Adult Classes Ki-Aikido Seattle
In our adult program, we cover: Aikido arts and exercises; taigi; Ki development; meditation; and annual cold water training.
Aikido is a defensive art, relying almost completely on throws. The goal of Aikido is to end conflicts peacefully but effectively, turning the aggressor’s energy to a safe direction.
We practice Aikido arts with a partner. Rather than sparring, we work collaboratively to improve our skills and those of our partner. This leads to a friendly and cooperative environment.
The partner arts are supported by one-person exercises (hitori waza), in which we practice precise movements and rhythm.
Most of the Aikido arts are unarmed. However, in the more advanced arts we use weapons—wooden swords (bokken), daggers (tanto), and staves (jo). We practice the use of weapons and defenses against them.
Taigi are sequences of six or more attacks and defenses. In taigi—as in all Aikido—the role of the attacker, or uke, is critical. The art of taigi focuses on rhythm, connection, and largeness by both the attacker and the defender (uke and nage).
Ki Development is a critical part of Ki-Aikido: students must attain the appropriate grades in Ki Development before testing for Aikido ranks. In our Ki Development classes, we cover the four principles of mind-body coordination:
We develop Ki through a range of focused exercises and through application to specific Aikido arts and activities in everyday life.
We teach Ki Breathing and Ki Meditation as another route to focusing and extending Ki. We encourage all students to supplement the teaching in class with personal meditation practice.
Every January we carry out optional cold water training, or misogi, at Golden Gate gardens in Seattle. This ceremony prepares us for the new year. The cold water training is followed by bell ringing and meditation.
