alone and focus on proper body movement without the added stress of an attacker. Paired partner practice is excellent for judging timing, distance, and visualizing lines of attack and defense.
AIKIDO students gain a deeper knowledge of many aspects of themselves. They learn concentration and relaxation; they develop sensitivity, coordination and perception; they build stamina and self-confidence as well as maintain cardiovascular fitness. Through serious AIKIDO training, one develops the ability to respond positively to any stressful situation.
AIKIDO classes consist of stretching and loosening exercises, meditation for concentration and calmness, techniques of self-defense and points of AIKIDO philosophy.
AIKIDO, because of its unique philosophical and functional basis, is attractive to members of special interest groups such as:
- law enforcement or counseling personnel because of its application of holds and pins rather than kicks and punches;
- women or older persons because grace of movement and balance, not strength, is the criteria for the successful execution of techniques;
- students of other martial arts styles because the principles of AIKIDO can be seen as the next logical step after studying harder, less fluid styles;
- persons who adhere to non-aggressive philosophies yet who seek an intelligent alternative to complete submission.
O-Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba
Founder of Aikido
Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of AIKIDO, was a master of many martial arts and a devoted student of the human spirit. His studies led him to develop a martial system which would “harmonize ourselves with the movement of the Universe itself.”
The basic premise of AIKIDO is that the mind and body must act together. The movements are designed to coordinate the defending and attacking bodies so that the force of the attack can be diverted harmlessly and redirected. In this way, AIKIDO harmonizes all motion in a positive way instead of trying to conflict with or stop aggression.