Welcome to Aikido of Rockford,

the home of traditional aikido in the Rockford area, which has roots back to the home of traditional aikido, the Hombu Dojo in Japan.

Aikido is a very open and inviting martial art. Previous martial arts experience is not required to begin practice, and at all levels you'll find aikido practice to be quite social and cooperative. In aikido we practice with each other, not against each other.

Aikido is a martial discipline for training the mind and spirit. Aikido does not stress competition, but emphasizes win-win situations that help to develop a spirit of harmony and cooperation, mutual respect and consideration for others

From a technical standpoint, Aikido is basically defensive and oriented toward rolling, joint locks, flowing movements and control of balance. It is not "rough". In fact, Aikido appears to be quite smooth and graceful to first-time visitors.

Please browse our website to learn more about Traditional Aikido in the Rockford area. If you're in a hurry, here are some highlights:

Zanshen

One way to grow personally, a key goal of Aikido practice, is to have an awareness of those around you, and the many ways you impact their lives. Zanshen is moving, or not moving (being solid and still), but with focus and awareness.

Agatsu: A way to victory over one’s self.

The most important principle to remember, on and off the mat, is a very simple one: Pay attention. Keep an open mind, follow the example of what senior students do, and ask questions at the appropriate time whenever in doubt. 

That said, it is also important, above all, to relax!  Leave your problems and worries and life-stressors at the door.  They will still be there in two hours for you to pick up, as you leave; only then, because of your clear mind and Aikido exercise, you will be able to deal with them better.

REI

Following Japanese custom, we bow to show respect:

• when entering or leaving the dojo

• when stepping on or off the mat

• at the beginning and end of class

• when asking or thanking a partner for practice

• after receiving instruction from the instructor during class

• if arriving late to classe, at the corner of the mat

The bow may be from a standing or seated position (seiza - Japanese style of sitting).

The bow is ONLY a sign of respect, but as a sign of respect, it should always be offered sincerely. Historically, it was a sign of humble trust, exposing the neck (which could be severed by an otherwise untrustworthy Samurai.) This gesture of exposed vulnerability took the initiative to establish a trusting, repsectful relationship between two people.

When bowing to another person, by Japanese tradition, the student of lower seniority bows first, and waits to rise until their senior rises.

Try to arrive for class a few minutes early. Tohei Sensei often said: “Early is on time; on time is late.” However, we are much more than a dojo; we are a club of friends, who learn from one another. It is better to come late than not at all. If you are late, simply bow in and sit at the rear corner of the mat until the instructor indicates that you may join class. Bow again, and enter.

When choosing partners during class, the ideal is to try to seek out as many people as possible. Each technique works differently on people of different sizes, so it is to your benefit to explore each technique with many different partners.

CLASSES

True Aikido is more than a martial art; it is a way of life. Those who stay with Aikido find that the friends they make along the way grow with them, and become lifelong peers on a common journey. The journey begins with rote memorization of foot work, and techniques done from static encounters. Later, as you progress, movement, distance, and timing become crucial. Atemi, or distracting strikes, are then introduced, and the student strives to relax and focus, moving with solid but supple coordination. The student learns to “capture” the thinking of an attacker. Finally, one’s practice softens and “smooths out”, and takes on a magical quality. 

WHAT IF:

YOU ARE HURT?

Tell the instructor at once. If you need to rest or leave the mat, it is appropriate to request permission from the instructor. If you have an injury, please tell your partner each time you pair off. You may find it helpful to wear a piece of red tape over/near an injury, so that your partner is reminded to be careful each time they work with you.

YOU BLEED?

Clean up after yourself right away. Ask senior students for help if you don’t know how to clean blood off the mat. If you wish to continue practicing, be sure to secure and cover your open wound with tape.

YOU WEAR JEWELRY, neckwear, watches, hair pins, or similar objects?

Be sure to remove them before coming onto the mat, so as not to accidentally harm a partner, or yourself, in practicing. For this same reason, keep fingernails and toenails trimmed.

YOU ARE SICK?

Please refrain from practicing until your symptoms have resolved. Because Aikido is practiced closely with others, infectious and contagious illnesses are readily communicated to partners. When you feel better, please come and watch class; much can be gained from observing class at times, and this can be a helpful form of practice in the transition state, when you are not completely well, but very much over your cold. Out of respect for your club mates, avoid actually practicing until your illness has completely resolved.

YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE doing an Aikido technique, or having one performed on you?

Excuse yourself and sit seiza at the back of the mat. You alone are aware of your own sense of comfort at your stage of learning in Aikido, and you should never feel obligated to engage in anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. That said, realize that Aikido is a journey of growth, and an openness to progress over time in the spirit and techniques of Aikido is conducive to growth.

LAST THOUGHTS:

Remember that your partners are just that – your PARTNERS. They are not your opponents, or your personal punching bags. Be sensitive to their needs and abilities.

Always follow the instructions of the class instructor. Do your best to execute techniques as they are demonstrated. Do not make up techniques or experiment, unless directed to do so by the instructor. If you feel awkward, slow down your technique and relax (smooth, controlled, relaxed movement is critical for solid aikido.)

If your partner is making you feel unsafe, or is pushing you beyond your limits, SPEAK UP. If you don’t say anything, they may assume nothing is wrong. No one will take offense if you say: “Could we slow down a bit?”

If someone is being truly abusive, remove yourself from the situation. It is perfectly acceptable to excuse yourself to “rest” at the back of the mat.

You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those around you!

By all means, come and check us out. The practice of Aikido provides a universe of growth possibilities. If we look like a fit for you, please join the adventure...!