Table of Contents Introductory Classes
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Introduction |
Aikido is a martial art and spiritual discipline
created by Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei (1883–1969). The name Aikido
consists of three parts: AI means harmony; KI refers to life energy,
the essence of all things in nature; DO means a path or way. Thus Aikido
can be thought of as the way to harmonize vital energy. It is a way to
cultivate profound personal growth through martial arts practice. Aikido
is the study of harmony within each person (mind, body and spirit), and
ultimately, harmony with the universe. The self defense techniques practiced
in Aikido teach us, in an experiential and physical way, the power of
harmony which can transcend and eradicate violence. |
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The foundation of Aikido is within becoming empty like the sky. From this standpoint, the freedom of harmonious movement is born. Becoming empty means to discard all illusory thinking and mistaken ideas of self. Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei |
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calmness and
self-confidence so that conflict can be resolved in an assertive and
peaceful manner, on and off the mat. |
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Intentions set energy into motion.
Intent is real. To effectively lead intent, you must establish a rhythm, a tempo prior to physical action. Get your intention clear and give it your complete commitment. Tom Read Sensei |
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| Program of Classes | ||||||||||||||||||
Monday evening 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday morning 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. These classes are geared toward basic techniques. We encourage students to attend at least two classes per week if possible.
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Pre-registration for the Beginners Series is |
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| Workshops and Seminars We offer special training opportunities with guest and in house instructors. These workshops and seminars provide us with exposure to the training of other, senior Aikido practitioners from all over North America and the world, as well as afford us the time to focus intently on aspects of our training such as randori and ukemi. Additional fees are requested for workshops to pay the guest instructor and to support the dojo. Children and Teens Program Two Cranes Aikido offers classes for children starting from age six. The focus of our youth programs is to introduce the practice of Aikido to young people. This includes the study of the following Aikido principles: cooperation, nonviolence, awareness, balance, respect, self-defense, integrity, sincerity, and self-esteem. We offer programs for three age groups: Ages 6–10: Beginner Ages 8–12: General/advanced Ages 12–16: Teens & Teens weapons Each program is lead by an experienced black belt who directs the focus of the program and closely monitors the training and development of each student. Adult Aikido students often serve as volunteer assistants to the instructors in each class. |
These
are very popular programs that can have waiting lists. If you would like
to register your children in a class, please call the dojo, expressing
your interest in the program and the ages of your children, and the easiest
way to contact you. Two Cranes Teaching Staff Students at Two Cranes receive instruction not only from Kimberly Richardson Sensei, but also from her colleagues and her highest ranking students. These instructors bring to the dojo a vast array of personal practice and wisdom. In addition to training with Kimberly Richardson Sensei, most instructors have extensive training from a variety of Aikido instructors. The founding instructor staff includes: Anne Yamane, Daniel McAbee, Joey Perlmutter, Richard Darby Senseis. Other instructors include David Hurley, Helmut Floss, Kris Allott, Cynthia Wold, Jim Allbaugh and Taryn Sass Senseis. Sara Gerhart Snell is the Program Director for the children and teens classes. She also teaches adult classes. |
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When
one understands the working of spiral energy and trains oneself in the
truth of the spirit, Aiki is created. Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei |
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| 1.
In general, completing the eight week Introductory Series enables you to
become a member of the dojo and participate in general classes. Eight weeks
is a relatively short amount of time to learn the basic skills needed for
general practice. Students are always invited to participate in the Introductory
classes for another eight weeks for the same fee as the original series
price. Before attending general classes we ask that you can are comfortable
with forward and backward rolling. Richardson Sensei monitors all students’ progress
and will discuss any concerns with you. If you elect to join the dojo all
general classes will be available to you with the exception advanced class
(Thursday night). We strongly encourage you to continue to attend the Basics
Class night as you acclimate to being a general student of Two Cranes. Your membership dues are due on or by the first of each month. In addition to monthly dues, there is a one time registration fee due when joining the dojo. Students can pay online or deposit a check in the dues box at the dojo. As with all fees, the registration fee is listed on the inserted class and fee schedule. |
2.
