Aikido Program Description

Notice to Participants - Please Read!     Kokikai Aikido is a self-defense training system that stresses timing, centering and coordination rather than meeting force with force. The goal of Kokikai Aikido is to enable all individuals to reach their strongest state and realize their full potential, both in the art of self-defense and in their daily lives. Most people associate strength with muscle power, but Kokikai Aikido students learn many ways to become stronger. Mind-body coordination, relaxation, good posture, and proper technique can increase any person's strength. In practicing Kokikai Aikido, students learn to coordinate mind and body, to respond calmly to conflict, and to "lead the attacker's mind." In this way they can use the minimum effort to create the maximum effect. This simple but revolutionary idea is at the heart of Kokikai Aikido principles.   Because of these principles, Kokikai Aikido is an effective self-defense method for people of all ages and all physical types. It provides a path both for personal realization and for ethical self-defense. As students become stronger, they become more able to respond to conflict without aggression. This training can benefit their lives in a real, measurable way.   Kokikai Aikido was founded by Shuji Maruyama Sensei, a lifetime student of the practice of aikido. Maruyama Sensei's teaching style is wonderfully dynamic, personal and exhilarating. He stresses that although aikido has deep roots in Japanese tradition, the practice must be relevant to modern life. His aikido technique is full of power and beauty. He encourages his students to grow and develop throughout their lifetimes, even as he continues to grow and develop the practice of Kokikai Aikido.   Membership: All participants, including "walk-ons" must be YW members.  Member subsidies and Bates Scholarships are available.   Spring 2013 Session Starts: Mon., 4/1 Ends: Sat., 6/15 Summer 2013 Session Starts: Tues., 6/25 Ends: Thurs., 8/22 Location:  All Purpose Room, unless noted otherwise     Aikido Schedule Tuesday Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Family Aikido Family Aikido Walk On Aikido for Children Family Aikido Walk On 6:30-8:00pm     Aikido for Teens   8:00-9:30pm Aikido for Adults Adult Aikido Walk On   Aikido for Adults Adult Aikido Walk On

Aikido for Adults

Ages, 16 and up, all levels. Kokikai Aikido is a self-defense training system that stresses timing, centering, and coordination rather than meeting force with force. Great for adults of all ages and levels of physical ability.

Instructors:Dan McDougall,6th dan;Mame Reynolds, 4th dan, students of Shuji Maruyama Sensei. 

Aikido for Children & Teens

Girls and boys, ages 8-12, and 13-16. Kokikai Aikido students develop self-confidence, building their physical and mental fitness as they learn effective self-defense techniques. Working in partners, young people learn to respond to conflict in non-aggressive ways within the discipline of a martial art.

Instructors:Mame Reynolds, 4th dan, Clark Bish, 3rd dan.

Family Aikido

Parents, did you ever want to take a martial art with your children? Now is your opportunity.  Aikido is a self defensive martial art that develops the mind and body in an atmosphere that is fun for everyone.  This class is geared for the children so it is taught at a slower pace than the adult aikido.  As an adult, this is an advantage.  And you have the chance to bond with your child.  The class is taught by Mame Reynolds, 4th dan and assistant, Ricky Stella, 7th kyu.