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 by 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 or 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 six days/week (see the Class Schedule).
$100/month entitles members to unlimited Aikido classes, Yoga, and Tai Chi.
Aikido for Children (ages 4 through 15)
Ages 4-8: 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 9-12: 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 4th degree Black Belt and Chief Instructor at Tarzana Aikikai. Nancy is a 2nd degree Black Belt and developed a program teaching Aikido to children in San Francisco schools. They have one son.
Classes for children are offered five days a week. Student membership is $100 per month.
Beginner's Special: Uniform (gi) and one week of classes for $29.99.
Aikido for Teens
Fridays 5:30-6:30 pm. New and returning students welcome. Class now enrolling. Call to register.
Students ages 13-up are also invited to train in adult classes on M/T/Th 7:30-8:30 pm Wednesday 6-7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-12 pm, with permission of Chief Instructor.
Aikido for Women
Wednesdays from 6-7 pm. Emphasis on Aikido as Self-Defense. Safe, supportive environment. Instructor: Nancy Supanich, Nidan.
Yoga & Massage Therapy
Yoga class is offered once a week, on Mondays from 6-7 pm. This class is free for members. Drop-in fee is $10/class.
Instruction includes seated meditation, asanas (standing poses, forward bends, seated and supine postures, twists, inversions or backbends) and pranayama (breath control). Individualized yoga therapy can focus on healthy backs, fheadache and stress relief, weight control, increasing energy, healthy pregnancy, restorative poses, building strength and stamina, or improving posture and alignment.
Private and small group yoga classes are available by appointment. Call 818-705-0600 to schedule. $40/hour.
Instructor Nancy Supanich, a Certified Massage Therapist, has studied yoga since 1989 and began incorporating yoga therapy with her massage practice in 1995. Call 818-825-1146 to schedule a massage. $40/hr for dojo members; $60/hr non-members.
Tai Chi
Yang-style Tai Chi is offered free to members on Sundays from 10:30-11 am. Non-members are welcome with a $5 mat fee.
Learn traditional short form (24-form) and long form (108-form) Tai Chi.