What We Offer
Aikido
Aikido
is a modern, non-violent, non-aggressive Japanese martial art, which
was developed early in the twentieth century by Morihei Ueshiba
(1883-1969). “Aiki” means “blending body with mind to the movements of
energy.” “Do” means “a way or path chosen towards self-realization.” As
a system of self-defense it employs techniques based upon circular
motions that blend with the attack and energy
of your opponent.
Weapons
Aikido is primarily practiced as an empty-handed art (tai-jutsu, meaning “body arts”). However, as a student progresses, he/she studies the principles of Aikido through the use of the bokken (wooden sword), jo (wooden staff), and tanto (wooden knife). Weapons work reveals the importance of proper distance, timing, and precision of body movement. It also develops a student’s breathing and concentration. Techniques for responding to multiple assailants are also studied.
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Iaido / Iai Battoh Ho
"Iai Battoh-Ho, meaning "sword-drawing method," is based on Iaido, "the Way of sword drawing," and other traditional forms of Japanese sword work. In Birankai North America, Battoh-Ho is studied in large part for the same reasons as weapons work with bokken and jo: for what it reveals about the roots of Aikido as a martial art.
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Children's Aikido
Children are avid learners of new material. They enjoy challenging their young bodies and minds. They take special pride in mastering new skills. Children also require regular exercise to stay fit both physically and mentally.
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Private Lessons
People learn in a variety of styles and rhythms. Private lessons offer a different learning environment than group lessons. Private students report a diverse set of benefits: customized attention from the teacher, quiet environment, less distractions, more flexibility to repeat one movement until satisfied, convenience of scheduling, opportunity for more-self-directed learning, rhythm of the lesson is determined by the teacher relative to the student’s needs. For many students a combination of private lessons along with regular group classes promotes accelerated progress.
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Space Rental
The
1200 square foot training area is covered in 4x6 mats over a modified
sprung floor structure. The floor has give. The mats are high quality
rubberized tatami designed for judo practice. The texture is firm, not
sticky nor slick. Our mats are regularly cleaned offering a hygienic
learning environment for movement exploration. Multnomah Aikikai
welcomes teachers of other movement arts. We have previously hosted
classes in yoga, meditation and
The Feldenkrais Method®.