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Learning Objectives

The following is a summary of our high-level objectives:

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

Sierra emphasizes improving the quality and clarity of movement within the context of traditional Aikido throws and falls, rather than memorizing many complex techniques and forms. The instructors work one-on-one with students on correct throw forms, smooth falls, posture, body alignment, throwing stance, and the ability to adjust to a partner's movements. Our goal is to enable and inspire each of the kids to reach for high yet achievable standards in Aikido.

• 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 eyeline
• Strong, stable, flexible throwing stance ( kamae )
• Agility -- ability to adjust the body and move on balance 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

Personal Development

Even more important than Aikido is the personal development of each student. Sierra creates a training environment that fosters teamwork, leadership, initiative, responsibility and self-directed learning. Testing and ranking depend on the level of personal development of each child or teen, appropriate to his or her age and experience.

• Self-Directed Learning

  Sierra enables students to be their own best teachers and help others learn. We train more experienced kids ( senpai ) how to teach newer, less-experienced kids ( kohai ). Students help develop the content of their own exams and work with the lead instructor to determine the best timing for their test. There is also time reserved each week for guided free practice. In these ways, Sierra hopes to build a foundation for lifelong learning for each student.

• Teamwork

  All instructors and senpai regularly provide input to the lead instructor on what's working or not working well in class. The kids are encouraged to identify training gaps and needs of individual kohai, particular ranks, or the group as a whole. For example, senpai give feedback on how to teach rolls and techniques, how to ensure beginners get the attention they need, and how best to integrate new students with the rest of the class. In this way the kids learn the strength of teamwork and empowerment. Equally important, the kids' valuable insights and feedback help shape our teaching methods and continually raise the quality of our program.

• Leadership, Initiative and Responsibility

  All learn to be quiet, assertive and respected leaders. As they get older and advance through the ranks, students take on more responsibility. They take charge of small training groups, prepare peers and kohai for exams, help maintain safety on the mat, and work one-on-one with kohai. They are encouraged to take initiative whenever they see an immediate need that is not being addressed.

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

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 on the mat
• Attention to a partner's skill level and movements
• Training at one's own skill level, not beyond it

© 2008 Sierra Aikido. No reproduction without permission.

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