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Our Training Programs
AIKIDO FOR ADULTS
Aikido of Fresno offers an extensive program from Monday through Friday,
consisting of 11 Aikido classes for adults.
All classes last one hour and are open to all students. For a description of classes click here.
AIKIDO FOR YOUTH
Aikido of Fresno offers a comprehensive program for youth ages 6 to 14. The program includes special events such as demonstrations and dojo training overnights. Youth members are encouraged to act in a calm, respectful, and aware manner and to respond to conflict with creative, effective, and non-violent solutions. With an emphasis on non-competitiveness, students experience a supportive and joyful atmosphere at Aikido of Fresno.
AIKIDO FOR CHILDREN
Aikido gives children a way to learn about themselves, their bodies and their environment. Movement and the development of the child are closely related. Aikido is about movement in harmony with oneself, others and the world.
Children practice in a friendly, coed atmosphere. Our specially qualified instructors use games, techniques and tumbling exercises to teach children how to defend themselves without hurting others.
Practicing Aikido supports the total development of your child.
It is difficult to describe Aikido in words. The best way to understand it is to visit our dojo, watch a class, and decide for yourself if Aikido would benefit your child.
Unlike traditional combative arts, the defensive nature of Aikido teaches children how NOT to fight. Aikido helps children learn to deal with difficult and stressful situations in a relaxed, assertive manner.
Aikido doesn't require great physical strength or big muscles. There are no contests or tournaments so your child never has to "defeat" classmates or worry about losing to others.
SAFETY BENEFITS
Aikido techniques are designed to be effective without being destructive. On a very practical level, our youth programs teach children to:
avoid dangerous situations
handle bullies - not become one
neutralize aggression
Another important aspect of Aikido is the art of Ukemi, or tumbling. Children learn to roll and fall safely - an invaluable skill in their rough and tumble world.
ATHLETIC BENEFITS
Aikido training improves strength, balance, physical coordination and flexibility. Aikido offers a good workout, enhances agility and increases sports ability.
FAMILY BENEFITS
Aikido offers families a new perspective on fitness, fun and parental involvement and offers a variety of ways for parents, family and friends to support and celebrate your child's learning, accomplishments and promotions.
SOCIAL BENEFITS
Aikido teaches children how to cooperate and succeed. Aikido of Fresno youth programs will help your child learn to:
make friends and avoid making enemies
take responsibility and consider others
relax in stressful situations
focus and concentrate
increase mind-body coordination
develop emotional intelligence
sit quietly and listen attentively
SOCIAL BENEFITS
Regular training will help your child develop good learning skills and the kind of follow-through that gives children self-confidence as they grow.
Children learn at an enjoyable, effective pace in a gender-equal environment.
Aikido of Fresno offers age-specific curriculum to promote a healthy balance of individuality and teamwork.
AGES 5 - 9
The "Aiki-Kids" program consists of non-competitive games, movements and exercises inspired by Aikido. They learn safety skills, tumbling and focus in a joyful format.
AGES 10 - 14
"Aiki-Juniors" learn nonviolent Aikido techniques and skills. Class activities develop physical and mental coordination, confidence, esteem and basic self-defense skills in a fun and empowering format.
YOGA
At Aikido of Fresno, we offer sessions in both yoga and meditation. Our yoga class centers on helping students develop balance, strength, and flexibility, learn the process of relaxation and stress reduction, and discover an inherent ability to gain clarity and perspective. Yoga is the process of discovering harmony between the mind, body, and spirit.
Our meditation classes offer students an approach that is based on methods found in Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, and Yoga. The aim of practicing meditation is to awaken to the simple nature of what it means to be alive. The practice is really a non-practice of placing our full attention to what is our experience at this very moment and not resisting it in any way. From this perspective a discovery of an inherent clarity and wisdom, free from fear or doubt, is possible.
These classes are run by Mary Jo Oliveri from Rasa Yoga. Mary Jo Oliveri's teachings are inspired by Echart Tolle, and Thich Nhat Hanh.
IAIDO
Aikido of Fresno’s Iaido sensei Tim Shiomi teaches a traditional style of Toyama-Ryu Iaido
The essence of Japanese swordsmanship lies in its perfection. It does not mean to strike down an enemy, but rather to strike down the enemy within oneself. In doing so, we rid ourselves of counter productive and self destructive attitudes. Learning the art of Japanese swordsmanship requires a philosophical training which permeates the entire life outside the dojo, building compassion and self-discipline.
Iaido
Iaido (drawing way) is based on Iaijutsu (drawing art) and was practiced by the samurai. Iaido is a modern way of budo (martial way) and in a sense can be seen as a do (way, path) of the mind that one travels throughout one’s life seeking perfection in the art. While learning Iaido the practitioner (Iaidoka) also learns to quiet the mind, and control both their bodies and energy.
Iaido sword techniques are renowned for their practicality, immense cutting power and gracefulness. This also makes it the perfect martial art for men and women of all ages to learn sword skills in a friendly and safe environment, blending together physical and mental disciplines as well as spiritual growth.
Toyama Ryu
The Toyama Ryu "gunto soho" (military sword methodology) was created and standardized (seitei) in 1925 in response to concern that officers would not be able to effectively draw and employ their sword (gunto) should the need arise while operating in hostile environments. After WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army was disbanded and three major lines of Toyama Ryu were adapted and taught independently - Morinaga style, Yamaguchi style, and Nakamura style. Toyama Ryu can trace its roots back to traditional Samurai swordsmanship and it blends classical and modern thinking into progressive 21st Century Japanese swordsmanship.
Toyama Ryu Iaido is a style that is appropriate for all ages and degrees of physical abilities.
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