Aikido Lessons Archives - Aikido of El Paso

May 14

two adult men practicing aikido on the coast of a body of water

Famous People Who Practice Aikido

By Paul Forhan Aikido Lessons, El Paso TX

If you ever looked up a list of famous and well-known aikido practitioners on Wikipedia, you’ll see a variety of individuals who live both interesting and common lives. Among the names, you’ll see those who studied under Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido’s founder. His teachings continue to live on to this day through his students and his own children. You’ll also find actors, writers, professors, and so much more. For today’s blog post, we will list a few famous aikidoka whose lives have become enriched with the practice of Aikido. If you’d like to enrich your own life, then join Aikido of El Paso.

Sean Connery

The original James Bond himself, Sean Connery, told Jay Leno in 1996 that he was a Nidan in Aikido. During this Tonight Show interview, Connery went on to say that he actually broke his wrist while practicing aikido with fellow aikidoka Steven Segal. This may sound counterintuitive (since Aikido relates more to self-defense than other martial art forms) but it’s something that could actually happen. Perhaps Connery might’ve been a bit too aggressive against Segal who, then, used this aggression against Connery thus breaking his wrist. Aikido is often seen as nothing more than self-defense training but practitioners can easily injure their opponents. Hopefully this spar with Segal didn’t cause Connery to give up the martial art. Although Mr. Connery is 88 years old, he can very well still be practicing aikido, albeit without Steven Segal!

Jerry Seinfeld

When you look at Jerry Seinfeld, you possibly don’t see an aikido practitioner. Sure, maybe you can imagine an episode of Seinfeld where Kramer gets obsessed with Aikido and hilarity ensues but, in reality, Seinfeld himself considers aikido a “wonderful subject.” In an interview with Parade Magazine, the comedian is quoted as saying “I studied that for a while, the martial art. I love that. That’s a wonderful subject. Very good in marriage. I would suggest Aikido training for anyone thinking of getting married” Clearly, this is Seinfeld being funny but there’s a lot of truth to his statement. Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony. What one learns when practicing aikido can be used for mental and physical self-defense. You’ll learn how to traverse through difficult situations, many of which can crop up within a marriage.

Joan Baez

The seminal folk-singer, Joan Baez, is a black belt in Aikido. Much like Seinfeld, Baez understands the benefits Aikido has had in her life. She’s quoted as saying, “Aikido is carrying over into my life. A few years ago I would have been waking up at night. Not now.”

Join Aikido of El Paso, Today!

Aikido may not be the most popular martial art form but it does play an incredibly positive role in the lives of those who partake in it. If you’re ready to enrich your life, then join Aikido of El Paso!

Mar 18

Your Most Frequently Asked Questions Aikido, Answered!

By Paul Forhan Aikido Lessons, El Paso TX

Martial arts are an incredibly popular option for children and adults alike to exercise and learn self-defense. Although karate and taekwondo may be the most popular martial arts, there are other types that may better suit your needs. Aikido of El Paso is proud to provide aikido lessons to students, young and old alike. Below, we’ve outlined a handful of our most asked questions. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for here, don’t worry! Simply give us a call and we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have.

1) How Much are the Lessons?

Adults monthly $108, kids 7 to 16 $75. There are family or sibling discounts available and other discounts may be applied, as well. Contact us to learn more about our current promotions.

2) Are There Free Tryout Lessons?

Yes. Everyone is invited to observe and, if they wish, they may also participate in a class. We offer this option for individuals to be able to see the fluidity of aikido in action.

3) How Old Do You Have to Be to Practice Aikido?

We begin teaching at age 7. Exceptions are on a case by case basis. People can partake in aikido from the ages of 7 to 70 and older. Everyone in the family can participate in aikido!

4) Will I Have to Buy My Own Uniform? What’s the Meaning of the Uniform?

Yes, unless enrolled under one of the discount promotions. Students may start by wearing comfortable exercise clothes. There is no intrinsic meaning the uniform is a traditional martial art attire. The hakama or blue covering is reserved for dan/instructor ranks at Aikido of El Paso.

Choose Aikido of El Paso, Today!

