Our children’s classes are for ages 6 and up. Kids 13 and older may start aikido in the adult class, depending on their maturity level. Emphasis is on good discipline and healthy attitude while enjoying a fun and rigorous practice. Drop by any of our children’s classes to watch or participate. Find out more
Aikido for adults
Our adult classes focus on proper technique and mental focus as well as overall fitness and flexibility. Calgary Aikikai welcomes persons of any age, gender or ability. New students may come and watch any class, and may also participate in up to four classes free of charge to see how they like it.
Calgary Aikikai
Since 1980, Calgary Aikikai has trained hundreds of students in this martial art that is both a practical self-defence and form of creative movement. We believe that the best way to learn is through enjoyable and spirited practice, with an emphasis on traditional techniques.
Newcomers to Japanese martial arts might find all the bowing that we do a little bit strange. In the West, we don’t do much bowing and when we do, it’s either for a ceremony, such as the end of a concert performance, or it’s part of a religious ritual. But in Japan, there is bowing all the time. The girl selling you donuts in Hashimoto will neatly package them up an a perfect box and, while holding it in both hands, give you a bow. It’s actually really nice! But it doesn’t mean anything more than, “thank you and please come again”.
At CAAC, we thought we should clarify our approach to bowing – what it means and why we do it. Take a look:
A big congratulations to Tadhg and Riley on getting their 4th Kyu. Your hard work and dedication in moving from the kids class to youths in the adults class has really paid off. Keep at it with the hard work. And another congratulations to Todd Simms for passing his Nidan exam. A well deserved promotion Todd. Great work!
Plenty of aikido seminars coming this month and next! This weekend (August 10 -11) an amazing opportunity to learn from seventh-dan Pat Hendricks Shihan in Edmonton at Aikido Tenshinkai. Local dojo BigRock Aikikai will be hosting an intensive with Bruce Bookman Sensei from Tenzan Aikido of Seattle on the August 23rd to 25th. And finally, on September 27th to 29th Jim Alvarez of Aikido of Livermore Shinrei Dojo in Livermore California will be visiting our friends up in St. Albert at Abundant Peace. Please view each dojo’s web page for additional information.
Don’t forget our own aikido seminar with Ryuji Shirakawa Shihan on September 21st to 2nd.
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