Beginner Aikido Program for Adults

Program Description


The Beginner Aikido Program for Adults introduces new practitioners to the basic concepts and techniques of Aikido body arts and Aikido Weapons. Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art of self-defense developed in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, or O-Sensei (Great Teacher) as he is called by Aikido students. Aikido is known for its graceful techniques: swift apparently effortless movements that fling an attacker through the air, or immobilize and control by means of subtle pressures to the joints. Above all, Aikido training is an encounter with one's self. The student of Aikido seeks to identify and gain control of the ways in which he or she reacts to opposition, and so learns to remain centered under all conditions. There are no contests in Aikido, no winners, no losers. Just honest practice, the exhilaration of learning new skills, and a lot of fun! Aikido Weapons practice is part of the Aikido curriculum but can be practiced independently of Aikido body arts. Practice takes place with bokken (wooden sword), jo (wooden staff) and tanto (wooden knife), and focuses both on solo practice (e.g. bokken suburi, jo suburi) and practice with one or more partners (e.g. kumi tachi, kumi jo).
● FOR WHO	The Program is specifically tailored for adults who have no previous experience and are interested in trying out Aikido and Aikido Weapons.
● FOCUS	With an emphasis on safety, beginners learn the fundamentals of Aikido and Aikido Weapons practice including etiquette, footwork, body movement, posture, positioning and basic techniques, all under the supervision of senior instructors.
● BENEFITS	Among many other benefits, Aikido and Aikido Weapons practice improves health, increases flexibility, sharpens reflexes, enhances coordination, improves body alignment and promotes relaxation. And of course it's a fun and excellent way to learn self-defense and the most modern of Japanese martial arts.

How do I join?

Joining the Beginner Aikido Program for Adults is really easy and consists of 3 steps:

Registration
Register by completing this REGISTRATION FORM.
When we receive it we will send you a confirmation email with additional instructions and an invitation to a free trial class.
Trial class
Come to the dojo for a no-obligation free trial class.
Payment
If you want to continue you make a payment and join the dojo.

How much does it cost?

For a limited time we are offering a PROMOTIONAL RATE that includes:

3 months of unlimited classes in the program
A free Aikido uniform
Examination for 6th kyu in Aikido
All for $250 (regular price $400 plus cost of uniform)
Regular fees apply after the 3 month Promotional Rate period.

Payment can be made

in cash or by cheque at the dojo,
by e-transfer to torontoaikikai[at]gmail.com, or
through Paypal or a credit card with the button below.

Please note:

Please do not send payment via Paypal to the email address above as it only works for e-transfers. For payments with Paypal or with a credit card please use the button above. Thanks.

Additional Information and FAQs

When and where are the classes held?
The Beginner Aikido Program for Adults starts on Mondays and runs for 3 months.
Beginners can attend an unlimited number of classes per week as shown on the schedule below.
The Weapons classes include practice with a jo (wooden staff) and a bokken (wooden sword).
On the first Saturday of the month Weapons classes take place outdoors at High Park from 10:00 to 11:30 am and all classes at the dojo are canceled that day. If due to bad weather classes cannot be held outdoors, then classes at the dojo are reinstated.

This is the Beginner Aikido Program class schedule:

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
					IAIDO Eric 9:30-10:30 am	CHILDREN Joe, Kelly 9:30-10:15 am
					WEAPONS Sensei 10:45-11:45 am	AIKIDO BASICS Joel 10:30-11:30 am
	CHILDREN Joe, Otto 5:00-5:45 pm	YOUTH Joel 4:45-5:45 pm			AIKIDO Sensei 12:00-1:00 pm	IAIJUTSU Joel 11:45- 1:00 pm
IAIDO Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	WEAPONS Sensei 6:00-7:00 pm	IAIDO Sensei/Yelitza 6:00-7:00 pm	AIKIDO BASICS Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	YOUTH Alireza 5:45-6:45 pm
AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO BASICS Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Sensei 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO TEST PREP Yelitza 7:15-8:15 pm	AIKIDO Alireza 7:00-8:00 pm

Can I visit the dojo to observe a class?
Yes. You do not need an appointment to observe any of our classes.
Can I try a free class ?
Yes. Please register by following the instructions above.
What should I wear and bring for the trial class?
Comfortable clothes or gym clothes, but no shorts please.
We may be able to lend you a visitor uniform for the day if we have one in your size.
Is a uniform required?
After joining the dojo you will require a white martial arts uniform and a pair of sandals for walking within the dojo while off the mat.
Are there COVID-19 related requirements?
We follow standard safety protocols.
Wearing a face mask at the dojo is optional.
What should I expect when arriving for a class?
Practice on the mat is barefoot.
Before joining a class you will be required to sanitize your hands and feet.

Is this the right program for me?
To help you decide, the following table shows what is included in each of the Promotion Programs.

PROGRAM	Includes Aikido?	Includes Weapons?	Includes Iaido?	Includes Iaijutsu?
Aikido
Aikido and Iaido
Iaido / Weapons

Do you have additional questions?
We'll be happy to answer them.
Please contact us.