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Aikido Adult Beginner
Classes
We have instituted a program to get the
complete novice off to a solid start. The classes listed on the
schedule are open to beginners only. It is expected that the new
student will attend at least two of these classes each week. The
fundamental skills required to practice the art will be covered
including forward and backward rolls, how to execute the basic
strikes contained in Aikido, the essential footwork movements, and
simple techniques designed to start reprogramming the body to relax
and to imprint correct basic body mechanics in the new student.
These classes are designed to be very basic.
The student must attend these
Beginner Classes
until he has permission of the instructors to move into the
Open Level Classes.
The average new student should be able to accomplish this
in approximately three months. Students are expected to attend these
classes until they have taken their second Kyu Test which is 5th
Kyu. After that they are welcome to attend the Open Level classes.
Free WiFi at dojo for
family members - TV with DVD player for the Kids (bring videos)
Aikido Open Level
Classes
When the student has received
permission to move out of the Beginner Level Classes he may
attend any of the Open Level Classes on the schedule. This
includes the sword and jo classes. Students are responsible for
weapons technique on their rank testing so they are highly
encouraged to regularly attend weapons training. In the Open
Level Classes students will be introduced to the various Kihon
Waza or "basic techniques" of the art and their variations. The
focus in this class is on techniques as they exist on the Kyu Test
Requirements. Although more training is clearly better, a student
who consistently attends three or more techniques each week should
be able to eventually attain a solid level of competence. Rank
testing is based on a combination of time on the mat guidelines and
recommendation of a "trainer" with whom one works to get ready for a
given test. There is no automatic advancement simply because of
"time in grade" but rather we insist that each candidate be able to
perform at the appropriate level before he is allowed to test for
the next grade.
Aikido
Advanced Level Classes
These classes are restricted
to 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt) and up. Occasionally, we also allow students
with substantial martial arts backgrounds in something other than
Aikido to participate. The requirement is simply that people need to
be able to fall spontaneously, strike with speed and power, have the
basics of weapons work down, and want to train in a more demanding
fashion. The focus on this training is on deepening the
understanding of essential principles, developing the ability to
spontaneously and creatively apply technique in any situation, and
on practicing Aikido as Budo. These classes are required for
advancement to 3rd kyu and above.
The Monday Iai Class
The Monday Iai (Sword Drawing) Class is
open to anyone eligible to attend Open Level Classes.
Participation requires a commitment to attend regularly and not
sporadically. This so not a formal Iaido Class nor are these
techniques "required" on any rank tests. It is simply meant to give
the student solid basic sword handling skills and to augment the
regular sword training done with bokken by demonstrating the
essential connection between the sword and empty hand technique in
Aikido. There is no extra charge for this class but attendees must
purchase an iaito (metal practice blade available from
several on-line sources) and also acquire a plastic saya (scabbard -
available at the dojo) for their bokken. We can recommend sources
for quality iaito. Swords must be of sufficient quality that they do
not endanger the participants (a decent entry level practice sword
will be approximately $200+ from one of several on-line sources).
Private Lessons
Private lessons with Ledyard Sensei are
available. Students can train in the regular classes and use private
lessons to enhance their skills or they can simply train privately
(it is best for at least two students to train this way).
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