Aikido Open House

Looking to try something in the New Year? Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on throws, locks and weapons techniques. It is a "Do" (Way) that embraces the idea of martial training for a stronger body, mind and spirit as well as a path towards peace and non-violent conflict resolution. By philosophy it is non-competitive, with all participants working together towards improving their technique and practice.

On January 12, 14 and 16, Avalon Aikikai will hold an Aikido Open House: you can try it out for $10/class or, if you prefer, watch for free. We welcome adults and teens (15+) and you don't need any previous experience with martial arts: these classes will be at an introductory level but will include basic stances, movements and attacks as well as the foundation of ukemi (falling safely to the mat) and basic throws and locks. The weapon's class will be with jo: a 4 foot wooden staff.

All classes will be in our regular location at the St. John's Martial Arts Centre (21 Mews Place). The times are:

• Sunday, Jan 12, 7:00-8:00pm (regular), 8:00-8:45pm (weapons)

• Tuesday, Jan 14, 7:45-9:00pm (regular)

• Thursday, Jan 16, 5:30-6:30pm (regular)

For the Sunday, you can come to either or both classes.

We look forward to seeing you in January! If you have questions email us at avalonaikikai@gmail.com or contact us on Facebook.

Congratulations to Stoyan!

In November, Stoyan and Ivan travelled the George Hewson Sensei's seminar in Halifax. Stoyan took (and passed!) his Shodan (first black belt) test. Congratulations Stoyan!

The above photo was taken just after we presented Stoyan with his black belt. At the same time we presented Ted with the certificate for his Shodan promotion from January.

Introduction to Aikido

Looking to try something new? Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on throws, locks and weapons techniques. It is a "Do" (Way) that embraces the idea of martial training for a stronger body, mind and spirit as well as a path towards peace and non-violent conflict resolution. By philosophy it is non-competitive, with all participants working together towards improving their technique and practice.

This Introduction will be aimed at adults and teens (15+) who have no previous experience with Aikido but would like learn more. We will start with stances, movement and attacks as well as the foundations of ukemi (falling safely to the mat). We will then introduce basic throws and locks. Later classes will include basic weapons practice.

Avalon Aikikai has been teaching this art for over 40 years and this September we will be offering a four-class Introduction. Dates and times are:

• Tuesday, Sept 10, 7:45-9:00pm

• Thursday, Sept 12, 5:30-6:30pm

• Tuesday, Sept 17, 7:45-9:00pm

• Thursday, Sept 19, 5:30-6:30pm

All classes will be at the St. John's Martial Arts Centre (21 Mews Place). The cost if $50 for the four classes. If you decide to stay on and continue with regular practice, this can be applied to a regular membership.

We look forward to seeing you in September! If you have questions email us at avalonaikikai@gmail.com or contact us on Facebook.