Shindokan
Aikido Dojo
Course Descriptions
What is Yoshinkan Aikido ?
A contemporary study of martial techniques where the weak can control the strong. It is based on a cooperative training method that offers an avenue for personal development of the mind or intellect, the spirit or character, and the body. The natural result of this training allows one to live a more accordant life.
How to train ?
At your own pace, with balance regarding your other obligations to family, school and work.
Try the IPPAN Course for fun and enjoyment. Meets twice a week. See how you can apply the principles of aikido in daily life through the excitiing study of aikido training. (Look for daily classes in '98).
The KENSHU Course is the traditional path to
technical excellence. This course is akin to a
scientific laboratory environment, where the study of
basics is essential and makes true aikido accessible to
anyone. The brilliance of the scientific Yoshinkan
teaching method lies in the study of skills or powers
that are inherent in all humans. Namely, the powers
of:
1. concentration,
2. centerline (correct bio-mechanics),
and
3. fixation (postural bio-feedback).
Kenshu course meets mornings and evenings weekly.
The American SENSHUSEI Course is a ten month course of study for those who wish to train in the Yoshinkan Honbu Senshusei Course but are unable to do so due to family, school or work obligations. This course is balanced -- three nights a week and Sunday morning and afternoon training. The course focuses on key basics which distinguish Yoshinkan Specialists, namely the demonstration forms of the six basic movements (kihon dosa renzoku), basic and applied techniques (kihon dosa to kanren waza) and knife with partner (tanto soho). This course is integrated with the ippan and kenshu classes for a comprehensive approach to Yoshinkan study.
ASA GEIKO Courses.
Offered biannually, these courses cover all basic techniques in a challenging format of ten days of one hour 7:00 AM classes in late January and July. This Yoshinkan tradition is unique and characterizes the spirit of basic study -- all 150 waza (techniques) are covered in this course. Each of the ten categories of basic technique are quickly but comprehensively studied on each of ten consecutive early morning sessions. This training is held in Tokyo in the coldest and hottest months of the year and is currently in its 43rd year. January '98 marked the 11th bi-annual Asa Geiko here in California.
Winter Heavy Power Clinic Series.
Six consecutive Sunday lunch time clinics covering the mental application of bio-feedback training in traditional study of kihon dosa (basic movements).
Winter, Spring and Summer Gasshuku (training camps).
These traditional camps are intensive. Typically featuring a special guest instructor, these camps are based on the immersion principle of the uchi deshi system, i.e., breakfast, lunch and dinner together, with a theme of study involving training both at the dojo as well as a remote location.
Kagami Biraki New Year Celebration.
This annual open house is another Yoshinkan tradition held on the 2nd Sunday in January. Members of each course of study demonstrate skills developed in the previous year as we open a new year of training.
Budo Today Series (BTS) Seminar.
This annual series emphasizes the application of technique in daily living and features special guest instructors.