CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
Introductory Class:
The Introductory Class is geared primarily toward students who are in their first six months of Aikido training. However, students of all levels are encouraged to attend. This ensures that advanced students have an opportunity to improve their basic technique. It also presents beginning students with a wonderful opportunity to work with people of all levels. Students in the Introductory Class are introduced to the basics of Aikido, including open hand techniques, ukemi (falling and rolling), and weapons (tanto, bokken, and jo). This class will help prepare students for their first test. During the first eight weeks of training, students may also attend the Ukemi Class and the Friday Open Class. After the completion of the eight week Introductory Class, students may begin to attend other classes.
Intermediate Class:
The Intermediate Class is oriented toward students who have had at least six months of Aikido training. However, anyone who has completed the Introductory Class is welcome. Non-dojo members must have the instructor's permission before participating. Participants in this class continue to focus on the principle of Aikido while practicing more intermediate and advanced techniques and ukemi. Beginning techniques are performed at a faster pace, requiring more advanced ukemi. Advanced techniques, including technique reversals, freestyle, randori (freestyle with multiple attackers), weapon take-aways, and weapon katas are gradually introduced.
Advanced Class:
The Advanced Class is geared toward upper level students. Non-dojo members must have the instructor's permission before participating. Participants in this class continue to focus on the principles of Aikido, concentrating on refining each technique, as well as improving their ukemi. This class spends more time on technique reversals, freestyle, randori, weapons take-aways, and weapons katas than the Intermediate Class. Students are often required to practice techniques with little or no explanation.
Weapons Class:
The Weapons Class emphasizes techniques ranging from beginning to advanced levels using primarily bokken (wooden sword), tanto (wooden knife), and jo (short staff). Weapons training helps students to develop a sense of distance and timing in relation to their partner, as well as center and focus.
Open Class:
The Open Class is open to students of all levels. It is an opportunity for students to work on the Aikido skills that they wish to develop. An instructor is usually present, but this is not a formal class. Please remember that this is also the instructor's time to work on what he/she chooses. Class begins around 6:30 PM and participants are welcome to arrive or leave at any time.
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