Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Looking for a hobby, finding Aikido
The flier described the art as a self-defense system consisting of joint locks, throws, strikes and nerve pressure points. "Wow," I thought. "You must have to be pretty big and pretty tough for this."
But the next section of the flier surprised me. Under a section headlined, "Who is Aikido for?" it described the training as being accessible to anyone, regardless of age and regardless of physicality. I was never picked first for dodgeball. I never made the football team. Or the basketball team. Or the soccer team. I've never been described as "someone you wouldn't want to come face-to-face with in a dark alley." "Maybe I could do this," I thought.
I called the school and spoke with Mr. Wyndham, the owner and Chief Instructor. He described in more detail the curriculum at the Academy and encouraged me to watch a class and ask questions of the instructors.
I don't think I blinked observing that first class. Students worked together in pairs, and I was amazed by how fluidly they moved. The advanced students seemed to glide, and with movements too quick and subtle for my untrained eye to see, they sent their partners flying away from them. Later that same class, I watched an advanced student working with a young man who had just signed up that day. Where the advanced student had been moving so fast before, he was now working slowly and patiently with his new partner.
Since I was home from college on summer break, I was bored when I wasn't at work and needed something to do. I told myself as I signed up that it was just to keep me occupied until I went back to school. I went into my first class a little nervous, but the friendly students and patient instructors welcomed me onto the mats. When I felt the first technique of the system as it was being taught to me for the first time, I had a moment of clarity. I realized this martial art doesn’t just look neat. Even better: It’s effective. I knew at that point it wasn't going to be a summer time-killer. I wanted to learn it all. That was May 9, 2000.
I still train in Nihon Goshin Aikido at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense. I assist Mr. Wyndham and Mr. O'Meara as an associate instructor and take pride in helping them share this effective, traditional martial art with normal, everyday people like myself in a safe environment.
And though I’m in the best shape of my life and “tougher” than I’ve ever been, I’m still not a guy that you’d describe as “someone you wouldn’t want to come face-to-face with in a dark alley.” But now, after almost a decade training in self-defense, I have to ask, what on Earth are you doing hanging out in dark alleys?
-- Clayton Kale, Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Meet the "Fast-Improvings" family
We are improving in Aikido -- and enjoying it tremendously. We signed up our son first -- he needed an activity and had just seen "Kung Fu Panda" -- and quickly saw the wide-ranging benefits that come from training. He respects himself more as well as others; he's proud of his advancing in rank and of the accomplishments of hard work and focus promotion entails; he knows numerous self-defense techniques that have led him to feel resourceful instead of hapless under threat of attack; and his body has grown stronger and more flexible. He says he loves Aikido for the reasons I've mentioned, and adds, "people should take Aikido because it makes you feel happier and safer when you're walking around!" Seeing him realize these and other benefits, and how much fun he was having on the mats, his mom and I decided we'd give it a shot and we're delighted we did. We now enjoy the benefits our son does, plus the added rewards that come from training together as a family.
The principles of friendship and courtesy that constitute the basis of dojo etiquette carry over to our family life. We help each other with our techniques, support each other through the bumps and bruises, praise one another when we do well. Each of us has a framed certificate hanging in the hallway that marks our achievements of rank, and we work together to wash and fold our uniforms for training. Our schedules allow for us to train together Saturday mornings, which we usually follow-up with a big pancake brunch at IHop. We get to spend time together doing something we all enjoy and that makes us feel good, and along the way cultivate the kinds of bonds and connections that come from shared experience. Perhaps most importantly, we rest easier, especially with regard to our son, knowing that if the worst were to happen, each of us would have a better chance of being able to walk away from it. We're not "The Incredibles" to be sure, but the "Fast Improvings" are having lots of fun learning the art of self-defense together.
-- The McFinnis Famiy
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Teaching an old dog new tricks
As a young boy I was fairly small and easily intimidated by others of my age. I was convinced that the "tough" guys I saw on screen derived a great deal of that control I spoke of earlier from their physical stature. I often thought, if only I was that big, I could be that tough. But as my life progressed, I grew much taller but not much bigger. Instead of the martial arts, I was drawn to a physical endeavor which seemed better suited to my thin build — endurance athletics..
For many years, even though I still enjoyed films and television that featured the martial arts, I was just a spectator. My leisure time was instead filled with hours of grueling training in a never ending quest to go farther and faster than I had in the past. Race after race, and mile after mile, the quest continued. But life eventually caught up to me, and slowly but surely I reduced my pace.
As I matured, I began to enjoy the simpler things in life. I had a family to treasure and a job I really enjoyed. Little by the little, my endurance goals disappeared. With the end of that obsession came the complacency, the obvious weight gain and all the other "joys" that go along with maturity. I realized over time that the only thing I really missed about endurance athletics was the feeling of being physically fit.
So I decided to try and approach physical fitness from another angle and answer a life long question - could I be a martial artist? Along with this decision came a flood of doubts. Could I handle this new regimen with my older and much stiffer body? Could I overcome the fears of falling and hard impacts that grow with age? But most of all, I worried about learning something totally new at what some would consider an "advanced" age?