Aikido is an excellent martial art choice for children and adults alike. If you’re looking for something for your child to do, why not visit our academy to see a class? Who knows, maybe it’ll become your family’s new past time! If you’re interested in our aikido lessons, give us a call or simply visit our academy. This way, you’ll be able to see how a normal day at Aikido of El Paso looks. We’re proud to provide the El Paso area with great aikido lessons. If you’re ready to become a part of the Aikido of El Paso team, then give us a call or click through our website to take a look at our programs.

Jan 14

Two aikido practitioners demonstrating a common move in a traditional aikido dojo

What Our Aikido Lessons Have to Offer

By Paul Forhan Aikido Lessons, El Paso TX

Aikido is a popular martial art among adults and children alike due to its real-world applications. In addition to being a great form of self-defense, aikido offers mental and emotional balance and fortitude to those who devote their bodies and minds to the art. Unlike other forms of exercise, which may simply exercise the body, aikido provides all-encompassing training that helps practitioners focus their mind and body into becoming the best version of themselves. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? If you’re in the El Paso area and you’re looking for a way to enrich your life, visit Aikido of El Paso!

Aikido Lessons: The Path Towards Achieving Inner Peace

Fundamentally, aikido is defined as a martial art that uses the momentum of an assailant to the practitioner’s advantage. As such, it’s much more “peaceful” than other martial arts. As with most martial arts, aikido also focuses on the philosophical and spiritual aspects of training. In fact, these aspects can be seen as more important than the actual, physical manifestations of force and defense. Aikido was established as a form of harmony with nature. Practitioners learn how to focus themselves and the world that surrounds them so, in the instance of an attack, the aikidoka (aikido practitioner) will be able to calmly and safely subdue their enemy or assailant by using the assailant’s own momentum. This can be achieved once the practitioners have reached peace within themselves and with nature. As formidable as this may seem, it’s possible for beginners to reach this degree of peace.

The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Aikido

Perhaps all this talk of “inner peace” may detract from the fact that aikido still serves as a great way to improve flexibility and physical fitness. As with most forms of martial arts or physical training, it’s necessary to devote one’s time and effort in order to grow in their knowledge of aikido. This is why aikido is a perfect option for adults and children. With the help of the instructor, practitioners will be able to work and excel at their own pace. Before long, you’ll notice the health benefits that come about from aikido. That, along with a newfound knowledge of self-defense, will give aikido practitioners a new lease on life. If you’re interested in signing up or simply curious as to what exactly aikido has to offer, give us a call or visit our academy, today!

Jul 18

Why Aikido Lessons Are Great for Children in the El Paso Area

By Paul Forhan Aikido Lessons, El Paso TX

Although summer is winding down, there’s still time to partake in aikido lessons at Aikido of El Paso. Aikido is known as the “way of harmony with the force of nature,” separating it from other martial arts. It is fully defensive, making it the perfect way to practice self-defense. If you have a child who’s been driving you crazy during this summer vacation, consider setting her up with our youth aikido lessons!

How Children Can Benefit from Aikido Lessons

Summer is synonymous with free time. Although this might be exciting for children who are out of school, parents all across the El Paso area may get more and more tired of having children at home at all hours of the day. This is why summer camps are so popular. But if you’re looking for a way for your child to get exercise and gain valuable life skills, consider aikido lessons. Unlike other martial arts such as karate or taekwondo, aikido focuses on self defense. It’s still a workout, however. It just doesn’t involve any offensive strikes. This is why it’s such a great summer pastime. Aikido can help children in the following ways:

Build strength and endurance
Encourage cooperative behaviors
Increase flexibility
Gain confidence and awareness

What Happens Once Summer is Over?

Once summer draws to a close, your child can continue partaking in aikido lessons throughout the year. As your child ages and gains more insight into the art of aikido, she can partake in more advanced classes. In fact, due to aikido’s defensive nature, individuals of all ages can partake in the martial art. This means your child can be a student of aikido as a teenager, young adult, and even as an elderly person! Aikido of El Paso offers plenty of aikido classes all throughout the week. This way, your child can have the perfect way to release all that pent up summer energy. All while gaining valuable insight and knowledge on how to defend oneself, both physically and mentally.

Aikido of El Paso is Here to Help

Aikido of El Paso has provided high-quality training to students in the Southwest area. If your child needs something to do, consider aikido lessons from the masters! Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of aikido.