Classes
Mill Valley Aikido offers a safe, supportive space for students of all ages to learn the art of Aikido.
Teen and Adult
Our Teen and Adult classes provide a challenging, serious, cooperative and supportive environment to learn a deep pool of traditional aikido techniques. Many skills are developed including throws, pins, locks, rolling, and wooden staff and sword. We stress safe and controlled practice, with the emphasis on proper techniques and their family of progression. Along with basic self defense and common sense training. There are no competitions or tournaments in this style of Aikido. However, there is a system of belted ranks via exams.
The training enables the learning of pragmatic techniques which can be employed to protect oneself. However, our system’s emphasizes is on controlling the opponent and using their intention against them. (If they push, you pull, if they pull, you push.) Our goal is to develop Aiki techniques and principles, dispensed in a safe and controlled manner. Set in an enjoyable environment which promotes coordination, flexibility, and strength for the body and mind. The fundamentals of Japanese language and culture are also introduced.
Youth and Tween
Our Youth and Tween classes provide a challenging but fun, supportive and non-competitive environment for the, typically, 6-11 year old age group. These classes focus on important basics such as forward and back rolling, safe falling excercises, footwork patterns, introduction to the jo (staff) and self defense techniques appropriate to the age group. Basic Japanese language and cultural knowledge are also gradually introduced. The youth class structure provides an excellent transition to the teen and adult classes.
Aiki Kids
Our Aiki Kids classes provides a fun, energetic and happy environment for the, typically, 3-6 year old age group. We strive to develop focus, coordination and spatial awareness through movement using Aikido principles. The basics of self defense and personal safety are instructed via the learning of rolling, stances, and evasion techniques. The Japanese language is introduced with the teaching of polite phrases, counting of numbers, and names of animals. The atmosphere is light, cooperative, supportive and non-competitive.
Staff and Wooden Sword (all ages)
The Staff (jo) and Wooden Sword (bokken) are important elements of our traditional training. The jo and bokken are synergistic with classical Aikido, as they emphasize key aspects, such as body position and timing. The jo and bokken are taught via suburi (basic strokes), kata (forms), and awase (blending practices). Our system of jo and bokken was developed by the Founder Morihei Ueshiba and organized by Morihiro Saito Shihan, 9th dan. The jo and bokken complements traditional Aikido training and are also wonderful individual arts in themselves.
First time in class? Here's what you need to know.
• Arrive a few minutes early so that you or your child can meet the instructor, tell us about yourselves, and sign a waiver.
• You don't need an aikido uniform. Regular sportswear is fine for your first few classes. If you choose to continue we'll provide a uniform for you.
• Wear long pants that aren't constricting. Aikido has movements working from both standing and kneeling, so knees should be covered.
• If possible don't come to class on a full stomach. Aikido has a lot of dynamic rolling, spinning, and takedowns which are best done on a light stomach.
• Don't be shy or intimidated! At Mill Valley Aikido, a new student is one of our greatest joys. We're looking forward to introducing you to traditional Aikido and all the challenges, self-awareness, and fun that comes with it.
• If you'd like to learn more about good dojo etiquette read through our guide to Safety and Harmony in an Aikido Dojo.
• Contact us when you're ready to try a class. Drop-in trials are also welcome!