Introduction to Aikido

Students new to Aikido, especially those who have had no prior martial arts experience, are entering a world of strange customs, new ideas and exciting challenges to both the body and the mind. The early stages of Aikido training will be confusing and frustrating at times. But, considering that you have just begun training in an ancient Japanese martial art with a group of new acquaintances, this is understandable. It is best to take it slowly, relax and let it come to you gradually. In short, be patient; it will all come to you eventually.

In Aikido, we use the word "Osu!" Loosely translated it means "Be patient." Patience is an integral part of Aikido training. It is as important for the black belt as it is for the beginner. With patience, we learn many important lessons. We learn respect, self-discipline, and how to do a technique. Even the accuracy of your technique and your timing are directly related to your patience.

Sometimes you will find a technique or a control painful. Remember, your partner is not acting maliciously. It is a part of training. With patience and self-discipline you will not only learn a greater awareness of the technique and how it works, but a greater awareness of yourself in both body and mind. It is also important to remember that your fellow students, especially the seniors, are there to help you. If you need help, ask for it. Seniors are obliged to help the juniors. No matter what the problem, ask a senior. They know how difficult it can be in the beginning and they know what you're going through. Don't expect it to be easy, but don't think - for one second - that it's unattainable. Everyone feels a little awkward at the start, and no one stops learning.

So relax and go with the flow. Pretty soon you'll be doing breakfalls, flips and all the manner of hand and weapon techniques. You'll also find yourself developing new friendships that will make each step a little easier to take. Eventually you'll be the senior and the onus will be on you to help the beginner. It takes time. It takes patience.

Understanding Aikido

Aikido is not simple some disarranged collection of martial techniques. As the word "Do" implies, it is a highly developed system of techniques. This system is based on the simple principles of circular force applied in harmony with an attacker's movement, speed, and timing.

In Aikido, go with the movement, never fight or resist the movement, whether you are receiving the technique (uke) or performing the technique (shite). In Aikido, all movement is based on a force that pulls the body or pushes the body. The force may come as a grab from the rear or a punch (atemi) to the face. In any case, it is the basic principle of Aikido to move in when pulled, or to pivot away when pushed.

In this way, Aikido redirects the force of the attack until it is no longer a threat, and weakens the opponent by taking him off-balance in the process. In this weakened position, the attacker then becomes susceptible to various forms of controls (ways of directing the attacker to a final pin), or throws (ways of getting rid of the attacker). In either case, the purpose of training in Aikido should never reflect a malicious attitude towards your partner (or attacker as the case may be). It is only by the grace of your partner and fellow students that you are able to train at all. Train hard, but work together as shite and uke.

Aikido Class Schedule

DATE	TIME	CLASS
Monday	12:00noon - 1:00pm 6:30pm - 7:30pm 7:45pm - 9:00pm	Beginner and Mixed Beginner and Mixed 7th Kyu and Up
Tuesday	6:30pm - 7:30pm	Rensei - 5th Kyu and Up
Wednesday	12:00noon - 1:00pm 6:30pm - 7:30pm 7:45pm - 9:00pm	Beginner and Mixed Beginner and Mixed Kenshu - 5th Kyu and Up
Thursday	6:30pm - 7:30pm	7th Kyu and Up
Friday	12:00noon - 1:00pm 6:30pm - 7:30pm	Beginner and Mixed 7th Kyu and Up
Saturday	9:30am - 10:30am 10:30am - 11:30am	Children's Class Beginner and Mixed
Sunday	Check Notice Board	Reserved for Special Events

Please visit our Classes section to download a complete copy of the AYC Class Schedule.

About Aikido

If you are interested in finding out more about the history of Aikido and its founders, the following documents provide a good overview:

Aikido History

The Founder of Modern Aikido



Soke Shioda Goza



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