Visiting

We welcome visitors at any time to any of our classes to watch. The community center is closed for certain holidays (and occasionally for voting on election days); you may wish to call them to check that the center is open at 301-441-2647.

To cover insurance and liability, the community center charges a visitor's fee of $5 per class for non-members.

How do I join the class?

We recommend that you come visit (we always welcome visitors) and watch or participate in a class or two. Once you have decided to join, you will register for the class with the community center which hosts our club. If you are participating in class as a visitor, the center may charge a nominal fee (currently, $5/class) to ensure that you are covered by their insurance policies.

We welcome all adults (and mature teenagers) who wish to practice Aikido. Please see How do I join for more information for prospective students.

What does the bowing mean?

We use the tradition of bowing to each other at the beginning and end of class, and when working with a new practice partner.

This is used as a mark of respect to our classmates much in the same way as salutes and handshakes are used in western culture as a mark of respect. We use the Japanese tradition of bowing to recognize the Japanese roots of our martial art.

What kind of Aikido do you practice?

We study Tomiki style Aikido as taught by Karl Geis, 10th dan, of the Fugakukai International Aikido Association. For more information, please see www.karlgeis.com.

Do you have competition or tournaments?

No, we do not have any form of competition, and there are no tournaments.

Do you teach ki?

Our understanding of Aikido, and the way that we teach it, is very westernized. We approach Aikido from a technical point of view, based on physics and physiology.

We believe the concept of teaching with ki is simply a different method of teaching some very difficult to articulate ideas.

Is Aikido a special religion or philosophy?

We do not approach Aikido as a religion or as a philosophy. We view Aikido as a means of teaching self defence and self confidence.

The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, was a very spiritual individual, and was profoundly influenced by a Japanese religion called Omoto Kyo. Ueshiba believed that Aikido should encompass many of the philosophical and spiritual ideas that he believed in. Some styles of Aikido remain more closely tied to both the Japanese cultural tradition, and the particular philosophies that Ueshiba represented than others do.

We believe that Aikido is compatable with all religious and spirital views, and welcome students from all backgrounds.

Can I get Aikido videos and books?

There are many Aikido videos and books available. However, these books can be very difficult to understand until you have practiced a while. Aikido has also blossomed into several different styles and organizations, and the way the Aikido is taught can vary significantly, as can the vocabulary used to talk about it.

We suggest that you practice for some time before turning to the Aikido literature. Once you are ready, one of the very best books is Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere.

Within our organization, there are a number of videos and books available. You can find out more information at www.karlgeis.com or by contacting:

GW Enterprises
1513 North Washington
Enid, Oklahoma 73701-1637

Voice: 1-580-233-6912
Fax: 1-580-233-6969