Sierra Adult & Youth Program
Sierra Aikido has a friendly, supportive and enjoyable training
environment that welcomes people of all ages and physical abilities.
© 2006 - 2024
Sierra Aikido. All rights reserved
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How We Train - Class Format and Content
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Two highly experienced, senior instructors team teach each class
to facilitate both group and individual learning.
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Most practice is in pairs, with senior students ( senpai )
helping newer students ( kohai ) as
needed. Assisting newer students is a key aspect of learning for senior
students, and provides opportunities to learn the fundamental movements
with deeper understanding, gain a keen sense of a partner's motion,
and teach with one's own clear movements rather than just words.
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Typically each session covers 2 or 3 throws. We introduce basic throws,
review them in depth, and add new throws appropriate to each
student's skill level. At each session students also practice basic
footwork, the building blocks of Aikido throws and falls, as well as
ukemi. Ukemi implies to attack on balance,
follow a throw with agility, and take smooth falls.
Attention to Individuals
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Individual instruction and self-paced training enables each student to
develop at his or her own rate. The instructors work one-on-one with each
member on correct throw forms, smooth falls, posture, body alignment,
throwing stance, and the ability to adjust to a partner's movements.
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Testing or ranking (optional) is also self-paced. Each student tests
when ready, and the instructors and more experienced students
help with preparation for each test milestone.
Structured Curriculum and Objectives
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There is a structured, documented curriculum available to all, with clear
training objectives for the group, as well as individual training
objectives tailored to each member's personal requirements. The
instructors regularly consult with all students on their progress.
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Emphasis is on quality and clarity of movement within the context of
traditional
Aikido throws and falls, rather than memorizing many complex techniques
and forms. Basic, effective movements are more useful than a large
repertoire of complex techniques as responses for every possible
situation. The ultimate objective of Aikido is to transcend the
techniques ( and fighting ) and to train our bodies' muscle memory
to move intuitively and effectively.
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Members of all ages further benefit from a continually evolving, proprietary,
online instructional library
of both visual examples ( video clips and stills ) and printed
information resources. The virtual library comprises Aikido techniques,
footwork, test and rank requirements, individual and paired weapons
( bokken, jo, tanto ) techniques and exercises, etc.
Sierra instructors are committed to working one-on-one with students to
track their individual progress toward course objectives and meet
personal needs and goals. The instructors regularly meet to review
students' progress and the effectiveness of our teaching approach, as
well as to coordinate the entire program. Everyone can do Aikido well
with consistent support.
More Information
