Aikido Study Group

Schedule:
Wednesday: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Please contact us and schedule a visit

Ages 18 and up

Why should you train in Aikido?
Aikido is a martial art tracing back to feudal Japan samurai era weapons and battlefield training. Today, we preserve the old teachings through noncompetitive empty hand and weapons practice for women and men. It will improve your health, posture, patience, flexibility and movement, and teaches you how to safely fall. Aikido is a form of moving meditation. There is no winning and losing, no competition. In our modern times, Aikido is an art easily taken alongside your regular gym workout, yoga classes, or other activities.

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Curriculum:
Aikido - The guidelines as set forth by the late Fumio Toyoda.

​Aikido is suitable for women and men. The martial arts can be very intimidating for a beginner. You do not need experience in the martial arts to begin. We will assist you in learning techniques, stretches, and body awareness.

Class Details:
This is a classical martial art focused curriculum. Please refer to the definition of koryu bujutsu. You will learn about the history, training theory, movements, and techniques of Aikido. This program is a study of art, culture, and history.

Aspects of Aikido:

• How to safely fall (ukemi)
• Mind-Body solo exercises
• Solo and paired weapons work - bokken and jo
• Classical techniques
• Overall Health and Well-being

The focus for this study group does not include the following:

• Application for self defense
• Application for military, police, or detention
• Application for combat sport, competition, tournaments, etc.

Please use the contact form at the bottom of this page to request a visit.

Dress Code:
Please wear comfortable and weather appropriate clothing. Athletic wear and long pants are recommended. Students will normally be barefoot on the mats. Socks are not recommended as they can be slippery, but are accepted. If you already have a uniform, please only wear it if it is a white keikogi without patches and a white belt.

Cost: (First class is free to try)
Adult: $65/month
Senior (60+), Teacher/Educator, Student, Military, CO, LEO Discount: $50/month
Drop-in/Per Class Rate: $10 - please pay at the beginning of class. 1st time visitors must contact us.
Uniform: $40-60 depending on the size. Available for purchase after attending for at least 1 month.
We are a club, not a business. We are not selling our techniques or art. Monthly dues are only necessary to pay toward the rent of the facility.

Visiting/Traveling Martial Artist?
If you are an Aikidoka or current practitioner of another martial art traveling through the area and would like to join class, please contact us using the form below for a visit. Aikidoka or martial artist from any dojo's regardless of affiliation are welcomed. We love having guests!

The Aikido study group meets for practice at:
Pro-Karate Grand Rapids
652 28th St SW Ste B
Grand Rapids, MI 49509

We are in the tan building on the left. Parking is in the back of the building.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is your teaching philosophy?
My goal is to keep this classical art alive. Aikido will strengthen your body, improve mindfulness, and allow awareness of energy. The path of this practice when followed sincerely will positively change the practitioner. You will learn to flow, connect, blend, and attack without allowing fear and aggression to overcome you. Practice is not an opportunity to hurt each other, be arrogant or egotistical. Let's be mindful and be kind to yourself and to your classmates. Techniques are vehicles to mastering the self.

Do you focus on self-defense and fighting?
As a personal choice, this curriculum does not focus on self-defense or combatives. My goal is on maintaining the teachings of this art while improving the individual's health and well-being. Please consider this as a form of moving meditation. People new to the martial arts will enjoy learning more about movement theory specific to Aikido and its Japanese cultural roots. Every art is unique and Aikido has its place being non-violent and noncompetitive. You can take this course alongside other martial arts but my personal approach will not take you toward violent scenarios or make you a fighter. You will enjoy this course much more by looking at it as a form of personal growth, health, and finding joy in movement and connection.

Is there sparring and competition?
We do not spar or compete. Practice is 100% kata (forms) based and all paired partner work are fully (100%) cooperative. Our focus is on the health and well-being of the practitioner.

Why are all visits by appointment only?
We screen all visitors through the public national sexual offender registry.

Do you offer rank?
We follow a strict classical method for ranking, the student is given rank by the instructor when deemed appropriate. The first rank could take a few years. I encourage people to train for enjoyment and health.

Is it possible for a student under 18 to train?
No. There are joint manipulation techniques that can cause permanent damage when applied to still developing bodies. Therefore, the required age is 18 and above.

Can I train in multiple arts at the same time?
Yes

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Next Step:
If you are interested in visiting for a free trial class, please also complete the Student Registration form. This is required before coming to class.