Aikido Study Group

Schedule:
Monday: 8:30PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Please contact us and schedule a visit (All visits are by appointment only)

Ages 18 and up

Why should you train in our Aikido study group?
This art is for self-development.

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.

The Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu curriculum is studied alongside Aikido.

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.

Rules of Training

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

1 Month Probationary Period:
Every new member is automatically on a 1 month probationary period. This is so the student can assess if this art and dojo is a fit for them. It also allows the study group lead to assess whether the new member is a good fit for the dojo. Membership beyond this period is solely at the discretion of the study group lead.

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.

Cost: (First class is free to try)
All: $50/month or
Per Class Rate: $10 - please pay at the beginning of class. Don't pay anymore if you reach $50 total for the month - unlimited classes for the rest of the month.
Additional Family Members: First family member is included with the basic dues (meaning no extra charge), additional family members after are half of the regular dues
First time visitors must contact us and request permission to visit. Please do not drop-in unannounced. There is no mat fee for visitors.

Uniform: $30-$60 depending on the size. Not required but recommended. Available for purchase after attending for at least 1 month.

We are a dojo study group, not a business. We do not sell our techniques and art. You are not a customer. Fees or monthly dues are only necessary to pay toward the rent of the facility.

Visiting/Traveling Martial Artist?
We love having guests! 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 first using the form below for a visit. For safety protocol reasons, walk-in's without prior communication are not allowed and such visitors will be asked to leave. Aikidoka or martial artist from any dojo regardless of affiliation are welcomed. A mat-fee is not required for traveling/visiting martial artists.

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 overcoming you. Practice is not an opportunity to hurt each other, be arrogant or egotistical. Practice is a chance to be mindful, be kind to yourself and to your classmates. This art is a vehicle to mastering oneself.

What's a typical class like?
We draw from a well established course curriculum yet due to my teaching preference, our usual classes flow dynamically with the materials covered. All students can enjoy and immerse themselves in various aspects of the art.

Do you focus on self-defense and fighting?
As a personal choice, this curriculum does not focus on self-defense or combatives. This course is for self-development. My goal is on maintaining the teachings of this art while improving the individual's health and well-being. This is 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 viewing 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?
First, we screen all visitors through the public national sexual offender registry. Secondly, unannounced visits are disruptive during our class times and such visitors will be asked to leave.

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.

What is your Aikido affiliation?
I am a ranked and registered member of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo (Japan). As a dojo/study group, we are currently independent. We welcome interactions with all Aikido (and other martial arts) schools regardless of organizational affiliation, so please reach out to us if you want to cross-train or promote seminars and such.

Can I observe a class?
No, it is a feeling art and better understood to come in and try a free session.

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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.