With the fresh air, splashing waterfalls and craggy pines as your classroom, enjoy the gentle and harmonious movements of aikido at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Aikido is a Japanese martial art form based in part on the ancient sword and staff traditions of the samurai in Japanese history. This class is the perfect way to get your body moving gently and is recommended for all ages and physiques. You will get addicted to practicing the wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo) training forms which help you stretch the body better and more beneficially. You will see that you can move parts of the body a bit further than if you stretch unaided by this handy piece of wood!

In our Aikido classes in the Garden, you will learn the aikido way to move forward and backward with both wooden weapons as well as how to pivot and duck at the right moment. These exercises help in maintaining balance, improve mind & body awareness, and encourage correct breathing among other benefits.

You will also have the chance to explore meditation techniques that reduce stress and enhance overall calmness.

A wooden sword and staff will be supplied by Arizona Aikido for participants. Casual outdoor clothing is recommended and footwear that won’t slip off easily.

Registration: https://japanesefriendshipgarden.doubleknot.com/event/aikido-in-the-garden-712023/2986179