In addition to my initial fears and concerns came the obvious question — what style do I pursue? Like most things in America, there were literally dozens of schools to pick from in my area. For some reason, I was drawn to fluid style of Aikido. Their seemingly effortless movement which subdue their opponents fascinated me. So I visited the local Aikido school and signed up. Finally, it was time to take the plunge!
I would find out through the coming months that I had made the right decision with Aikido and was blessed with a local school which fit my needs perfectly. On the first day, my Sensei made me feel right at home and reassured me that I would be allowed to learn at my own pace. He highlighted the fact that there were no trophies adorning the walls of our school and no competitions to worry about. The people of this dojo trained for many different reasons, but seemingly missing from all their rationales was the apparent testosterone driven rage of some styles.
It has been almost two years now since that first day, and though the beginning was quite rocky, I have never regretted my choices. Although I am not as smooth and fluid as some, I am beginning to see and feel the "art" inside the motion of Aikido. The physical fitness which I missed from my younger days is slowly returning. I have found a genuine camaraderie with my fellow Aikido-kai as I place my safety in their hands and then they place theirs in mine.<
I wish I could explain to you all the intrinsic benefits of this graceful yet powerful style, but like many things in life, Aikido must be experienced to be understood. It is not just about self-defense or physical fitness, and contrary to what some believe, for me it is not mystical or spiritual. It has simply become one of those rare things in life, where you can't remember what your life was like before you started, and you hope you never have to stop. — Chris Lipp
Children's classes: Parents' views from the bench
Children's classes: Parents' views from the bench
Monday, May 11, 2009
Memorial Day Holiday schedule
Tuesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 28
Youth (All ages) 6-7 p.m.
Adults (all ranks) 7-8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27
Adults (all ranks) 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
Adults (all ranks) 9-10 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.
Youth (all ages) 11 a.m.- Noon
No sparring classes
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day holiday!
— Sensei Wyndham
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Spring 2009 training camp
Thank you to the Spartanburg Aikido Academy members who traveled to Columbia and supported the camp with their enthusiastic participation. Thank you also to Ms. Hale and Mr. Hammacher for covering classes thereby making it possible for me to teach in Columbia.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the next training camp.
Sensei Wyndham
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Saturday's Kubotan course
The participants took part with much enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Everyone had a great time while learning invaluable techniques for protecting oneself and one's family. We appreciate everyone's attendance and attention to safety while still having fun.
Be sure to watch for a Kubotan II course which will be scheduled in the near future. Don't worry if you missed Kubotan I -- the courses are designed in such a way it does not matter the order in which you attend.
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Mr. Wyndham demonstrates a choke defense.
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Mr. Wyndham demonstrates a strike using the kubotan on Mr. Honeycutt.
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Students practice the low block using the Kubotan.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Kubotan I Course is this weekend
Registration is still open, but space is limited. The course is open to Aikido Academy members and non-members. Contact Ms. Wyndham at 864.595.9555 or aikidoacademy@charter.net to register.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Spring Training Camp registration deadline
The April 18 Spring Training camp will include mini-seminars in Nihon Goshin Aikido with Sensei Wyndham and Sensei Carter, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with Mr. Jack Walker and Ryu Kyu Kempo with Kyoshi Gary Shull.
If you haven't been to one of the training camps, it's a good opportunity to add to what you know about Aikido and complementary martial arts as well as a great chance to meet other martial artists.
To register, contact Sensei Carter at 803.951.3559 or senseicarter@gmail.com.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The new schedule begins this week
Adult Evening classes
Monday
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday
(advanced adults) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Adult Morning classes
Saturday
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Little Samurai (4- to 7-year-olds)
Tuesday
4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Youth Division (8- to 14-year-olds)
Monday
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sparring (Optional)
Alternating Saturdays
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Spring Training Camp
The camp is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at the dojo at 6 p.m.
The schedule includes courses by
Sensei John Wyndham: Nihon Goshin Aikido
Sensei John Carter: Nihon Goshin Aikido
Mr. Jack Walker: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Kyoshi Gary Shull: Kempo
Specific topics will be announced soon.
If you are interested in attending and if you would like to register early, please contact Sensei John Carter of the Columbia, SC dojo at 803.951.3559 or at senseicarter@gmail.com.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Back to normal schedule
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Kubotan I course rescheduled to April
Thank you to those of you who were able to make the adjustment and will be attending in April. To those of you who will be unable to do so, we apologize and will make the necessary adjustments for you.
This course is open to all Aikido Academy members, their families and the general public. If you are interested in attending, please contact Terri Wyndham at 864.595.9555 or via e-mail at aikidoacademy@charter.net to request a registration form. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New schedule starts Monday, March 16
Adult Evening classes
Monday
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday
(advanced adults) 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Adult Morning classes
Saturday
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Little Samurai (4- to 7-year-olds)
Tuesday
4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Youth Division (8- to 14-year-olds)
Monday
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sparring (Optional)
Alternating Saturdays
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Kubotan I Course in March
Welcome
Welcome from the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense dojo in Spartanburg. We will use this blog to post dojo news such as promotions, specialty courses, training camps, new classes, etc.