Bucks County Aikido — Introductory Course

To introduce you to the practice of Aikido, we offer a two-month introductory course taught by Sensei. This opportunity will give you a sense of what Aikido training is, so that you can make an educated decision on whether you would like to pursue it or not. You will be exposed to some of the basic techniques, the circular movements of Aikido, as well as the anatomy of falling and rolling.
 
It's difficult to get across the worth of this practice in words. As a true martial art, or budo, Aikido training cannot be reduced to a simple category or intellectual idea. It is a path through which we encounter ourselves. Regular practice broadens our perspectives in life and deepens our experience of even the simplest moments. Aikido is not only a practical art for self-defense, but a philosophically satisfying art to last a lifetime.

Many books have been written about Aikido, but the vital life of its philosophy is found in practice. The circular movements alone can deeply affect how we feel about and approach life, but it doesn’t end there. Through a strong center and changed vantage point, any situation can be transformed. An encounter with another is ultimately an encounter with one's self. With practice, the philosophy of Aikido can be embodied through direct experience. Such a realization from within is very different from reading or hearing about it.

The Aikido Techniques You'll Be Learning

In order to give you some sense of the depth and breadth of Aikido and its philosophy, we will cover a broad range of techniques. It won’t be possible for you to remember them all at the beginning — just do your best to copy what you see. The intention is to give you a sense for this practice and the philosophy embedded in its movements.

While this broader aspect of our training will be presented, we will also pay specific attention to the techniques required on the first ranking test. There are five levels before shodan (black belt), starting at fifth kyu and progressing to first kyu. In this school, a white belt is worn throughout this period, but the gradations represent accomplishment along the way. The fifth kyu test involves demonstrating a basic knowledge of the techniques by being able to recall them from their names. Being able to do so is the beginning of taking ownership of the art.

Although it varies from person to person, a student is usually ready to test for fifth kyu after approximately fifty hours of class time and additional individual effort made between classes. This is beyond the scope of this introductory course but a good foundation will be set. Should you decide to continue with your training, any senior member of the dojo can help you with this first challenge. A list of the requirements for the fifth kyu test are available in the dojo when you are ready to start with this kind of self-study.

Ukemi, the Art of Falling

A good portion of this course will involve the study of rolling as a strategy to safely recover from a fall. Whether rolling forward or backward, an important aspect of this process is the uncovering and overcoming of any fear we may have of a free fall. Once confidence in rolling is established, our bodies can remain supple and ready to adapt to a fall, rather than a having a stiff and rigid response that often accompanies fear. Mastery over falling creates a sense of independence from gravity that is critical to a martial artist, as well as being a liberating feeling in daily life.

Aikido Weapons Training

Once you have passed your fifth kyu test, you can begin with weapons training. Through the use of the Bokken (wooden sword) and Jyo (four-foot staff), we practice the extension of ourselves through the length of an inanimate object, expanding our sense of self beyond the threshold of our skin. The imminent danger in a weapons class creates a palpable atmosphere that heightens the senses and provides an opportunity to cultivate an intense, firm attitude without a tense, rigid body. Such a practice helps to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and allows us to practice being the calm at the center of a storm. 

Zazen (sitting and calming the mind)

While Aikido has been called “moving Zen,” Zazen is the seemingly simple practice of sitting still and calming the mind. Although the final aim may be personal transformation, the practice itself is a simple one. While this meditative practice will not specifically be a part of this course, it is an important part of our practice here in this dojo. If you have an interest in learning more or would like to sit with us, please ask, as you are welcome to join in.

One Final Note

The rewards of this type of training are directly proportional to your commitment to learn. In the old days, an apprentice was often given menial tasks for months, or even years, before they were ever shown the art. Although by today’s standard this may seem harsh, the time spent was never considered wasted. Not only was the character of the student demonstrated, but the student would also be hungry for any instruction once it was made available.

Learning such a sophisticated art form quickly was (and still is) not considered possible. The most important quality necessary for the potential trainee was a resilient and robust attitude and a dogged desire to pursue the path. With such commitment, this training will not only forge a strong person in body and mind, but, most importantly, in spirit.

If you decide to participate in a beginner's class, don’t be too hard on yourself if you find it challenging. You may at times feel like everyone else is "getting it" and feel very lonely and isolated. This too is part of training. Make your best effort, but let go of any artificial and unfair ideas that you may have of "doing well". This art is challenging. Awkwardness is par for the course. If frustration arises, just recognize it and carry on. Everyone, with no exceptions, encounters difficulties at some point. If you can accept this and continue to show up for class, you will be on your way to learning Aikido.

If you would like to be notified the next time a beginners clsss is scheduled, enter your name and email address below. Of course, your information is kept private and never shared with anyone.