Aikido-a martial art of peace
Pictured above left to rigt is Ariel, me, and Marinela at San Leandro Aikido.
Aikido is a Martial Art with a philosophy of non-violence and protection of others even your assailant! We aim to blend with an attack and use the energy to defend ourselves yet cause minimal harm.
I began in 1975 in Goju Ryu style Karate, then switched to Wa Do Ryu at Berkeley Karate Do with Sensei Yoshiaki Ajari. In about 1980 I saw Aikido demonstrated and soon began training at Oakland's Aikido Institute where Pat Hendrickiks was an assistant instructor. I now train at San Leandro Aikido where Pat Hendricks is head instructor. I've just attained the rank of Nidan or Second Degree Black belt.
Pat Sensei, a 6th dan holds the highest degree possible in “Aiki Ken and Jo Certification” is certified to test for the United States. San Leandro Aikido is a member of California Aikido Association which has member dojos around the world.
An excelent teacher, Pat is in high demand for seminars worldwide. Check the San Leandro Aikdo website to find if she will be teaching near you or better yet, c'mon down to train with us.
Aikido uses your partners momentum to take their balance "low center of gravity wins". At 5'1" it's a great practice for me.
The techniques can be practiced at any age. Aikido can be devastating but the goal is peaceful reconciliation with no injury. Particularly effective with multiple opponents you can attempt to protect yourself, control the situation, AND not cause harm to your attacker. While difficult I feel is a worthwhile goal.
Aikido uses throws, joint locks and pins, also we train with sword and staff (boken and jo respectively). The art of Aikido was founded by Master Morihei Uyeshiba.
Pat Hendricks will be teaches at many events. See the San Leandro website for more information
I'm often asked how to choose a dojo or style. Of course I reccomend Aikido and SLA. If you're considering martial arts training good for you. It's great for self confidence, good workout and a lifelong challenge and journey.
What I feel is this:
All arts especially as you advance have more in common than they are different. "hard" styles like Karate, TKD, Krav Maga, Kenpo have techniques that can look graceful, dance like and fluid
"soft styles" like Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Tai Chi, Aikido, some Kung Fu Styles, have techniques that are brutal, abrubt and devastating.
Find the best teacher you can, that's most important.
Talk to people in your area, watch classes, watch a whole bunch of classes, watch some more.
Watch beginner classes, your gonna be one for a looooooong ass time. The more I practice all seems the more there is to learn. So watch a beginner class how do they treat beginners? Are they patient? Do they stress basics and safety? Is there training with an injury or disability and how are they treated? Do they warm up? Do people interact well on/off the mat?
Then watch an advanced class.
You should feel a sense of awe, you should feel like "I gotta do that, I want to be able to do that", that's what I felt when I saw Pat teach and years later, I'm still learning from her.
One of my teachers, Scott Hassler says "my goal is to get ine technique, one time each class that is just right" and he's a 4th degree black belt.
This is not said to discourage you, far from it. The process is fascinateing and i have the utmost respect for anyone who takes up the challenge.
