We are excited to partner with our local Aikido Canada Dojo to provide Yoga and Aikido options for clients.
These low impact classes help to create a beneficial mind-body connection.
They stimulate blood flow and oxygen delivery while increasing flexibility, strength, physical skills and self-confidence.
Adding a mindfulness exercise may be just what you need if you currently or have been a client of Family Services Windsor-Essex or Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
Clients are welcome to practice within their own comfort level. Classes are open to FSWE & SACC clients at all fitness levels. (However, everyone should consult their health care provider before starting any new physical health activity).
Relaxed Yoga and Aikido classes deliver:
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active meditation practice,
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body awareness training,
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safe group activities, and
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exercise health benefits for overall well-being.
Adult, Youth and Children’s Aikido Classes
AIKIDO: THE WAY OF HARMONY – Aikido focuses on achieving a peaceful resolution through movement and not desiring to hurt another human being. In Aikido, the greatest opponent you will ever face is yourself. Our art uses smooth, graceful movements that can be learned by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Aikido works with the individual at their own level of progress, but also offers challenging exercises to get them into great shape. Through a series of stretches and physical exercises, everyone will leave class in better cardiovascular shape than when they came in. The techniques taught in Aikido are derived principally from the samurai fighting art of Aikijutsu. This mainly involved using the momentum of your assailant against them, and subduing them through joint locks, pins, and throws.
Youth Classes – Kids learn how to control themselves and deal with bullies the right way in Youth Aikido. We help our youth students gain confidence and discipline through practicing basic Aikido principals. Our instructors hold youth accountable for their actions and help them learn anti-bullying strategies that lead to a peaceful resolution. All this leads to better focus at home and in school, self-esteem to overcome obstacles, and learning how to behave properly.
Little Samurai Classes – Between the tender ages of 4-6, your child will learn things that may stick with them for life. Through the Little Samurai program, we teach children some of the basic life skills that will be invaluable to them over the years – simple things like falling without getting hurt, stretching so they don’t pull muscles, and how to stay safe in bad situations. Aikido is taught at a very primary level in these classes so that your child can learn while having fun.
Information on regular Adult, Youth and Children’s Aikido classes can be found on the Aikido Canada website.
Yoga Classes
Beginners will explore gentle modifications of the most popular yoga postures, supported by hands-on adjustments while more advanced students will explore more complex variations.
This class offers a flowing sequence of yoga postures partnered with breath awareness, meditation, hands-on adjustment and relaxation. This class includes standing and seated postures as well as safe inversions and suggested challenges for more experienced students. Through the integration of classical yogic breathing practices and mindful movement, our yoga classes invite practitioners into a place of deeper relaxation.
Practical strategies and meditation techniques are explored each time we meet, encouraging practitioners to adopt these strategies in their everyday lives. By creating a safe space for personal reflection, the classes help individuals navigate and diminish stress, anxiety and emotional instability.
Schedule: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm Saturdays 10:30-11:30am
Relaxed Aikido and Basic Movements Classes, Adult and Children’s Aikido Classes
The Relaxed Aikido class provides an opportunity to learn, develop and practice actual aikido techniques with a partner. Aikido is the art of redirecting negative energy into a positive outcome for all. Partner work employs equal emphasis on practicing performing and receiving the technique. The goal of Aikido is that through continued practice of movements and techniques, one will gain confidence when reacting to conflict in real life. Gain confidence, improve mindfulness, get into shape, and learn a practical art of self defense. The Aikido Basic Movements class is designed for beginners and for persons who may have poorer physical fitness or some physical limitations – as well as for more advanced students to improve their basics. There is an emphasis on warm-up exercises and on basic movements that form the basis for Aikido techniques (similar to Tai Chi). There is also an opportunity to discuss the principles of Aikido, and how these principles can be applied for self-defense as well as in daily life.
Schedule: 2 classes on Wednesdays: Basic Movements 1:00-2:00pm and Relaxed Aikido 2:00-3:00pm
All classes are available weekly at various times.
To learn more about eligibility or how to register,
please talk with our Reception Staff, or
our Customer Care Department at 1-888-933-1831.