The New Year will offer a new way for locals to get fit and stay in shape with an Aikido class that is being offered by the TDRPD.
Aikido is a non-aggressive, non-competitive martial arts discipline that teaches new ways of responding to an attack with a focus on creating harmony and cooperation. For one local, Aikido has been a key to staying fit, healthy, and cross-training for skiing.
‘I was learning to move in a way where my body was forced to stay in balance and centered,’ wrote Luther Dulaney, a member of the Squaw Valley ski patrol. ‘The art was giving my flexibility a purpose. It was adding a dynamic component that I found directly correlated to all my athletic pursuits.’
A six-week introductory course in Aikido will begin on Jan. 6 at the Vets Hall in Truckee, instructed by Sally Jones and Kahlil Johnson. This class will meet each Wednesday through Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. It costs $35 for the full six-week session, and $10 for drop-ins. The class does not require any experience or any special equipment. After Feb. 10, there will be open classes each Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., also at the Rec Center.
The practice of Aikido focuses on developing coordination, self-confidence, awareness, balance, and inner strength. Monthly ongoing classes are also taking place at the Rec Center. A basic class is taught on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Open classes will be offered Thursday, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. and Sunday, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. A monthly fee of $35 allows participants to attend two classes per week, or a $25 monthly fee is good for one class per week. Drop-ins are also welcome at $10 per class.
‘Getting on the mat helps me keep my focus through the season. Staying in mental shape is just as important as staying in top physical shape. Aikido does both,’ Dulaney wrote. ‘The area is fortunate to have a strong Aikido program that will take you as far as you want to go. The class has provided me an excellent way to train off the mountain in order to improve my skills on the mountain.’
