self-defense Archives - Aikido of El Paso

Apr 22

0

Aikido: The Way of Harmony with the Spirit

By Paul Forhan | El Paso TX, Martial Arts | No Comments

There’s a sense of peace that tends to manifest when we exercise. Be it going for an early morning jog or bench pressing weights at the gym, we manifest a mental state of repetition that can often lead to a state of meditation. Even if we don’t actively try to achieve this state, it still occurs. You might listen to music or a podcast as you go about your workout, this sends you further into a state of oneness with your mind, body, and soul. That’s why you feel so good after working out. But if you’d like to take your workout to the next level, on a physical and spiritual level, consider partaking in aikido classes.

Aikido: The Origins

Aikido, a Japanese martial art, may seem similar to Jiu-Jitsu as it involves throws and joint locks as well as techniques similar to Kenjutsu. Unlike other popular martial art styles, aikido doesn’t focus on attacks such as punching or kicking. Instead, it focuses on using the opponent’s energy in order to control them. By using this “opposing” momentum to your advantage, you’ll be able to defend yourself. But Aikido is much more than a method of self-defense, it’s a way of life! That may sound grandiose but it’s true. Aikido can lead to self-defense, enlightenment, and peace of mind. You see, the term “aikido” can be literally translated as “the way of harmony with the spirit.” Each lesson can be used to positively impact your life, on a physical, mental, and spiritual level.

Become Part of a Positive Community

If you’re curious about this martial art, you can visit Aikido of El Paso to take a look at what you can expect from a regular day of practice. Or, you could also look up aikido on Youtube. It may seem like a choreographed dance but it’s all real. The setting of aikido is safe but everything you see is the actual use of motion and momentum to cause the opponent to become unbalanced. Achieving this degree of smooth effortlessness takes practice, of course. Once you gain knowledge of aikido, you’ll be able to use it in your daily life. It’s a force for good in the world and you’ll become a vessel for such positivity. We all have a place in nature; aikido helps us live in harmony. Give Aikido of El Paso a call today to learn more about the benefits of this martial art!

Mar 18

0

Your Most Frequently Asked Questions Aikido, Answered!

By Paul Forhan | Aikido Lessons, El Paso TX | No Comments

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

0

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 | No Comments

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!

Oct 10

1

a woman practicing self defense at an aikido academy

Center Yourself in the Fast-Paced World with Self Defense Classes

By Paul Forhan | El Paso TX, Self Defense Classes | No Comments

Although El Paso constantly ranks as one of the safest cities in the nation, bad things still happen to good people. By partaking in self defense classes, you’ll be able to have the knowledge and skills necessary to fend for yourself if the situation requires it. Aikido of El Paso proudly provides self defense classes to anyone who’s interested. Not only does self defense training boost your overall awareness and physical conditioning, but it also allows you to develop self-discipline while building up your confidence. It’s never too late to start!

The Physical Aspect of Self Defense Training

Self defense training is built upon a foundation of physical conditioning. As a martial art, aikido focuses on grappling and softness which means it redirects the momentum of the opponent’s attack, throwing the opponent off balance. Unlike other styles of martial arts, aikido is meant to protect both the practitioner and the attacker from injury. This differs aikido from other forms of martial arts as the physical training aspect requires mastery of controlled relaxation as well as correct movements of joints. Aikido has more of a focus on flexibility and endurance than in strength. This is because the force in the training comes from the attacker, never from the practitioner. Although there may not be an emphasis on strength training, practitioners still develop physical conditioning. But aikido goes far deeper than the surface; it penetrates the soul of the practitioner, guiding them on the correct path.

Centering Yourself in a Fast-Paced World

People partake in self defense classes in order to be able to protect themselves if the situation requires it. Although other styles of self defense may show you how to defeat an attacker, they also create violent intentions and aggressive thoughts. When it comes to self defense, it’s crucial for you to be able to center yourself. This way, you’ll be able to make the right decision on a split second. Self defense training from Aikido of El Paso will lead to more confidence and overall awareness. With enough training, you’ll be able to stay aware of any potential hazards in your immediate vicinity. As they say, the best offense is a good defense. This is exactly what aikido training has to offer. If you’re curious about aikido training, give Aikido of El Paso a call. We’re taking on new students regularly. Before long, you’ll have the knowledge and skill to defend yourself.

Sep 10

0

Start the New School Year with Aikido Youth Classes

By Paul Forhan | Aikido Youth Classes, El Paso TX | No Comments

As we enter the month of September, students all across the El Paso area are quickly settling into the flow of things. The stress of school, homework, extracurricular activities, and friendship can wear down on the mind and spirit of students of all ages. This is where aikido youth classes come into play. By participating in aikido lessons specially designed for the youth, your child will be able to find focus while working out mind and body. Aikido can be seen as both a philosophy and martial art. Unlike karate or taekwondo, aikido is completely defensive. Students learn to use the force of their aggressors to defend themselves while protecting the aggressor from serious injury. Continue reading to find out how aikido can benefit your child’s life!

After School Aikido Youth Classes to Improve Academics

Many studies have shown that after-school sports can lead to better grades and more positive academic standing. Aikido, unlike soccer, football, basketball, or tennis, is a martial art that combines physical training with philosophy. The main tenant of aikido is non-resistance making it less about competition and more about finding internal balance and peace. One can see other sports as incredibly competitive and upsetting (if the child’s team were to lose, the child might feel responsible for not scoring the winning goal. This can lead to negative ramifications in the child’s life). But when it comes to aikido youth lessons, practitioners (also known as aikidoka) seek the path of non-resistance and thus avoid becoming bogged down in competition. Instead of being trained to beat others, aikidoka are trained to learn the perceive the correct path. This can assist students of aikido in academics, as well.

Learning Self-Defense from a Young Age

Aikidoka are able to learn a positive style of self-defense. Bullying is still rampant in schools across the world. If your child is facing issues at school, aikido can provide a form of self-defense that won’t result in any injuries to your child or the attacker. Through aikido, the practitioner makes use of the active attack that’s directed towards him or her. When a child partakes in aikido youth classes, she will learn self-defense without becoming overly aggressive. Aikido is a way of peace, self-discipline, and self-respect. If you’d like to learn more about what Aikido of El Paso has to offer, give us a call!