You are always welcome to continue your practice as
a “beginner”, which means you can attend the
classes designed to address basic skills. If you choose this as an option you will be asked to pay the same fee as the introductory Series listed on the class schedule. The fee covers eight weeks and begins the date you write the check. For clerical reasons this is the simplest way to track your payment and training. Please let us know this is what you have chosen to do by including a note with your dues payment. Often students find it helpful to continue exclusively attending the classes geared toward basic skills for a period of time. We consider this an indicator that a student is consciously working within their safety zone or limits. This is your practice and therefore it is your responsibility to know what is best for you. |
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The techniques
of Aikido are intended for us to use in examining the nature of power,
to engage in compromising self-scrutiny, and to realize our potential as powerful, compassionate, self-aware human beings. Mary Heiny Sensei |
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| Starting Class | ||||||||||||||||||
Formal Aikido practice begins when we walk through the door of the training hall or “dojo”. Upon entering the dojo, we make a standing bow towards the shomen. The shomen is a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Aikido and is located at the main wall at the front of the dojo, where the picture of O Sensei hangs, along with the calligraphy of aikido and fresh flowers. This bow is a gesture of respect for the art of Aikido and for ourselves, rather than a religious observance. We honor traditional Japanese etiquette by removing our shoes and placing them in the shoe racks beside the door or neatly under the bench. Shoes should never be worn on the mat. This is a part of our practice and a gesture of respect for the dojo. Buying a Keikogi A keikogi or “gi” is a traditional, white training uniform. There are many different styles and cloth types. Although welcome, you are not expected to invest in a gi for the first few months of your training. When you feel clear that you plan to continue your training, then it is appropriate to consider the investment. The dojo sells several styles of gi for the convenience of the students. Gis may be purchased elsewhere but they must be white. We recommend buying training uniforms on the slightly large size because they often shrink in the wash. If you would like to buy a gi, please check the misogi list on the bulletin board for the student who can help you. |
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Aikido is
the way of nonresistance and is therefore undefeatable from the start. Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei |
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| Lining Up For Class | ||||||||||||||||||
Class begins with the students seated in a neat row facing the shomen, or front wall. Out of respect for Aikido, our instructor, and ourselves, we sit with an erect posture in seiza (kneeling). You may sit cross-legged if seiza is very uncomfortable or if you have injured knees. If there are more people than will fit in one line, we either make two lines or the line is extended along the sides of the mat in a “U” shape so that everyone is in the “front” row. Bowing In After some moments of sitting quietly, the instructor will move to the center of the dojo and lead us in the opening ritual. We bow two times, then clap four times, then bow one more time. The instructor will then turn toward the students at which time we offer a mutual bow. During these opening ceremonies, we endeavor to bow and clap in unison, following the lead of our instructor. The form and complexity of this practice has its origins in Shinto spiritual tradition, invoking the elements to ready us for practice. Joining Class in session If class has begun before you are able to get to the dojo please enter the dojo quietly and proceed to the dresing rooms. When your are ready to train please wait at the edge of the mat until the instructor acknowledges you. This is a sign of respect to the person teaching as well as a safety precaution. |
Offer a standing bow before stepping on and then a seated bow in as we do at the beginning of class quietly (two bows in seiza followed by four claps and one more bow). If the class is warming up it is considered poor etiquette to engage in different warm ups than the rest of the class, as it would be if you had been in class from the start. If you have missed the warm ups please take a moment to stretch in the back of the dojo before joining class. It is critical that you follow this request for your safety as well as for the safety of all students training. If you ever have to leave class early please notify the instructor and bow out at the edge of the mat on your own before leaving the mat. The process of bowing in and out of class is the same. Attendance System It is your responsibility to mark your training days on the board next to the office. This helps Richardson Sensei to have a more accurate awareness of how often you train. It is also a good way for you to quickly note how often you are training. |
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True budo
is for the purpose of establishing harmony. Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei |
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| Student Responsibilities | ||||||||||||||||||
