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Toyoda Aikido
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Internal Cultivation
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Aikido curriculum
The Fudoshinkan dojo training program is not "set in stone", rather we are in a continuous phase of perfecting and refining new directions of its development, all in favor of a more accessible presentation of Aikido; not only as a traditional Martial Art, but an Art which is in its very core extraordinarily adaptable and effective.
Training components are:
- Taijutsu
- Aiki taiso
- Aiki-ken
- Aiki-jo
- Misogi
These components' representation in regular training sessions varies over time, depending on the needs and demands of the students, as well as the dojo's general development direction, decided upon by the senior instructors.
The term taijutsu stands for the collection (waza) of all barehanded techniques/forms, comprising 50-80% of the regular curriculum. Taijutsu program is comprised of: Kihon waza (basic forms); Oyo waza (applied forms); Henka waza (advanced forms); Kaeshi waza (counter-forms); Randori (multiple attackers forms).
Exercises designed for the development of motor skills relevant for Aikido technique, these are mostly performed at the start of a training session, as a warmup. For the most part originating from Aikido forms, evolving over time many elements of other disciplines were absorbed, such as Hatha Yoga, aerobics and "classic" stretching exercises common to most sports.
Mind and body purification exercises, most often taught and performed on special training sessions, and events such as seminars or intensive training retreats. The traditional form of misogi is the early morning meditation beneath a waterfall; in the West what is commonly thought of as misogi are “kokyu-ho” or breathing exercises, “kotodama-ho” or intonation exercises, and Zen meditation.
The term taijutsu stands for the collection (waza) of all barehanded techniques/forms, comprising 50-80% of the regular curriculum. Taijutsu program is comprised of: Kihon waza (basic forms); Oyo waza (applied forms); Henka waza (advanced forms); Kaeshi waza (counter-forms); Randori (multiple attackers forms).
Clicking on the arrows at image edges navigates through the slide show
Clicking on the arrows at image edges navigates through the slide show
Should you decide to give Aikido a try, what awaits you is a two month course under a special introductory program, a common practice in dojos worldwide.
Whether you're young and in shape or not so young or vigorous, Aikido movements and techniques are most likely a completely new thing for your body.
In order to participate in regular training and be able to advance in technique, as well as every other aspect of Aikido, you are first required to learn the "alphabet" of Aikido so that you may read past the cover of its "book".
During this introductory course you will master basic movements and stances. You will also be introduced into some of Aikido history and terminology.
You will learn basic falls (ukemi) under expert supervision, necessary to minimize risk of injury in group and paired practice.
Once you are well acquainted with all the basic movements and ukemi, you will receive instruction in several fundamental Aikido techniques.
Everything you learn will be practiced repeatedly over the entire course, and at the conclusion of this you will take your first Aikido kyu ranking test.
First steps in Aikido
You have enrolled and arrived at your first class. If you have a kimono/gi, that's alright; if not, it doesn't matter. All you need is old sporting clothes and some good will! Eight exciting weeks of discovering new things and hard work are ahead of you.
After getting a grasp on fundamental Aikido forms and movements, lessons in falling follow. Falling, you ask? Exactly. Ukemi or Aikido falls, from basic rolling to advanced "flying" ukemi, are systematized in our methodology and are taught on their own as well as through techniques. Safety is our primary concern.
...and the beginning of a long and wonderful journey. Everything you've learned in the past eight weeks will be put to the test at this time. Don't be afraid, there are no surprises - the purpose of ranking tests is the simulation of a stressful environment in order to give your newly acquired knowledge the best chance to sink in, and take root. You passed the test? Congratulations! You are the newest member of Fudoshinkan dojo and the worldwide Aikido family of more than two million members.
You have enrolled and arrived at your first class. If you have a kimono/gi, that's alright; if not, it doesn't matter. All you need is old sporting clothes and some good will! Eight exciting weeks of discovering new things and hard work are ahead of you.