Southland Aikido
Southland Aikido was originally founded in the early 1990s by Jim Graves Sensei to provide quality instruction for Aikido in Los Angeles. It was reestablished in 2015 to provide a vibrant and positive environment to practice Aikido. As a member of the United States Aikido Federation and the Aikikai World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo), Japan, Southland Aikido’s mission is to promote traditional Aikido in the Los Angeles area.
Martial Art Styles
The following Martial Arts Styles are offered at Southland Aikido:
Programs & Class Schedule
In Aikido, there are both physical and mental aspects of training. The physical training in aikido is diverse, covering both general physical fitness and conditioning, as well as specific techniques. Because a substantial portion of any aikido curriculum consists of throws, the first thing most students learn is how to safely fall or roll. The specific techniques for attack include both strikes and grabs; the techniques for defense consist of throws and pins. After basic techniques are learned, students study freestyle defense against multiple opponents, and techniques with weapons. Aikido students undergo periodic tests to provide a measure of their skill development and to foster their progression in Aikido. Testing frequency is determined primarily by a prescribed number of practice hours, as well as recommendation by the Chief Instructor.
Weapons training in aikido traditionally includes the short staff (jo), wooden sword (bokken), and knife (tanto). Both weapon-taking and weapon-retention are taught, to integrate armed and unarmed aspects. The founder developed much of empty handed aikido from traditional sword and spear movements. Consequently, the practice of these movements both gives insight into the origin of techniques and movements, and reinforces the concepts of distance, timing, foot movement, presence and connectedness with one’s training partners.
Iaido practices smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard (saya), striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. While new practitioners of Iaido may start learning with a bokken, they eventually are expected to use a blunt-edged sword (iaito). Upon progression as recommended by the instructor, Iaido practitioners can use a sharp edged sword (shinken).
Have a Question?
Would you like more information on hours, classes and programs available at Southland Aikido? Please contact the school with your questions.
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