Mondays 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adult classes are for ages 15 or 16
on up. Depending on general physical condition and coordination, people
have begun Aikido training while in their 60's (or older!) and have
obtained black belts. Adult training in Aikido has the same benefits as
children's training, but is pursued in a more classical martial manner
while still emphasizing safety.
Adult training can also include instruction in Aikido weapons, the Japanese sword and staff. This weapons training is designed to clarify the "empty hand" movements of the art. Weapons training also allows for solo practice when a partner is not available, and makes for faster progress in learning the art. Please look at the bottom of this page for more information on weapons training.
Due to the nature of Aikido training and Aikido's philosophy of blending with and utilizing an attacker's force, women can and do develop strong and effective martial technique.
Many senior instructors and heads of schools in the Bay Area are women. Many of these have trained extensively in Japan and are well respected by their Japanese teachers and fellow students.
Aikido training offers women a safe place to develop and/or practice assertiveness, awareness, and the confident use of their physical and psychological power.
There are several reasons for weapons training in aikido. First, many aikido movements are derived from classical weapons arts. There is thus a historical rationale for learning weapons movements.
Second, weapons training is helpful for learning proper MA AI, or distancing.
Third, many advanced aikido techniques involve defenses against weapons. In order to ensure that such techniques can be practiced safely, it is important for students to know how to attack properly with weapons, and to defend against such attacks.
Fourth,
there are often important principles of aikido movement and technique that
may be more easily demonstrated by the use of weapons than without.
Fifth, training in weapons kata is a way of facilitating understanding of general principles of aikido movement.
Sixth, weapons training can add an element of intensity to aikido practice, especially in practicing defenses against weapons attacks.
Seventh, training with weapons provides aikidoka with an opportunity to develop a kind of responsiveness and sensitivity to the movements and actions of others within a format that is usually highly structured. In addition, it is often easier to discard competitive mindsets when engaged in weapons training, making it easier to focus on cognitive development.
Finally, weapons training is an excellent way to learn principles governing lines of attack and defense. All aikido techniques begin with the defender moving off the line of attack and then creating a new line (often a non-straight line) for application of an aikido technique.
(weapons photo above taken from the Saito Seminar on September 2000 at Rohnert Park)
Want to learn more about aikido?
Aikido Introduction - 3 Free
Classes
or for a more in-depth Aikido experience:
Aikido Exploration
9 Classes for $99
Earn your first Aikido belt
(includes free uniform - a $30 value!)
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