From time to time, in addition to the regular activities of the Allegheny College Aikikai (Aikido Club), a two (2) credit "Introduction to Aikido" course is offered at Allegheny College.
Check campus listing for offerings and course number.
Past offering(s):
Spring 2018
Currently anticipated offering(s):
Fall 2020 (CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19)
Spring 2021 (CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19)
Past Course Statement :
(time and location subject to change for each offering)
DMS 190 – Introduction to Aikido
Spring 2018
T-H 9:30a to 10:45a – Wise Center Dance Studio
Aikido is a true budo or martial way that evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied in earnest, budo is more than a science of tactics and self defense. It is a discipline for perfecting the spirit of the practitioner.
Course will introduce student to the practice of Aikido. Focus will be on fundamentals with emphasis placed on physical movements and postures while exploring the center within the framework of a modern Japanese martial art.
Course will include physical practice plus training movies with discussion and will culminate with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) 6th kyu test. Course will include a $10 student fee for t-shirt (uniform). Credit: Two semester hours.
Past Syllabus:
(Details of course subject to change for each offering.)
Please note, the instructor e-mail address and office hours is only valid during semesters when the course is offered. Please direct all instructor communications / inquiries to aikido@allegheny.edu during off-semesters.
Additional inquiries may be directed to the Allegheny College Department of Dance and Movement Studies https://sites.allegheny.edu/dance/.
DMS 190 – Introduction to Aikido
Spring 2018
T-H 9:30a to 10:45a – Wise Center Dance Studio
Rob Humphreys Phone: 814.333.1609 E-mail: rhumphreys@allegheny.edu Office hours: 15 min. after class or by appointment
“A way to reconcile the world.” Ueshiba Morihei / O’Sensei
Course Description:
The name “Aikido” is composed of three Japanese words: “ai” (harmony),
“ki” (energy/spirit), and
“do” (way or path).
Fundamentally, Aikido is the “way of the spirit of harmony”. However, the word “Aikido” can be translated as the “way of blending energy”, or the “path of unity with the fundamental force of nature”.
Aikido is a true budo or martial way that evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied in earnest, budo is more than a science of tactics and self defense. It is a discipline for perfecting the spirit of the practitioner.
Aikido is a paradox: it is an extremely effective form of self defense but it is also considered by many to be a path of peace and reconciliation. Some dojo lean more towards one side of this equation than the other. Don’t forget that the Founder, O-Sensei arrived at his deep state of understanding only after many years of rigorous, martial training; it would be extremely presumptuous to think that we can start where he left off! So, is Aikido a path of peace or a martial art? The answer is, if it isn’t both, it is neither.
Credit: Two semester hours.
Course Goal:
To introduce the new student to the (physical) practice of Aikido.
Course Objectives:
Course objective is to allow the student an exploration of the basic elements of the practice of Aikido culminating with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) 6th kyu test. Focus will be on fundamentals with emphasis placed on physical movements and postures while exploring the center within the framework of a modern Japanese martial art.
Students concurrently participating in “Aikido-2” (students who already hold USAF rank of 6th kyu or greater) will explore deeper connection, developing an awareness of self, developing an improved martial awareness throughout the course, and participate in the sempai / kohai relationship.
Course Content:
The basis of daily class will be instructor-guided movement and techniques that enable the student to: • Understand basic principles of Aikido.
USAF | New Student Guide v2.0 (2011)
Safely perform basic ukemi (falls).
Perform basic techniques with an understanding of self-defense applications.
Strengthen concentration, balance emotions, and quiet the mind.
Apply the principles of Aikido to daily life.
Content is based on traditional Aikido as handed down through the Ueshiba family lineage (Aikikai) and as practiced in the United States Aikido Federation (USAF). Emphasis will be placed on:
USAF Sixth kyu test requirements – taijitsu (body work), supplemented by
USAF Fifth kyu test requirements – taijitsu (body work).
Introduction to the application of weapons in practice – Bokken (wooden sword) or Jo (wooden
staff) to understand proper body position and movement as well as the origins of the art.
o This class will not include any combative training (no “fighting”), either openhanded or
with weapon. Partners will work together for mutual benefit with all students participating equally in applying basic techniques (kihon waza) and in receiving techniques / falling (ukemi).
• Students participating in “Aikido-2” will be required to execute the same techniques as new students while demonstrating a higher level of understanding. Written testing will be more detailed and include additional reading material. Physical test requirements will be determined by the instructor on an individual basis, depending on student skill level.
