| Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland |
OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
We share the same common goal that Sensei Roy Suenaka shared with his teachers
which is to become steadfast students of Aikido. We study the principles of Aikido not only
to perfect physical technique but to understand and apply the principles of Aikido in our daily
lives.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Call to Practice
The study of the martial arts begins and end with etiquette and this is the foundation in
which we practice the principles of Aikido. At the start of class, everyone is to line up, facing
front and kneeling. The senior student will call the class to order following the Japanese
tradition of a bowing. This is also the manner in-which we close class.
Warm-ups
Warming up is very important prior to participating in any form of training. The purpose of
our warm-up drills is to reduce the risk of muscle and joint injury and fully prepare the
muscles for the specific activity to be undertaken. The warm-up procedure varies, but
usually involves 15-30 min of static stretching and calisthenics.
Falling Techniques - Ukemi
The falling techniques is called ukemi and is designed to teach the aikidoka how to fall
properly. Students learn how to fall from a from a seated position, kneeling position as well
how to fall forwards, backwards and other unsuspected positions.
Taiso
The taiso exercises done each class are the very building blocks of our techniques,
designed to coordinate our minds and bodies.
Katas
Each class will consist of jo and/or bokken kata practice. These are the katas of Aikido,
developed directly from sword and weapons practices. They purpose is to teach us grace
and fluidity, and help us to understand that our empty hand techniques originated from
weapons techniques.
Weapons
We regularly practice defense against knife, sword and staff.
Techniques - Waza
Suenaka Sensei incorporated all of O'Sensei's teaching in his style, combined with his
extensive experience in real-world self-defense. The result is a martial art that is "street
effective' yet respectful of all living things. During each class we practice the basic Aikido
techniques in order to become proficient in this unarmed form of self defense. These
basics techniques are designed to momentarily distract or off-balance an attacker in to get
away.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
We further enhance our study of Aikido by attending Summer camp at Cheraw
State Park in Cheraw S.C., the annual Hombu Seminar. At these events,
student from the affiliated dojos come together to learn directly from Sensei
Suenaka as well as his senior students. We also attend seminars lead by
Sensei Suenaka which are held throughout the year at various affiliated dojos
TESTING AND RANK PROMOTION
Promotions are based on attendance, ability to perform techniques, ki testing and more
importantly, development of character and attitude. Requirements are the same for both
men and women. Rank promotion is usually held once a year and there are five belt ranks
prior to black belt. However, students enjoy the art so much that rank in or of itself becomes
secondary to the sheer joy of practice.
We share the same common goal that Sensei Roy Suenaka shared with his teachers
which is to become steadfast students of Aikido. We study the principles of Aikido not only
to perfect physical technique but to understand and apply the principles of Aikido in our daily
lives.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Call to Practice
The study of the martial arts begins and end with etiquette and this is the foundation in
which we practice the principles of Aikido. At the start of class, everyone is to line up, facing
front and kneeling. The senior student will call the class to order following the Japanese
tradition of a bowing. This is also the manner in-which we close class.
Warm-ups
Warming up is very important prior to participating in any form of training. The purpose of
our warm-up drills is to reduce the risk of muscle and joint injury and fully prepare the
muscles for the specific activity to be undertaken. The warm-up procedure varies, but
usually involves 15-30 min of static stretching and calisthenics.
Falling Techniques - Ukemi
The falling techniques is called ukemi and is designed to teach the aikidoka how to fall
properly. Students learn how to fall from a from a seated position, kneeling position as well
how to fall forwards, backwards and other unsuspected positions.
Taiso
The taiso exercises done each class are the very building blocks of our techniques,
designed to coordinate our minds and bodies.
Katas
Each class will consist of jo and/or bokken kata practice. These are the katas of Aikido,
developed directly from sword and weapons practices. They purpose is to teach us grace
and fluidity, and help us to understand that our empty hand techniques originated from
weapons techniques.
Weapons
We regularly practice defense against knife, sword and staff.
Techniques - Waza
Suenaka Sensei incorporated all of O'Sensei's teaching in his style, combined with his
extensive experience in real-world self-defense. The result is a martial art that is "street
effective' yet respectful of all living things. During each class we practice the basic Aikido
techniques in order to become proficient in this unarmed form of self defense. These
basics techniques are designed to momentarily distract or off-balance an attacker in to get
away.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
We further enhance our study of Aikido by attending Summer camp at Cheraw
State Park in Cheraw S.C., the annual Hombu Seminar. At these events,
student from the affiliated dojos come together to learn directly from Sensei
Suenaka as well as his senior students. We also attend seminars lead by
Sensei Suenaka which are held throughout the year at various affiliated dojos
TESTING AND RANK PROMOTION
Promotions are based on attendance, ability to perform techniques, ki testing and more
importantly, development of character and attitude. Requirements are the same for both
men and women. Rank promotion is usually held once a year and there are five belt ranks
prior to black belt. However, students enjoy the art so much that rank in or of itself becomes
secondary to the sheer joy of practice.
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| How we Train |
| Location 405 England Street Ashland, Va Henry Clay Shopping Center Ashland, Va 23005 Contact 804 537 0526 Email Dojocho@gmail.com Class Fees $40.00 per month $35.00 Annual Membership Dues Class Schedule Sundays 4:30 - 6:30 Friday 6:00-7:00 (except 3rd Fridays) 3rd Fridays 6:00am - 7:00am |
