{"id":528,"date":"2014-08-25T20:58:18","date_gmt":"2014-08-26T01:58:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tcaikido.com\/?page_id=528"},"modified":"2019-04-24T21:57:03","modified_gmt":"2019-04-25T02:57:03","slug":"video-what-is-a-basic-class-like","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tcaikido.com\/?page_id=528","title":{"rendered":"Video – What is a basic class like?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thanks for your interest in aikido and in considering TCAC for your training. You are always welcome to visit the dojo and observe a class in person but this video will give you an idea what a typical class would look like. All of us at Twin Cites remember walking through that front door for the first time. Even the ‘old hands’ are still learning.<\/p>\n Etiquette <\/span> is important in all martial arts and we begin class by bowing in, first towards the Founder, then to the instructor (sensei).<\/p>\n

Our  warm-up <\/span> is almost exclusively stretching and balanced movement. If you’d hoped for pushups on your knuckles or running in the snow, that’s not us.<\/p>\n

Methods of falling safely, called  ukemi<\/em> <\/span>, are next. This is a skill you may well use outside of the dojo since accidental falls are a leading cause of injury\/death in the U.S. New students will likely be taken aside from the class to learn ukemi basics, then re-join the group.<\/p>\n

The instructor will demonstrate a technique, perhaps in several ways, and then  students pair up to practice <\/span>. After a few minutes, sensei will review the technique, perhaps expand on it or move to another attack and defense.<\/p>\n

Classes usually run an hour and end as they began, by bowing towards the Founder, then sensei. Some classes ‘circle up’ to thank all our practice partners at once.<\/p>\n

Updated basic class video from 2019.
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