Focus Classes

From time to time Aikido West offers special classes to give students the opportunity to explore specific aspects of Aikido training. These classes are planned and led by members of the Aikido West teaching staff and other higher ranking senior students.

Current & Upcoming Focus Class Offerings

Fluid Ukemi

Saturday, March 14, 2026: 11:30 AM ~ 1:00 PM
presented by Bruce Wonnacott

  • Principles of distance and connection

  • Feeling and following natural paths of movement

  • How to give up your posture without giving up your balance

  • How to follow and lead at the same time

  • Learning how to “listen with your body”

  • Using core strength to protect yourself and achieve correct form

  • Teaching beginners using only your movement, not your words

  • Open to anyone comfortable with forward and back rolls

Training Exercises from Ikeda Sensei

Saturday, March 28, 2026: 11:30 AM ~ 1:00 PM
presented by Neville Nason

Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan is Founder and Chief Instructor of Boulder Aikikai, and a longtime friend of Doran Sensei and Aikido West Dojo. He describes the current focus of his training as follows: "My teaching emphasizes learning and understanding Aikido with the body, specifically the concept of “chushin” or how to maintain one’s own center while breaking another’s balance."

In this class I will present some of the paired practice exercises he shared with us during his seminar at Aikido of Tamalpais this past January. The class is appropriate for all levels and abilities.

Connecting and “Listening” Through Tai Chi Push Hands

Saturday, April 11, 2026: 11:30 AM ~ 1:00 PM
presented by Brent Carlson

This focus class will practice developing musubi — connecting with and “listening” to — your partner through basic tai chi push hands exercises. This practice can help improve both one’s ukemi to better protect yourself (and your partner) on the mat as well as lay the foundation for kaeshi waza (reversals).