Kohala Aikikai Beginners Program

Home - Class Schedule - Calendar - About Aikido - Beginners - Member Comments

Instructors - Links - Gallery - Map & Directions - Promotion Guidelines

The Art of Peace begins with you.
Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow.
You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life then apply the Art to all that you encounter.

--Morihei Ueshiba

Kohala Aikikai beginner's program is designed to provide any student with the physical skills and informational content that will allow them to comfortably transition into regular practice in the Dojo. In addition, it is also designed for those who desire to practice Aikido at this level and reap the benefits of practice but are unable to engage in more vigorous practice. We emphasize slow gentle movements. We do breathing exercises to coordinate breath with movement for more effective action. We repeat footwork patterns, hand motions, and body postures that are fundamental to Aikido techniques. This is a no-impact class designed to strengthen, stretch, and tone the body while learning the basic principals of Aikido. Topics include Dojo etiquette, Aikido history and traditions, individual exercises, partner exercises, safe falling, principals of stance and martial movement, basic techniques, and suggestions for integrating your Aikido practice to improve your everyday life.

If you are interested in practice we recommend that you commit to doing the course for at least three months. After this time you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether you want to continue in the beginner program or move on to regular practice in the Dojo. Some people may decide not to continue training at all but at least they can say they gave it a fair trial.

The first three months are the hardest. After three months, you can say, I tried. If you leave before three months, you must say, I quit.

--Elizabeth Lynn 6th Dan, Shihan

Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. The three month course costs $150 which includes a practice outfit (do-gi) and written material. Please plan to make every class if possible. This will allow you experience the art in a direct way and allow you to soak it in while allowing ample time for your body to recover and adapt.

Aikido can be a path or way of life that is expansive and boundless. Over time practitioners have been known to develop extraordinary abilities and achieve states of exceptionally good health. As with most things in life you get back in proportion to what you put in.

Helpful Tips for Beginners