Class information

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 pm. to 6:30 pm at Bright Horizons.

Aikido, a Japanese martial art, is known for its dynamic and effective techniques that use aggressor’s force to neutralize attacks. Unlike many martial arts, Aikido is a non-competitive partner based practice wherein partners alternate roles of attacker and defender. Aikido’s non-competitive nature allows people to focus on one’s own study of the art while helping one’s partners to practice as well.

While Aikido is a martial art, the benefits of practice go beyond getting physically stronger. In brief, Aikido practice coordinates body, mind and spirit, thereby enhancing one’s overall health. Aikido practice is also quite aerobic and is beneficial to stress reduction. Most of all, Aikido practice is a lot of fun. Keep in mind that, pretty much anyone can study Aikido; strength and athletic ability are not requisites.

Aikido is widely used for basic training by Japanese police and is mandatory for female police officers to learn arrest techniques. Falling and rolling techniques increase one’s body awareness and, quite often, are helpful in avoiding or minimizing injury outside of the dojo in other sports activities.

Aikido classes are open to beginners at any time. Beginners are given separate one-on-one instruction to learn basic techniques. After these basics are understood, new students are integrated into the class. Aikido is a journey and not a boot camp. The emphasis of instruction is to allow people at different levels to get to learn, practice and enjoy Aikido. Our dojo Tanshinjuku follows a standard testing criteria established by Aikikai World Headquarter for technical competence. Aikido ranking system has 5 kyus (ranks) for white belt (starting with 5th kyu rising up to 1st kyu) until one reaches the level of black belt. While tests are based on technical competence, the instructor will evaluate other crucial elements important to become a good aikidoka.

The effective and visually beautiful throws can be very intimidating for those wishing to start Aikido. Taking throws looks challenging and, perhaps, painful and hard for most people who have never been “thrown” in one-way or another. While no one is expected nor forced to do break falls in Aikido, those who practice diligently, gradually develop a natural way to roll and fall and sooner or later will start doing some break falls at ease. Of course, age and agility influence one’s learning curve. The dojo is for the benefit of all of its students. In Japan, it is not uncommon to see people in their 70s practicing Aikido with young people.

Tanshinjuku offers authentic Aikido training as the school is directly affiliated with Aikikai Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan with strong emphasis on flow and basics. We believe that training should fun and good for one’s health.

 

 

Bokken Class

Iaido is an ancient art developed during 16th century feudal Japan. Iaido's long tradition has been handed down through the ages in the Samurai warrior class. Iaido has been known by many names: Iai "mutual existence," Nukiai "simultaneous draw," and others. Iai is the sword skill of winning or losing with one draw from the scabbard and involves many types of practice with either a real sword, Iaito "edgeless" sword, or bokken "wooden sword".
Though there are around ten styles of Iaido practiced today, Muso Shinden Ryu is the style we teach. The late Nakayama Hakudo Sensei established Muso Shinden Ryu Batto Jutsu "The Art of Drawing and Cutting from Divine Transmission through a Dream" in the early 20 th Century. Later, his students decided upon the name Muso Shinden Ryu. Muso Shinden Ryu includes Omori Ryu and Hasegawa Eishin Ryu as well as techniques created by Nakayama Hakudo Sensei.
Training in Iaido focuses on balance, discipline, integrated movement, and breath. Though at times learners practice with a partner, Iaido is a primarily solo art. Essentially, Iaido trains the mind through the body, and has been strongly influenced by the Zen philosophy and the teaching of Satsujin Ken Katsujin To, the "sword which preserves life and the sword which destroys." Today's Iaido emphasizes "the sword which preserves life" and both the spiritual as well as technical and physical aspects of the art.
Instruction in traditional Iaido is provided by Steven Shaw who received is Sandan in Iaido from the late Rev. Kensho Furuya. We do not teach movie-style or improvised swordplay. We offer classical training in Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, Toyama Ryu, and traditional style Aikido Kumitachi.
Everyone is welcome to join, but the number of students is limited to available mat space for training. Proper uniform and training sword are required and can be ordered through the dojo.

Private Lessons also available.

 

What is Aikido?

Ueshiba Morihei sensei, or more commonly called O'sensei, "The Great Teacher", was the founder of Aikido. 1883 - 1969.

A modern Japanese martial art based on traditional Japanese fighting techniques. Aikido, while being a powerful martial art, is also widely practiced all over the world by people of both sexes and all ages as a practical way to improve ones physical flexibility, cardiovascular functions and relieve stress. It not only offers exercise but also develops mental alertness and coordination.

Aikido movement maintains a firm and stable center with an emphasis on spherical rotation characterized by flowing, circular, and elegant dance-like motions. These pivoting, entering and circling motions are used to control and overcome the opponent. The principle of spherical rotation makes it possible to defend one self from an opponent of superior size, and strength.

Unlike many martial arts, Aikido is a non-competitive partner based practice wherein partners alternate roles of attacker (uke) and defender (nage). Aikido’s non-competitive nature allows people to focus on one’s own study of the art while helping one’s partners to practice as well.

Ai-ki-do is a combination of three characters (kanji) that literally mean, bringing together (ai), force or energy (ki), the way (do). Aikido’s flow of movements (tai-sabaki), immobilization techniques (osae waza), throwing techniques (nage waza), falling techniques  (ukemi waza) are all derived from ancient martial arts that have gracefully transformed into a modern martial art that can be a lifetime pursuit.