Classes, Seminars and Private Lessons

Way of Harmony is pleased to offer a variety of Aikido and Elements of Aikido classes. We invite anyone and everyone to attend any and all classes. Men, women, boys, girls, seniors.

We also offer seminars and classes that may be suitable for any school, business, or other interested organization. Half and full-day seminars are also available. Half-day seminars run approximately 2.5 hours. Full-day seminars include 5-6 hours of teaching/practice with an hour and a half lunch break. We also offer a limited number of private one-on-one Aikido classes.

Click Here for Current Class Schedules and Fees

Classes

Introduction to Aikido - The Way of Harmony
Basic and advanced Aikido for people who are interested in learning the principles of blending and harmony for application into their daily lives. This classes includes a slow warm-up, coaching on centering and grounding oneself, and detailed explanations about the principles and practice of Aikido on and off the mat. Special emphasis will be placed transforming conflicts from problems into opportunities

Coming some day...

Basic and Traditional Traditional Aikido
Classes will be suitable for women and men ages 13 through 100. A typical class will include stretching, Aikido theory and practice, ukemi - the art of falling and rolling, and Aikido self-defense techniques. Basic Aerobic Aikido classes (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) will build toward including a 20-25 minute aerobic workout. Wear sweat pants and a sweat shirt, martial arts uniform, or other loose clothing.
We've designed the schedule to accommodate students of all ages, abilities and physical conditions. Anyone will be able to attend any or all of these classes. If you feel tired, sit and rest -- Don't hurt yourself!
Classes for Young People (Ages 7 through 12) -- Click here for more details

Available Seminars

Aikido - The Way of Harmony (for non-martial artists) - half-day seminar.
An introduction to Aikido for people who are interested in learning the principles of blending and harmony for application into their daily lives. This class includes a slow warm-up, coaching on centering and grounding oneself, and detailed explanations about the principles and practice of Aikido on and off the mat. Special emphasis will be placed transforming conflicts from problems into opportunities. Each workshop will be adapted to fit the needs of the participants.
Introduction to Aikido -- half day seminar
This class is for everyone's friend, husband or wife. It's a basic class, including warm-ups, beginning rolls, Aikido philosophy and one or two "techniques." Emphasis on getting people intrigued by Aikido. For advanced students, this would be a chance to practice basics.
Martial Arts for short people -- half day seminar
The focus here is on using less power to achieve throws/results. Martial Arts for short people is a bit of a misnomer, since it's usable by everyone. Exercises include: dropping the center of gravity ("keeping weight under"), using height and weight differences to advantage, and practice with "no strength."
Ukemi Intensive -- half or full day seminar
The Ukemi intensive begins with basics and goes straight-through breakrolls (breakfalls). Special emphasis is placed on protecting oneself (saving your ass). Also on assessing an attacker's intention and blending with throws.
Blending -- half day seminar
Simply put, this is a class about avoiding getting hit. Not about throwing - but about seeing the attacker's point of view and blending with that. Additional emphasis on Irimi and "Run-a-waza".
Take It Slow -- The Aikido of Time and Results Management - Full day
Are you anxious? Take it Slow is a seminar about choosing the pace of your life.
We live in an age where everything appears to be speeding up. At the beginning of the 20th century, the fastest form of transportation was the horse. Within 100 years, speeds of 55 miles per hour are considered dawdling. We plan our lives in minute-to-minute increments. Microwaves are programmed to cook in seconds. The wait to download information, that five years ago would have required a trip to the library, seems interminable. And coffee is not an option, it's a way of life. Take it Slow is about slowing down your days, living in the moment, and still getting quite a lot done.
Have you ever watched a child in the swimming pool? They have a lot of fun and get plenty of exercise. When you go swimming do you just swim laps?
Taking it Slow gives the option of stepping off the treadmill and stand still for a moment, looking at the trees, feeling the breeze.

Private Lessons

Private classes are available for dojo members by appointment only.

Seminar & Class Booking and Costs

Contact: Mark Binder: 401-272-8707, email: mark@markbinder.com
Half Day Seminars cost $750, plus travel expenses.
Full Day Seminars cost $1,000, plus travel expenses. Full Day Seminars are composed of two to three half-day seminars in sequence, for example: Introduction to Aikido in the morning followed by Ukemi Intensive or a full-day of Ukemi Intensive.
Booking requirements: 20 x 20 foot area, plus mats. Organizations are expected to have their own insurance. Non-physical seminars don't require mats.

Seminar Publicity Suggestions

Plan far in advance.
Notify local media, including newspapers, radio, television and alternative newspapers
Request posters/background material
Different seminars appeal to different audiences/groups. Introduction to Aikido is obviously targeted at beginners. It is a good way to bring new students into a dojo.

last updated 9/1/02