Classes offered at Aikido of Madison

We offer several different classes at different times of the week and month.

All Levels Aikido

Open to all practitioners, including those who are brand new. These classes will also be attended by more advanced practitioners. The instruction will be tailored to the experience level of those in attendance. Fellow students will also adjust their training to suit each partner throughout the class. If all students who attend a given class are more advanced, the class material may reflect that. When true beginners are present, material and pace are calibrated to allow everyone to keep up and progress.

Advanced Aikido

Eligibility is by instructor permission. These classes feature faster and more vigorous training as well as more advanced or subtle concepts. Confident ukemi is essential. Speak to an instructor to ask about eligibility.

Ukemi

Ukemi (or "receiving") is often described as learning how to fall safely. At Aikido of Madison, it is that and a lot more. Our expansive view of ukemi includes how to move in ways that preserve both your safety and your options, as well as how to use your body to provide a productive learning environment for yourself and your partners. Basic Ukemi is open to students of all experience levels. For Advanced Ukemi, ask an instructor about eligibility.

Suwari Waza

Suwari waza (or "seated techniques") are a part of Japanese martial arts tradition dating back to feudal times. Though they may at first seem old-fashioned or out of date, they have a great deal to teach us, such as moving from the center and how to stay balanced. These lessons inform not only all of our Aikido techniques, but also how we move in everyday life. Open to all students.

Aikido Weapons

The weapons of Aikido are the sword (bokken), staff (jo), and knife (tanto). We use wooden training weapons not to learn armed fighting techniques but to refine our understanding of distance, timing, balance, and control. For those who do not have their own weapons, the dojo has weapons that may be used. Open to all experience levels.

Open Mat

Not technically a class, this is time when the dojo is open for students to work on whatever they wish, from polishing basics of the forward roll to preparation for an upcoming examination. At least one black belt is always present. Dojo etiquette for these sessions is informal--everyone may come and go as they wish. Feel free to ask for help with a technique or concept if you want. Open mat only takes place when a black belt is available to host it, so check the dojo news feed for the latest information, or look out for an email from the Google Group.

Yudansha Training

Our most advanced training, these classes are by instructor permission. They are intended for black belts or those who are preparing to test for black belt rank. Material taught may include advanced ukemi, reversals, randori, and working with junior students.