Winter/ Spring 2010

Youth Program Update

My first teacher described training in Aikido as being like putting on rose-colored glasses - the more often you put them on, the more normal the world appears in that rosey tone. Giving the children more opportunities to train may allow them to feel more of a connection with what they are learning; more continuity. Of course everything has to stay in balance with what works with the family.

Program Expansion! - "Aiki Kids" learn nonviolent martial arts techniques and skills. Class activities develop physical and mental coordination, confidence, esteem and basic self-defense skills in a fun and empowering format. The aiki-kids (7-14 year olds) now have four training opportunities each week! There are classes at 4:00, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday and at 4:30 on Wednesday. The 10-14 year olds also have 5-6pm on Mondays. The cost is $50 for one class a week and $75 for unlimited "Aiki Kids" classes.

"Aiki Mites" have fun and express surplus energy through empowering games, movements, and exercises inspired by Aikido. They learn safety skills, tumbling and focus in a joyful format. Now aiki-mites can attend two classes a week! The classes are Monday and Wednesday at 3pm. The cost is $50 for one class per week and $75 for both. If you have registered your child for one time a week and he/she misses the class, they can train in the other. I recommend that you keep the same day, each week, whenever possible.

New Sempai - Ernie Stromberg, a professor at CSUMB, is a first degree blackbelt in Aikido. He will be helping to teach in the Tuesday/Thursday youth program classes.

Join Us! - You can help out in the Aiki-mites and train with your child in the Aiki-kids classes! Please talk to Danielle Sensei to arrange joining us on the mat!

Experience the dojo - Meditation classes are held every Saturday from 7 to 8:50am. You can attend all or part. No experience necessary, free, and open to the public. They are led by Scott Stillenger, a meditation teacher. Once a month a Saturday session will be held from 11:45 to 1pm. See the events page for scheduled dates.

Aikibojitsu - Based on the movements of Aikido, this fun wooden staff practice improves movement, flexibility, coordination, balance and energy. For adults and teens, this class meets Monday and Wednesdays from 12n - 1pm. It is taught by Michael Smith Sensei. The cost is $50 for one class a week and $75 for two. Family discounts apply.

Holidays - Enjoy the following holidays! No classes on: Monday, January 18; Monday, February 15; Spring Break - April 5-10

Masters' Classes - Get in some extra training with the guidance of adult students and Sensei - (Saturdays, 11:45-1pm) February 20, March 27, April 17

Aiki Games - It's fun, challenging and very rewarding! Don't miss it! May 19

Promotional Prep Class - Be ready for your next promotion! Train, ask questions and perfect your technique! Saturday, May 22, 11:45-1pm