Class Information

  Each section of the class has a distinct purpose, which should be kept in mind as you train. Haku Shu signals that class is formally beginning (if you miss Haku Shu, so as not to disrupt class, sit at the edge of the mat until the instructor asks you to join class). In Haku we line up according to rank (newest members to the left) and bow to the Shomen (head of the dojo), which shows our respect for the history and principals of Aikido and gratitude to the founder for developing the art (bowing is a traditional Japanese greeting and display of respect). The instructor then clasps twice, which dispels any stagnant vibrations in the dojo. The instructor and students then bow to each other which is demonstration of mutual respect and humility. Haku Shu helps set the proper atmosphere and mental attitude for training.

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Ki training has the primary purpose of helping us to learn to unify mind and body ant to develop strong Ki. Ki training helps us to rediscover our natural condition of a poised, centered, relaxed yet powerful state of being. The primary way we engage in Ki training is to work on the Four Principles of Ki Development (keep one point; relax completely; keep weight underside; and extend Ki).

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The warm-up regimen is composed of Aikido and Ki development exercises. Each exercise is a building block or root movement to Aikido techniques, teaching us good posture and powerful movement skills from center. Each exercise also gives us the opportunity to work on and help embody our Ki principles. Each exercise helps us to learn good posture and to move properly from center.

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In order to train in Aikido we need to learn various forms of ukemi so that we can receive a technique and fall or roll without injury. So, the primary purpose of ukemi is self-protection. Ukemi is important for other reasons: (1) it's a form of self-defense in itself, (2) it's psycho physiologically transforming in that we learn to replace the primeval fear of falling with the joy of flying, (3) it gives us bountiful practice in balance, relaxation, sphericity, mind/body coordination, and (4) it's an art form in itself at higher levels.

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During our waza we build to a peak of physical activity from which it is important to warm-up to slowly. Our warm-up period consists of a slow stretching using Kihon Waza Kata techniques done at Tai Chi speed. This gives us a tremendous opportunity to practice basic Aikido movements at a speed at which we can enhance our kinesthetic awareness, work on subtleties of posture and balance, develop inner focus and control, and operationalize Ki principles. 

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The purpose of Aikido waza is actually manyfold. Ostensibly, it is to teach us how to constructively deal with a physical attack, but there's much more. Aikido waza teaches us such things as centerdness and inner calm, balance and relaxation, mind/body awareness and psychophysical integration, to embody the Ki principles in action, movement skills, fluidity, grace, gentleness and compassion. It also teaches us a creative way of being in the world and dealing with conflict and aggression, based on the high ethical standards of non-dissension, non-aggression, non-violence, and harmony. Our training in waza will consist mostly of learning the techniques in Kihon Waza Kata (basic technique form).

After class Soji (Cleaning) is a traditional part of ending class, it teaches responsibility, humility and respect and involves sweep the dojo, folding the Sensei's Hakama, clean the mirrors, dusting, emptying the trash and bringing in the shoe rack. Every student is expected to participate in soji as it helps them acquire the skills and virtues of seiketsu (cleanliness).