Programs
Traditional Aikido training for adults and children.
Aikido for Adults (age 16 and up)
The essence of Aikido lies not in fighting others, but avoiding conflict and subduing aggressors without causing them harm. Practiced by more than a million individuals worldwide, Aikido appeals to women and men, young and old, who seek to better themselves and their world. In Aikido everyone trains together: men and women, flexible and stiff, large and small, veteran and novice. Through this training we learn how to deal with all kinds of people. Our partner becomes our teacher. We try to practice in a vibrant and joyful manner, remembering that Aikido is not simply learning physical technique, it is the "art of living well, in harmony with others and at peace with the world O Sensei)."
Mixed-level adult classes are offered seven days/week (see the Class Schedule). $90/month entitles members to unlimited Aikido and Yoga classes. Beginner's Special: Uniform & one week of classes $59.99, or one free month with 3-month membership.
Aikido for Children (ages 4 through 13) 
Ages 4-7: Children learn Aikido skills and practice basic defensive techniques within a play-based curriculum. Games and exercises teach Aikido principles and body movements in a fun, non- competitive, supportive environment.
Ages 8-12: Students learn conflict resolution, peace-building and leadership skills through the practice of Aikido. Curriculum emphasis is on partner practice, ukemi (the art of falling), opening movements, nage waza (throwing techniques), katame waza (locking and pinning techniques) and the discipline of budo, or "martial way".
NEW TEEN CLASS! Ages 12-15, or permission of instructor. Practice at a higher level in this advanced class, including some weapons training (bokken/sword and jo/staff), and techniques against a wide range of attacks, such as chokes, strikes, and multiple attackers.
"Sports are widely practiced nowadays, and they are good for physical exercise. Warriors, too, train the body, but they also use the body as a vehicle to train their mind, calm the spirit and find goodness and beauty, dimensions that sports lack. Training in Aikido fosters valor, sincerity, fidelity, magnanimity and beauty, as well as making the body strong and healthy." O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido.
Aikido teaches concepts such as avoiding conflict and developing one's own center. Aikido requires a cooperative spirit, in which we seek to improve ourselves, to "polish our own heart", not to beat others. When faced with aggression we practice tenkan (turning) or irimi (entering), and how to "turn when pushed, and enter when pulled" (Kisshomaru Ueshiba). Students practice together as training partners, taking turns throwing and falling, and experience both sides of win/lose with each technique. Learning ukemi, the "Art of Falling" enables students to practice vigorously in the dojo without fear of injury, and also helps minimize injuries if one falls from a bicycle or while skiing.
Children's Aikido:
- Develops self-confidence, good judgment and concern for others
- Builds strong and healthy bodies
- Improves stamina, balance, flexibility and coordination
- Increases concentration and alertness, heightens awareness
- Fosters mutual respect, cooperation and friendship
Instructors Robert Hyatt and Nancy Supanich began their Aikido training in San Francisco in 1992. They have traveled to Japan to practice at World Headquarters in Tokyo, and attended seminars throughout the US and in Canada. Robert is a 3rd degree Black Belt and Chief Instructor at Tarzana Aikikai. Nancy is a 1st degree Black Belt and developed a program teaching Aikido to children in San Francisco schools. They have a nine year-old son.
Classes for children are offered four days a week. Students choose one day a week for $60 per month or two or more days a week for $90 per month.
Beginner's Special: Uniform (gi) and one week of classes for $19.99. One free month with 3-month membership. First class free!
After School Enrichment Program (New!)
Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Age appropriate AIKIDO INSTRUCTION AND HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE for children 5-13. Choose one or more days. School pick up and extended care may be available. Space limited. Call to register.
Aikido for Teens
Mondays 6-7 pm. New and returning students welcome. Class now enrolling. Call to register.
Aikido for Women
Wednesdays 6-7 pm. Emphasis on Aikido as Self-Defense. Safe, supportive environment.
Yoga
All levels welcome. Tuesday evening class (6-7:30 pm) includes seated meditation, asanas (standing poses, forward bends, seated and supine postures, twists, inversions or backbends), pranayama (breath control) and ends with Savasana (Corpse Pose). $15 drop in.
Family Yoga (Sunday 10 am), for families and children ages 3-up, and Morning Yoga (Wednesday 9:30 am) are one hour long. $10 per person, or $20 per family.
Instructor Nancy Supanich, a Certified Massage Therapist, has studied yoga since 1989 and began incorporating yoga therapy with her massage practice in 1995 (see the Class Schedule).
Music and Movement for Mommy and Me
with Lisa Keating, singer, music teacher, mom
"Music alone speaks at once to the imagination, the mind, the heart and the senses." Hector Berlioz
In the womb or in the room, music provides lifelong benefits for babies (and mommies, too). Come sing, laugh, and enjoy this very special time sharing music with your baby or toddler. Classes will include meditation with music, bonding with your baby, singing lullabies and improvisation with musical instruments. Now enrolling. Call for more information.