Aikido for adults
From 17 to 97 years old.
Out of your head, into your body
More calm, a more supple body. Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art, an art of movement and a way of living. The practice is shaped for people living in the West today, without altering the original principles. Practitioners learn to relax under pressure, which gives them back a choice and makes them more resilient. Aikido has an extensive system of martial techniques, in which both unarmed and armed attackers are neutralised.
From stress to centre
Each class opens with a short meditation, to let go of the rush of the day and be present on the mat. Breathing exercises to ground the body often follow. From that quiet, the class builds up dynamically. A great deal of attention goes to break-falling and rolling, and everyone is given exercises at their own level.
It is remarkable to see how beginning aikidoka often move hesitantly, and how after a few weeks or months an enormous change becomes visible. Steadier, straighter, more supple. The classes put a lot of emphasis on moving freely and meeting the attacker without force or tension. Only after that do the techniques come in. Rolling, break-falling and the prevention of future injuries are trained at length.
Times and location
For times and locations see Location and schedule.