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Isoyama
American Aikido Academy has:
- Strong connections to Japan.
- Dedicated and caring instructors.
- Adult and Children's day and evening weekday and weekend classes.
- Over 20 years of teaching Aikido in Santa Clarita Valley to people of SCV and the greater surrounding areas.
- Large 1,400 square foot workout area with Swain Gold Medal Mats.
- Free introductory lessons and Family discounts.
- Ample parking with wheelchair accessible entrance.
HOW
TO GET STARTED:
Paulson sensei invites those interested in Aikido to observe a
class and then accept two free lessons without obligation. Sweats
or other comfortable clothes are fine for your first lessons after
that students will need a white gi (uniform) which can be purchased
through the school. Hope to see you soon!
WHEN
I BEGIN TRAINING
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
ETIQUETTE,
PROTOCOL, and JAPANESE PHRASES:
We begin with bowing. In Martial Arts, bowing is not a sign of
servility but of respect and a greeting. Please bow when entering
the Dojo ("The Way Place") and when entering or leaving
the mat area. Before beginning to practice with a partner, both
of you will bow to one another from a sitting position. Please
ask your partner "Onegaishimas" ("Please practice
with me") When ending the practice with your partner, once
more bow and thank each other ("Domo Arigato Gozaimas")
We use the same phrases at the beginning and end of the hour long
training session.
ROLLING
AND FALLING:
Good news for the beginning Aikido student! Aikido is unique in
that it is possible to greatly reduce the speed at which a partner
falls. This means that the beginner can start to safely practice
techniques in the first training session (after having a short
falling/rolling practice) rather than having to spend many sessions
just rolling and falling before practicing throws.
PRACTICE:
There is virtually no solo practice in Aikido. Training consists
of being the thrower ("Tori") half the time and being
the one thrown ("Uke") the rest of the time. As indicated
above, the beginner will be thrown slowly and with control. As
one advances in rank, one will have the experience and training
to land safely after a hard throw.
NEUTRALIZING
and PINNING TECHNIQUES:
The only way you can successfully learn to apply the joint locking
neutralization and pinning techniques is to have them applied
to you in an effective manner. As soon as you reach the beginning
of the pain stage, you tap the mat or cry "itai!" ("Ouch!")
The neutralization techniques are not wrenching movements, the
pain is basically psychological. As you progress, your tolerance
levels naturally increase.
ADVANCEMENT:
Our school does not charge test fees for lower rank advancement,
nor is there formal testing. Sensei's observation and judgment
of the student's level of understanding will determine advancement.
Upper level advancement will involve examination by Isoyama Shihan.
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