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Call to Practice
Warm-ups 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 15-30min 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.
Warm-up Excersices - 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.
Warm-ups 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 15-30min 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.
Warm-up Excersices - 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.
Aikido Suenaka-Ha Ashland was founded in February 2005, by Shihan Jerome
Legions, Senseis Mark and Larry Combs. Each of these members started their
studies at Aikido of Richmond under the leadership of Shihan Steven Steele. When
Aikido of Richmond disassociated with Wadokai Aikido, Sensei Joe McClure had
established Aikido Suenaka-Ha Richmond and Shihan Legions and Sensei
Combs decided to start a second dojo in area the Ashland, Va area that would
provide an additional opportunities for those who are interested in studying
Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku-Ho Aikido.
The vision of our dojo is to be a true dojo in every sense of the word. When the
training hall is nurtured and properly cared for then it truly becomes a dojo which is
a place of where people would find value in the principles of Aikido as well as the
people their fellow aikidoka. Our purpose is to offer classes that offer a great
workout as well as being a lot of fun. An important aim of this dojo is to carry the
Aikido spirit beyond the constraints of our dojo walls and into the community by
carryng out community service projects. The goals of these projects are designed
to create a sense of commonality, tolerance and cooperation within our community.
Legions, Senseis Mark and Larry Combs. Each of these members started their
studies at Aikido of Richmond under the leadership of Shihan Steven Steele. When
Aikido of Richmond disassociated with Wadokai Aikido, Sensei Joe McClure had
established Aikido Suenaka-Ha Richmond and Shihan Legions and Sensei
Combs decided to start a second dojo in area the Ashland, Va area that would
provide an additional opportunities for those who are interested in studying
Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku-Ho Aikido.
The vision of our dojo is to be a true dojo in every sense of the word. When the
training hall is nurtured and properly cared for then it truly becomes a dojo which is
a place of where people would find value in the principles of Aikido as well as the
people their fellow aikidoka. Our purpose is to offer classes that offer a great
workout as well as being a lot of fun. An important aim of this dojo is to carry the
Aikido spirit beyond the constraints of our dojo walls and into the community by
carryng out community service projects. The goals of these projects are designed
to create a sense of commonality, tolerance and cooperation within our community.
| Aikido Suenaka-HaAshland 431 England St. Ashland, Va 23005 804 537 0526 |
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| How We Train |
| About Our Dojo |
People come to Aikido with different physical
experiences as well as life experiences which is
why we make every possible effort to provide a
safe and supportive place to practice. Our
instructors realize that by providing this type
of environment allows students to overcome
fears and concerns.