Aikido Of Berkeley

read moreAikido of Berkeley offers a full-time, live-in Uchi Deshi Program. Our Uchi Deshi program is modeled on the traditional Japanese system for full time, immersive training of committed students of Aikido. Becoming an Uchi Deshi means you are committed to full time apprenticeship of training and serving under the Sensei or head teacher of an Aikido school or dojo. Waking early to train while doing chores in between classes sharpens discipline, awareness as well as fostering a strong bond of community.

read moreLast weekend we, at the Berlin School of Aikido (Aikidoschule Berlin - Zentrum fr Kommunikation und Bewegung), had the pleasure and honor to host Kayla Feder Sensei for her first Aikido spring seminar in Berlin. Kayla Sensei created a beautiful and intimate atmosphere and we enjoyed lots of quality time together on and off the mats. Sensei evoked the elements of fire, water, earth and air paying special attention to the element of water descending and cleansing our bodies (misogi) in order to be able to unite the energy of both partners into a common flow.

read moreKids, please join us as we make friends around the world! Whether you are new to Aikido and martial arts or if you're super advanced, all are welcome. At the beginning of our event, everyone will have a chance to introduce themselves and say what country they're from. Then we'll have our first 30-minute Aikido class. Next, there will be a 10-minute Show & Tell and water break. After that, we'll have another 30-minute class, followed once again by a Show & Tell, Q&A Session, and farewells. Please join us for this interesting and thought-provoking conversation.

read moreVisitors and new students are encouraged to join or observe classes. Whether you are joining us in person at Thousand Oaks Elementary School or virtually over Zoom, we are happy to have your energy! Monday & Wednessday at 6PM at Thousand Oaks we offer two beginners focused classes exploring basic techniques, ukemi and body movement. Beginning students are welcome to attend any of our classes; Monday and Wednesday evening are highly recommended. Aikido is a deep martial art that involves much more than self-defense; it includes stretching, breathing, philosophy, meditation, awareness, connection, balance, and moving from center.

read moreSensei will focus on one technique for four weeks at a time. In January we will explore koshi nage, including a yoga pose that mirrors the technique. She will share her 48 years of inspired practice. For the past three years Sensei has been working on Yutaka Mito Sensei's maxim: Feel, Become One, Make a Path, Don't Throw. Even if you think you won't use koshi nage back at your dojo, the solo practice of the hip movement in koshi nage will benefit all of your techniques. Sensei is sure to get you moving, she will include jiu waza and practice fluent movement in each class.

read moreO'Sensei said, The purpose of Aikido is to build a heaven on earth, by bringing people together in friendship and harmony. I teach this art to help my students learn how to serve their fellow beings. Please read some of our members' reflections. Understand our narratives and how we practice Aiki in daily life to overcome systems of racism and oppression. We have grabbed each other's arms and touched each other's skins knowing that when we fall and rise again we breathe the same air and exhale our common humanity.

read moreAikido of Berkeley is working hard to keep our dojo alive and well during these challenging times. Community support and donations are what make it possible! The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention. At Aikido of Berkeley no one is turned away due to lack of ability to pay for classes. The support offered by the Scholarship Fund helps to supplement membership dues and keep our community open to everyone.