Rationale:
Partner practice: Do not be mistaken; Aikido is budo. Aikido techniques are extremely powerful and some have the potential to cause pain, injury, or even death. For this reason, Aikido practice must always be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. Unlike most other martial arts, there is very little solo or “kata” practice in Aikido. (The exception being some weapons training.) Since our goal is the blending of our energy with that of another, practice is done with a “partner” not an “opponent”. Many people, when first exposed to the art, note that, “it looks like the attacker is just going along with the technique.” That is because that is exactly what they are doing! While this may be difficult to understand in the “win/lose” context of modern sport, it becomes very clear when one actually experiences the power of Aikido. To resist an accomplished aikidoka’s technique is not only foolish, it is downright dangerous. If competition were allowed, we would have to eliminate many of our most powerful techniques because of the risk of serious injury.
Always remember that your partner is, in essence, loaning you their body so that you can perfect your movement. You must always respect each individual’s unique situation, taking into account differences in age, size, strength, physical condition etc. Don’t forget that for every throw or pin that you execute, your partner will get to “return the favor” so be sure to treat others the same way you wish them to treat you. Everyone on the mat is there to learn and help their partners learn and improve. Practice should be serious yet joyful, energetic yet supportive. Remember, Aikido is not a sport or a game; there are no tournaments or other forms of competition in Aikido. It is each student’s responsibility to bring only positive, constructive energy onto the mat.
USAF | New Student Guide v2.0 (2011)
Text:
United States Aikido Federation New Student Guide v2.0 (Available online at Allegheny College Aikikai website http://gatoraikido.webs.com/student-resources “USAF New Student Guide”)
Optional reading: (Required for “Aikido-2” participants)
Ueshiba, Morehei (2002). The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido. Boston & London: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Requirements, Opportunities, and Evaluation:
Dress:
Come to each class in comfortable clothing and be prepared to move. Class uniform shall be sweatpants, Allegheny College Aikikai t-shirt, and bare feet. Please dress keeping in mind that you will be going upside down (and numerous directions). All jewelry, watches, hats, and other external accessories that may get caught in your own or a partner’s hair or clothing shall be avoided for mutual safety.
Students who have a plain, white, keiko gi (uniform) and white belt may wear this to class. Keiko gi and belt are required for “Aikido-2” participants.
If there is any question regarding clothing, please see the instructor before class. Please leave cell phones outside of the studio.
Course fee:
A $10 student fee for t-shirt cost is required for this course.
Course Requirements:
Class participation (70%): Your active participation in physical training and discussion of each class
session is most important and attendance is worth 70% of your final grade. You may make up THREE (3) class sessions ONLY. All make-up must be approved by the instructor, please make up each absence within two weeks of the missed class.
Attendance at the Allegheny College Aikikai Spring 2018 seminar with Andy Demko, shihan – 7th dan, USAF Technical Committee (currently scheduled for Saturday 07 April, 2018 10a- 4p) for one-half day is required. The morning session (10a-12p / TBD) or the afternoon session (2p-4p / TBD) is required with full day attendance counted as extra credit toward the total attendance.
Actively participate in class / Attendance *
a) A no unexcused absences
b) B no more than one (1) unexcused absence
c) C no more than two (2) unexcused absences
d) F three (3) or more unexcused absences
* Missed class(es) may be made up, with prior permission of the instructor, at either Allegheny College Aikikai or New Castle Aikikai. Due to the nature of the group learning environment, a maximum of three (3) classes may be counted toward missed classes for the class participation portion of the grade. Additional make up classes may be allowed if circumstances merit and require special permission from the instructor. Merit will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Missed attendance at the Spring 2018 Demko, shihan seminar shall be made up only with prior approval of the instructor at which time a specific substitution will be determined.
Written quizzes and Final examination (30%):
Regular (scheduled or unscheduled) quizzes on reading material (and as discussed in class).
Demonstration of understanding of the material and course content.
Personal growth / self-improvement within the framework of the course will be considered for the final examination (students will be graded against the material and their own skill level and improvement, and not against each other).
Take and pass USAF 6th kyu test (for “Aikido-2” participants and students who already hold this rank, test requirements will be determined by the instructor on an individual basis, depending on student skill level).
Please notify the instructor before class if you have injuries or concerns in regard to your physical participation in the activities.
This course involves physical practice. As such, it may require the instructor or other students to make physical contact for the purpose of adjusting alignment and aiding in the application of technical principles. Students with concerns regarding physical contact, or any other issue, should talk with the instructor immediately. The instructor should be consulted regarding any other concerns such as disability issues, discrimination, or harassment.
A pre-course questionnaire including a signed Allegheny College Aikikai practice waiver will be required from students. Questions regarding previous martial arts experience (none required), physical limitations or injuries, and other student participation issues will be kept private unless otherwise indicated in writing by the student and is necessary for the instructor to create an environment that allows for a safe and positive experience for the participant.
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