Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Aikido training follows a progressive learning approach. Students learn martial arts principles and receive detailed instruction in the art of falling – essential to the practice of Aikido. Concepts of body positioning and creating imbalance in the opponent are also covered. Students transition to studies of techniques, principles and attitudes towards dealing with conflict. Aikido develops self-discipline, determination, confidence, coordination, and spatial awareness. It is an effective self-defense system based on techniques of hold, lock and throw, against one or several attacking opponents. Students who study Aikido learn not to meet an opponent’s strength head-on, or use brute force. The goal is to immobilize the opponent without hurting or harming them.
Affiliation
Virginia Tenshinkai Aikido is an authorized extension of the Tenshinkai Aikido Federation headquartered in Westminster, CA. https://tenshinkai.com
Sensei Mark Hopkins
Mark has over 30 years experience in Aikido –training under worldclass Aikido masters and practitioners. In addition to Aikido, Sensei Hopkins has studied Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu applications and techniques. He remains a dedicated senior student of the Tenshinkai Aikido Federation.
