What is the
Aikido Workout?
The Aikido Workout is an aerobic physical activity divided into 21 sections
and accompanied by music. Each section is devoted to a different type
of a move, where each move allows you to learn the six basic Aikido
techniques. During each workout session we repeat the same routine and,
because of that, you can participate in our sessions at your convenience.
With time, it will allow you to perfect those techniques. Thanks to the
relaxing and not physically straining nature of our activities, everyone,
regardless of size, weight, shape or posture can become a participant.
No prior Aikido or other martial arts training is required to join our
classes. You only need to bring comfortable clothing in order to perform
the physical activities.
What is Aikido
and why do we call it a Peaceful Martial Art?
Aikido is a modern form of Martial Arts created by Morihei Ueshiba
at the beginning of the twentieth century. Its principles concentrate
on techniques of self-defense; however Aikido significantly differs from
other well known forms of martial arts such as jujitsu, judo, karate,
kung-fu, etc. Aikido techniques do not include dangerous moves such as
kicking, hitting or choking. The goal of Aikido is not defeating the
opponent by disabling or harming him physically, but to convince him that
his attack makes no sense. If there is no time for exchange of words,
the goal of stopping the attack can be accomplished in two ways. The first
method is to dodge repeated attacks of the opponent or opponents, to show
them that their attacks make no sense, since they are not able to physically
reach us with their moves. The second method, used only as a last resort,
shows the opponent your potential ability to defeat him by unexpectedly
causing him to safely fall to the ground. Afterwards, while helping
our opponents to their feet, we initiate a peaceful resolution to the
initial conflict. In an event of a negative response, we repeat the
same actions to cause another fall to the ground, until the opponent realizes
that his attacks are becoming useless.
Who was Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido?
 Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) studied numerous arts including Tenjin Shin'yo
Ryu jujutsu under Tokusaburo Tozawa for a brief period in 1901 in Tokyo;
Gotoha Yagyu Shingan Ryu under Masakatsu Nakai from 1903 to 1908 in Sakai
City near Osaka; Judo under Takagi Kiyoichi in 1911 in Tanabe; Daito Ryu
under Takeda Sokaku beginning in 1915 in Hokkaido. Began living in Tokyo
in 1927, and founded the Kobukan Dojo in 1931, where over the next 11
years he gradually separated himself from Takeda Sokaku, and called his
art Aiki Budo, then later called it Aikido. In 1960 Ueshiba, better known
as O-Sensei (The Great Teacher), received the award of Shijuhosho (Medal
of the Purple Ribbon) from His Majesty the Emperor. After he passed away
on April 26, 1969, the Japanese government posthumously declared Morihei
Ueshiba a Sacred National Treasure of Japan.
Why would you want to attend the Aikido Workout?
This type of a physical activity makes sense for many different reasons.
It combines different factors such as fun, ability to stay in physical
shape and to lose a few pounds, as well as a chance to learn self defense
skills which are much different from other martial art skills. You can
compare learning Aikido skills to learning how to ride a bike. It is relatively
easy to learn and once you know how to do it, you will never forget it.
A few words about the instructor and inventor of the Aikido Workout
 Maciej Jesmanowicz is a mathematician and a computer programmer by trade.
For years he practiced many sports including gymnastics and judo, and
following his successful career in both disciplines, he earned his privileges
and titles of a certified trainer. In 1989 he began practicing Aikido
and he realized the need to make this martial art popular on a grander
scale. This is how his idea of creating Aikido Workout was born, along
with his long term vision of introducing Aikido Workout to schools as
part of the physical education curriculum as well as a recreational
activity in fitness clubs.
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