This section addresses some of the fundamental responsibilities of being a student of Aikido at Two Cranes. In the dojo we have a unique environment, therefore, we have focused this section on some important aspects of what it means to be an active, conscientious student. We encourage all community members to enhance their personal practice by engaging in the process of maintaining a respectful and well kept dojo. |
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• Respect the dojo, respect your training
and respect your fellow students and teachers. |
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| Etiquette In an Aikido dojo, the observation of basic forms of etiquette is integral to the creation of a respectful and attentive atmosphere. The training mat is the heart and soul of the dojo and there are certain procedures, attitudes and rules that pertain to it. Since rigorous physical training takes place on the mat, the possibility for injury to oneself and others is always present. Serious injuries incurred during Aikido practice are rare because correct training rules are stressed. Safety and respect are top priorities in the dojo. If you have any questions about etiquette, please ask a senior student for clarification. • The most basic form of etiquette is the bow. The bow is not an expression of religious formality, but rather an act of respecting the universal creative intelligence within us all. Aikido is not a religion, but a spiritual discipline dedicated to the education and refinement of the spirit. • The words spoken at the beginning of practice between the students and instructor are, “Onegai shimasu.” Loosely translated it means “Please train with me”. “Domo arigato gozaimashita” (“You have my gratitude”) are words spoken at the close of class or whenever appropriate. This is a respectful way of saying thank you. • Since the class is opened and closed with a formal ceremony, effort should be made to be on time and participate in this event. You are encouraged to arrive early enough to allow for stretching and warming up before class, whenever possible. |
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• Talking must be kept to a minimum so that you can experience learning through the body. Don’t correct or instruct your training partner unless you are asked to do so. • The instructor is addressed as Sensei
when on • It is Nage’s responsibility
to care for the safety |
• If blood should become
present on the mat during training, the individual who is the source of the bleeding needs to leave the mat and care for the wound. The partner of the person bleeding will clean the area by spraying the area with hydrogen peroxide, letting it foam and then wiping it up. The spray bottle of peroxide is found in the first aid station. • All levels train together in most beginning and general classes. Newer students should not hesitate to ask more advanced students to train with them. • If you are injured, you are encouraged to train by watching class. Although there may seem to be extensive amounts of etiquette to learn, it will come to be a natural way of interacting as you continue to train. If you cannot abide by these rules, you will be unable to study Aikido in this school. |
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| Aikido
is not a sport. It is a discipline; an educational process for training
the mind, body and spirit. Physical technique is not the true objective,
but a tool for refinement and personal growth. Mitsugi Saotome Sensei Top |
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| Misogi We train ourselves to develop a spirit of cooperation, open heart and humility. In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to such effort we must attend to the cleanliness of the dojo itself. The daily attentiveness directed at the dojo complements our training by encouraging a quiet sensitivity to our surroundings and fostering an attitude where each person, seeing that something needs to be done, simply does it. In this way nothing is left undone, either in the dojo, or in our daily lives. We organize dojo misogi in this way: some tasks are the long-term responsibility of the chief instructor and teaching staff; other tasks are rotated among the active members of the dojo. There are sign up sheets for a variety of misogi tasks. Please look them over and contribute in whatever way you can. The following is an outline of what is expected according to rank. This is a general guideline. All levels, including white and blue belts: sweep mat and sign up for monthly misogi tasks (see list posted on the bulletin board) Blue & brown belts: help introduce new students to misogi, help students find gis, sign up for longer term misogi. Brown belts: help run seminars by signing up for assorted jobs. Shodan: organize/oversee seminars and cleaning for seminars, sign up for longer term misogi tasks. |
Training Fees As much as we wish
that money were not associated with our training we still have to pay
the rent and bills. Your dues do exactly that – they pay the bills.
This means that paying your dues on or before the first of the month
helps us out tremendously and shows a level of respect and consideration
of the dojo that we appreciate. We want to be sure you are credited for
all payments properly. To ensure that this happens, please clearly communicate
what your payment is for (dues, gi, seminar). |
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| Misogi removes
the outer layer, takes off the cover, scrapes off the dust. If your eyes
are closed, you can’t see the light. If you are wearing gloves,
you can’t feel the earth. Misogi cleanses and refines; it opens the
eyes and peels off the gloves. Mitsugi Saotome Sensei Top |
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Health & Safety Aikido training
involves close contact between the students and the instructional staff.
