What Is Bigrock Aikikai?
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Aikido A TRADITIONAL DISCIPLINE TO STRENGTHEN BODY, MIND & SPIRIT Instruction by What is Aikido? What is BigRock Aikikai? Bay G, 7004 – 5th Street SE Aikido is a dynamic modern Japa- BigRock Aikikai is a non-profit Sensei Steve: 403 617 6541 nese martial art, created in the 20th organization, incorporated in the www.bigrock-aikikai.com century and based on centuries of province of Alberta. Our volun- martial training. Aikido found- teer instructors have been commit- er, Morihei Ueshiba, formulated ted to teaching traditional Aikido a martial Way that merges effec- to all ages since 1998. We are lead tive technique with a mind set on by chief instructor Steve Erickson, peace. The power of an attack is 5th Dan, who has trained in Aiki- controlled and redirected not con- do since 1985. BigRock Aikikai is a fronted. The intent is not to de- member of the Alberta Aikido As- stroy an attacker but rather to ex- sociation, Canadian Aikido Feder- tinguish the violence. ation and the Aikikai Foundation (World Headquarters) in Japan. Programs Ranking Adult ranks below black belt are awarded classes without weapons Tai Jutsu by BigRock Aikikai and the Canadian Ai- Classes always begin with a light but vigor- kido Federation while black belt ranks are ous warm-up leading into drills designed awarded by Aikikai World Headquarters to work on specific skills such as tumbling in Tokyo, Japan. Students under the age of and basic body movements. Self-defense 18 progress through a colored belt ranking technique practice takes up a majority of system ranging from yellow belt through the training time and is typically done advanced black belt and if training in the with partners or in small groups. The un- weapons only class progress through a der 18 classes always finish with a game or belt-stripe ranking system where a single other fun activity. Tai Jutsu classes are or- stripe is attached for each rank earned. ganized based on student age so that each class can offer training methods specific to Program Depth that age group. The following classes are available: Youth Instructor Training Program 1 • Child: 6 to 8 yrs. As an extension to training senior stu- • Youth: 9 to 11 yrs. dents in the under 18 yrs of age classes • Junior Teen: 12 to 14 yrs. have the option to volunteer their time • Senior Teen: 15 to 17 yrs. and effort as mentors. Students help to 2 • Adult: 18 yrs. and older teach those who are their juniors (in age 1. Applicants under the age of 6 are considered on a and rank). The program begins by train- case by case basis. Please contact the chief instructor ing to become an Instructor’s Assistant, with questions. followed by Junior Instructor and finish- 2. The Parent class is a special class for adults who ing with Instructor. Character traits such have children participating in 6 yrs to 8 yrs or 9 yrs to as patience, discipline and compassion are 11 yrs classes. The curriculum of this class mirrors that developed along with honesty and a good of the under 18 yrs classes so that parents are exposed to exactly what their children are learning. Training work ethic. Minimum age and rank re- is done at an adult level. quirements apply. Buki classes with weapons Youth Character Weapons training is an extension to train- Development Program ing without weapons, classes are only The Character Development Program en- Contact Us available to students already training in courages students to further develop val- For more information, visit the Tai Jutsu classes. As with the Tai Jutsu ues introduced in the dojo and apply them our website or contact our classes, our Buki classes also begin with a in their daily lives. Through a progression chief instructor Sensei Steve by vigorous warm-up. The drills component consisting of participating, becoming a phone or email below. of these classes will work on skills specific model for others and finally engaging and BigRock Aikikai to the two traditional Aikido weapons: jo leading others, important values such as Main Dojo (short staff ) and bokken (wooden sword). respect (for yourself, others and the envi- Bay G, 7004 – 5 Street SE Students under the age of 18 are required ronment), compassion, integrity, sincerity Calgary, Alberta to have earned at least a green belt rank and a good work ethic are applied to the before they are accepted into the weapons 4 areas of a students daily life – Home, Steve Erickson classes. Buki classes are also organized School, Community and Dojo. Students Chief Instructor based on student age. The following op- are awarded a different crest for each level Phone: 403 617 6541 tions are available: attained. Participation in the Character Email: [email protected] Development Program is voluntary up • 6 to 11 yrs. until a student makes application for a www.bigrock-aikikai.com • 12 to 17 yrs. rank of brown belt or higher. At senior (Adult weapons training is done in the Tai levels, involvement in positive activities Jutsu adult classes) outside of the dojo is a requirement..