Sierra Aikido
Summary of Objectives for Adults
Technique:
- Traditional Aikido throws
- Taking ukemi (attacking, flowing with the throw and falling)
- Basic footwork, the building blocks of most Aikido throws and falls
- Training for flexibility, balance, coordination, and strength
Quality of Movement:
- Live, calm energy
- Big, clear, smooth movements
- Zanshin: Focusing on a partner, following through, flowing into the next throw or fall
- Ma'ai: Maintaining the optimum distance from a partner, always aware of the time, space and energy between you
- Actively blending with a partner's movements
- Good posture, balance and body alignment
- Correct eye line
- Strong, stable, flexible throwing stance ( kamae )
- Agility--ability to adjust the body and move in any direction
at any time
- Integrated body: Torso, head, legs, arms and hands all moving together
- Strength, flexibility and endurance gradually increasing over time
- Integration of mind and body, the result of focused, physical training over time
- Movements that are well internalized-- "in the body",
not just in the head
Etiquette:
- Entering and leaving the training area
- Getting on and off the mat
- Opening and closing classes
- Choosing and working with partners
Safety:
- Awareness of space around you
- Attention to a partner's skill level and movements
- Training at one's own skill level, not beyond it
Teamwork, Leadership, Supporting the Group
- Willingness to train with everyone
- Always helping a partner do his/her best fall or throw, instead of
resisting or competing
- Welcoming newcomers and making everyone feel included, regardless of skill or rank
- Helping and encouraging less experienced students
- Accepting suggestions from instructors and more experienced students
- Actively focusing on one's own development, without comparing one's
self to others
- Doing no more or less than one can during a training session
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