Please help to maintain everyone’s health by staying at home if
you are ill. If you become infected with lice, chicken pox, Hepatitis,
or any other ailment in which people at the dojo may have been at risk
of exposure, please contact the dojo immediately. |
If you have a condition
that may need attention Safety For the purposes of the safety of the Two Cranes community we ask that all dojo members abide by the etiquette and philosophy of the dojo. Although this rarely occurs, we reserve the right to require you to discontinue your training if you behave abusively toward yourself or others. Our priority is the safety of all students. |
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| Visitors | ||||||||||||||||||
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Mat Fees There is a $10 mat fee for visitors. Mat fees can be paid with cash (please have them put it in an envelope and indicate who paid and what for) or a check made out to Two Cranes Aikido and place it in the dues box. |
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Don’t concentrate on technique. Work on opening your heart instead. Aikido is heart to heart transmission. Motomichi Anno Sensei |
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| Promotion Process | ||||||||||||||||||
Testing is a natural extension of our training. Although testing is not a requirement in this dojo, it is an opportunity to advance one’s training by focusing on a series of techniques and principles appropriate to one’s level. The testing process invites students to challenge themselves, improve their technical ability and deepen their understanding of their practice. Adult ranks begin at 5th kyu and progress to 1st kyu and then to 1st degree black belt (Shodan). Dan (black belt) ranks ascend in number. In preparation for a kyu exam, you are required to train for a set amount of time and attend seminars. These requirements are listed below. Each kyu rank poses specific techniques which students are asked to examine in depth. Techniques from a previous test may also be called on the current test. Preparing for a test allows us all the opportunity to push ourselves ever higher in our training. The testing process is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your level of training as a presentation to the dojo community. Therefore, students are not asked to demonstrate until they are already training at that level. |
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The Number of Training
Days Required for Kyu Rank: 5th kyu – 50 training days 4th kyu – additional 80 days + 1 weekend seminar prior to testing 3rd kyu – additional 100 days + 1 weekend seminar prior to testing 2nd kyu – additional 125 days + 2 seminars per year. 1st kyu – additional 175 days + 2 seminars per year. |
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| During the Exam: • You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of basic technique appropriate to your level. • You will be asked to demonstrate spontaneous movement and response appropriate for the attack. • You should demonstrate concentration and awareness throughout your test. • Speed is not your priority during a test, but continuity of movement is important. • A technique should be demonstrated continuously both left and right, until there is a signal from Richardson Sensei to stop. • Both irimi and tenkan should be used whenever applicable. • You will be expected to know and respond to the Japanese terms for techniques |
Belts (Obi) Colored belts indicate a student’s rank and progress. After taking an exam, you may wear a colored belt, as appropriate. 5th Kyu: White 4th Kyu: Blue 3rd Kyu: Blue 2nd Kyu: Brown 1st Kyu: Brown Dan: Black |
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| The product
of Aikido training is not the physical power of technique; it is the power
of wisdom. But solid technique is the first step, the foundation on which
to build. The movement and shape of the body reveals and simultaneously
affect the movement and shape of the spirit. I cannot reach inside you
and grasp your spirit. But I can help you to change the shape of your hunched
and aggressively tightened shoulders. I cannot make you open your heart
and communicate with others. But I can show you how to stand with your
shoulders back, your spine erect and open to their movements. I can show
you the beginning of the path to communication. I can help you discover a more powerful and compassionate way to react to the aggressions of others. Mitsugi Saotome Sensei |
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| Kyu Exam Guidelines | ||||||||||||||||||
5th kyu (white belt) 4th Kyu (blue belt) |
3rd Kyu (blue belt)
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Be like Nature |
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1st
Kyu (brown belt) |
Tachiwaza
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Why I practice Aikido |
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| Glossary of Aikido terms | ||||||||||||||||||
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| KIMBERLY RICHARDSON SENSEI, Chief Instructor | ||||||||||||||||||
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Kimberly
Richardson Sensei — MA,
LMT and |
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| There are
two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as everything
is a miracle. Albert Einstein |
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© Copyright 2004, Two Cranes Aikido Revised 2007 |
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