Why do we bow? When we bow, we take the time to show respect to our teachers, to our partners, to the dojo and most importantly, to our selves. Bowing is a sign of compassion and a way to practice non-violence within ourselves.

How does work? Equity is Ki The essence of all is Practicing Non Violence spherical motion around a stable, energized is a Way of Life center. Even when the direction appears to be linear, close observation reveals that the VISITORS INFORMATION movements of Aikido are in fact circular. Properly executed, some techniques send an Welcome to Two Rivers . We have attacker flying through the air. Others collected answers to questions that previous immobilize an aggressor. Both results are visitors most often asked as they watched achieved through precise use of leverage, classes. If you have additional questions, inertia, gravity and the action of centrifugal please feel free to ask. and centripetal forces.

Who can practice Aikido? What is Aikido? Since it is the energy of the attack itself which Aikido is the non-violent martial art. Aikido is brings down an attacker, techniques do not the only effective method of self defense that depend on physical strength to be effective. does not use violence to oppose violence. The Therefore, women, men and children of all Japanese word for Ai Ki Do is written in three sizes and ages practice Aikido. characters which translate to Harmony, Universal Energy and the Way. Aikido is the How does Aikido compare to other Way to find Harmony with the Spirit or martial arts? Energy in all living things. All martial arts emphasize good posture, movements from the center, awareness of Who founded Aikido? strengths and weakness and protection of the Although the roots of Aikido technique date center line. Aikido stresses non violent back to feudal Japan, present day Aikido is the reaction to violence and a development of a creation of a remarkable man, Morehei Ueshiba, cooperative and compassionate spirit as a commonly referred to as O Sensei, meaning foundation of martial arts training. Great Teacher. O Sensei maintained that true budo, the martial way, is a work of love, a Does it hurt to be thrown or pinned? path to overcome discord in ourselves and to Not if you pay attention. Beginners are taught bring peace to the world. Aikido is a martial how to roll forward and backward safely on art for perfecting one's character and spirit the mat. They are eased into their roles as toward a non violent self. and nage. Aikido techniques do not attempt to injure an attacker like other martial arts. The What are some of the benefits of Aikido? main objective of Aikido is to convince Aikido practice improves physical and mental attackers that they cannot hurt you. During conditioning. Training will increase your practice, we learn how to control our stamina, flexibility, balance, coordination, aggressive instincts. As students become reaction speed, and muscle tone as well as more proficient in taking falls, their partners your self confidence, alertness, focus, can apply techniques more quickly and intuitiveness and concern for others. Aikido powerfully. Because of the cooperative nature practice helps you develop ways to deal with of Aikido, students work together to practice stress and tension in your everyday life. at a level at which both are comfortable.

Is it easy to learn Aikido? the Technical Director of the USAF. Kanai There are hundreds of Aikido techniques and Sensei's style of Aikido and his theory of variations of techniques to be mastered. Toitsutai, the unified body, is the foundation of There is always something to think about and the instruction at Two Rivers Aikikai. work out physically, mentally and at times Assistant instructors, fukushidoin, are Alex emotionally. This is why we offer 4 week Nelson, sandan, Teri Pierson, nidan, Robert beginner sessions for new students. These Fraley, nidan and Michael Boeder, nidan in classes are small, giving new students Aikido and sandan in Iaido. All instructors at important individual instruction. Aikido offers Two Rivers Aikikai are dedicated to giving life-long learning to those who want to meet quality instruction in a safe and serious yet the challenge. enjoyable manner. Instructors at Two Rivers are not paid. Teaching is part of their Why are some students wearing skirts? st training. Students who achieve a rank of Shodan (1 degree black belt) wear a Hakama, a pleated What are weapons classes? skirt similar to those worn by samurai of Aikido techniques are complemented by feudal Japan. practice with tanto (wooden knife), (wooden sword), and jo (wooden staff). Are there colored belts in Aikido? Practice with weapons includes solo practice- There are 6 levels of white belt and several Kata, partner practice- Kumitachi and take levels of black belt. New students who away techniques- Tachi Tori. Weapons complete the 4 week beginner session may th th classes are open to students with a rank of 6 test for a rank of 6 Kyu and a wooden name kyu and up. tag on our front wall. After completing a prescribed number hours of practice, students How much does it cost to practice? can take tests based on the standards of the *** MEMBERSHIP FEES: *** United States Aikido Federation, of which One time registration fee: Two Rivers Aikikai is a member dojo. White $50.00 for Adults & Teens belts progress from 6th kyu through 1st kyu in $35.00 for Children (ages 6-11) preparation for their Shodan test. The lack of Monthly dues: colored belts in Aikido is a method for $90.00 for Adults (ages 18 and up) teaching and practicing equality. $70.00 for Teens (ages 12-17) $60.00 for Children (ages 8-11) How long does it take to reach Shodan? $40.00 for Children (ages 6 & 7) Anywhere from 5 years and up. Aikido is 4 week beginner session: $135.00 more than a science of tactics or a method of Sign up with a friend: $125.00 each self defense. It is very difficult to defend for teens & adults includes registration fee, gi oneself without resorting to violent behavior. & 1 month dues. It is a challenge that is worth pursuing no matter how long it takes. Do I need a uniform? For safety and practicality, students wear a Who are the instructors at Two Rivers? judo or a karate gi. We sell them here at the Two Rivers Aikikai is a member dojo of the dojo. They cost $60 for adults and $50 for United States Aikido Federation, under the children. We also have a few used gis at direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. reduced cost. As noted above, a gi is included Our Chief Instructor is Spiros Koyanis th in the beginner package. Sensei, 6 dan, Shidoin in Aikido and 4th dan in Iaido. Lynn Marshall, 5th dan shidoin and Please speak directly to Koyanis Sensei if you Koyanis Sensei studied Aikido and Iaido have questions about Iaido. under the direction of the late , 8th dan Shihan. Kanai Sensei was the Please visit our website: www.2rivers.org or Chief Instructor of New England Aikikai and email the dojo: [email protected]