Sign up now for this 6-week introduction to aikido! Not sure yet? Read on!
Mondays and Wednesdays
6-7:30pm
Starts Monday, Nov. 13
Ends Monday, Dec. 18
(6 Mondays, 5 Wednesdays)
Bring a friend or family member:
$80 for one person, $40 for each additional person in your group!
Ages 13 – 99+ (teens and adults)
Have you ever wanted to start a martial art, but been nervous about that first step? This 6-week introduction to aikido will cover the basics: falling safely, basic self-defense against grabs and punches, circular body movements, and breathwork.
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art, appropriate for people of all genders, ages, and abilities. We train in a spirit of cooperation and support, maintain small class sizes, and provide all students with individualized and personal instruction.
How do I sign up?
Email: info@moerushin.org or show up at Arlington Fitness on November 13 at 5:30pm–class starts at 6pm.
If you have questions, email info@moerushin.org.
After you sign up you can pay via Venmo or Paypal using a card or bank account–or with cash at the dojo. You will also need to complete a registration form and waiver (one for each person in your group if you bring other people).
What will we cover?
This 6-week introduction to aikido covers the basics; Mondays introduce a theme and Wednesdays expand on the concept. There is plenty of space for questions.
- Week 1: What is aikido: some of the history, philosophy, the basics of falling, and core physical movements of aikido–including a basic technique: katatekosadori kotegaishi (cross-hand grab wrist-turning throw). Don’t worry–any Japanese terms will be fully explained in English.
- Week 2: Pushing and pulling: (re)learning how to use the hips. We’ll review week 1, then learn a new technique: katatori ikkyo (shoulder grab, first technique).
- Week 3: Breath and relaxation: this week focuses on breathing and the importance of releasing tension. The technique for the week is kokyu nage (breath throw).
- Week 4: The stick and the sword: for this week we focus on the wooden sword and the short staff: movements from the Japanese sword and staff tie directly into empty-handed aikido.
- Week 5: Freedom to move: This week we will focus on movement in four directions–which is another way of saying movement in any direction you please. The technique for the week is shihonage (four-direction throw).
- Week 6: The final week is just a Monday (Dec. 18) and will be a review and culmination of everything that has come before.
I still have questions; what should I wear?
If you have a gi (martial arts uniform) you can wear that, but it is absolutely not necessary. Wear comfy clothing that you feel good moving in: sweat pants, t-shirt, hoodie, etc. If you have other questions, some might be answered in our FAQ online. You can also always email info@moerushin.org.