Aikido Seminar, March 21, Steamtown Mall

KENPO ACADEMY SCHOOL HOSTS AIKIDO SEMINAR, SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2009

(SCRANTON) – Aikido of Scranton, Inc. in conjunction with Kenpo Academy of Martial Arts, will host an Aikido seminar conducted by Ven Sensei on Saturday, March 21, from 12 noon till 2:30 pm. The Aikido seminar will be held at the Academy dojo located in The Mall at Steamtown. A donation of $30.00 is requested. Aikido of Scranton, Inc is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to promote the teachings of the Founder of Aikido, O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba.

The seminar will serve as an introduction to some of the basic principles and techniques of Aikido. Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using the attacker’s force against himself. Men, women and children are encouraged to participate regardless of any previous martial arts experience. The seminar is open to practitioners of all styles of martial arts.

Aikido is a purely defensive art that uses the power of the opponent’s attack, redirecting or neutralizing it through a variety of techniques involving joint locks, throws, and pins. The movements of Aikido were derived from classical Japanese sword techniques. Aikido offers effective protection even when the attacker is larger or stronger.

Aikido practice focuses on balance, centering, concentration, coordination, and timing. It is a practice that seeks to bring mind, body and spirit into harmony. The principles of Aikido can be applied to everyday life.

Ven Sensei holds a sixth-degree black belt (rokudan) in Aikido and has been training in the martial arts for more than thirty-five years. Sensei has taught at Boscov’s Campus of Courses, Penn State , Inner Harmony, and the YMCA. Ven Sensei was the first Aikido Instructor to teach Aikido in the Scranton area for the past 11 years. Many law enforcement officers, state and local have received his instruction. He also has 22 years experience in Armed Security and Executive Protection, and he is a Licensed Private Investigator.

Beginning in April, Ven Sensei will be teaching regular classes in Aikido at the Kenpo Academy on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm.

For more information, or to register for the seminar or classes, contact the Kenpo Academy of Martial Arts at (570) 309-6211, or Aikido of Scranton at (570) 963-0500.

Aikido classes for children

Aikido instruction at Aikido of Scranton provides an excellent way for children to learn self-defense techniques and have fun learning at the same time! 

All classes involve stretching and breathing exercises, and practice in rolling and falling techniques to protect oneself if struck, pushed/pulled, grabbed, or choked.  Learning how to preserve and protect one’s life from harmful or dangerous situations is a very important part of life. 

Aikido training improves a child’s ability to concentrate, enhances self-respect and respect for others, and instills discipline, patience, and self-control.  Self-esteem begins to take shape, and the child’s confidence  expands outside the training hall as well, as the lessons of the dojo are practiced in everyday life.  Breathing and centering exercises provide the child with a calm sense of balance, even in stressful situations.  Repetitive practice of techniques with partners imbue the student with an understanding of how to use the body as a means of self-defense, and to react without thinking to provide the crucial edge.

Sensei’s approach towards teaching children is simple – allow them to be themselves, have fun, and grow at their own pace, and slowly they will gain a deep and fundamental grasp of the principles that he was taught.

 

Benefits of Aikido for Children

Aikido training at Aikido of Scranton provides many benefits for kids –

• An opportunity to try out the most modern of all the Martial Arts in a safe, supportive setting
• Active learning situations which will increase self-confidenc while teaching the value of self-discipline
• An emphasis on respecting others, cooperation, and resolving conflicts without fighting
• Enhanced ability to pay attention, focus efforts, and work in harmony with others.
• Excellent conditioning, flexibility, and agility training

 

Aikido for Kids

Aikido teaches students to defend themselves… by not fighting.  Instead of relying on potentially crippling kicks or punches, the student of Aikido learns to apply various wrist locks, arm pins, and unbalancing throws.  These neutralize attacks without serious injury to the attacker. 

Aikido is ideal for children because the self-defense techniques which it teaches do not depend on superior size or strength.  Boys and girls of all ages can practice together and participate equally in the training hall.

Come Train with Us!

Ven Sensei and some of the students of Aikido of Scranton

We invite you to join us in our practice!

Classes meet Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7 PM.

(photo courtesy Ron Miller)

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