From AikiWiki - AikiWeb Aikido Information

[edit] Sample Teaching Curricula for Aikido Classes

This page includes formal descriptions of aikido classes and series of aikido classes.

[edit] San Francisco State University

Instructor: Neil Mick

SYLLABUS: ELEMENTARY AIKIDO (KIN 106) Spring 2005

GOALS: This class introduces students to the basic movements and philosophy of Aikido, a Japanese martial art of harmony. The instructor will actively demonstrate each movement, and you will be expected to copy this movement. The instructor shall periodically evaluate your progress and offer individualized and group analysis and suggestions.

OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this class students will:

• Demonstrate basic Aikido Techniques from the Japanese name
• Demonstrate simple forward and back rolls
• Gain increased fitness and mind/body coordination
• Understand and demonstrate Dojo (or training-school) etiquette
• Understand the concept of a non-combative mind

You shall also be expected to follow Dojo (or ýtraining-schoolý) etiquette, which shall be taught as a component of the class.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION:

1. Skill Demonstration: (80%)
   1. 4 techniques (pass/fail for each move: 20% each technique. Each shall be thoroughly covered, in class)
   2. Students will pair up with each other and show the given move when the Japanese term is called out (on the 3rd week, a glossary of basic terms shall be distributed with the required moves clearly listed).
2. Objective Examination: (20%) Written exam the week before class ends
3. Students shall also be expected to demonstrate forward and backward rolling, as well as the basic Aikido movements.

GRADES: By point accumulation, students can earn a letter-grade according to the following scale A= 90-100% of total points B= 80-89% of total points C= 70-79% of total points D= 60-69% of total points F= 59% and below of total points Due to the nature of the subject matter, it is highly recommended that you consider taking this course as a credit/noncredit, instead of a letter-grade. Should you choose this option, you must sign up on the Instructorýs CR/NCR Sign-up sheet before the announced deadline.

PARTICIPATION: There are no unexcused absences. You may miss up to 4 classes without penalty; after which your grade drops 10 points for each absence. Students who miss 6 classes automatically fail. If you are unwell or injured, you are welcome to watch class, but you will not be marked present for the class, as the criteria is participatory.

CLOTHING/ATTIRE: You are required to wear a Japanese gi for class. Giýs are available at the Gym locker rooms (a 1x charge of $15 gets you a rental gi for the semester, and the use of a locker). Avoid wearing dangly earrings, necklaces, or rings that may get caught and tangled. It is also strongly advised to tie or braid long hair. Please, no hats.

CLASS TOPICS, by WEEK

• 2/1 Introduction. Warm-ups. Etiquette.
• 2/3 Basic Principles. History of O Sensei.
• 2/8-2/10 Falling: back rolls
• 2/15-2/17 Falling: back rolls/forward rolls.
• 2/22-2/24 Falling: side falls/intro to high-falls
• 3/1-3/3 Attacks and Terminology
• 3/8-3/10 Entering and Turning
• 3/15-3/17 Balance and "center point"
• 3/22-3/24 SPRING BREAK; NO CLASS
• 3/29 Zanshin: Martial Awareness
• 3/31 CESAR CHAVEZ DAY: NO CLASS
• 4/5 Zanshin; Ma-ai
• 4/7 "Ma-ai," or distance
• 4/12-4/14 Ego. "Fighting mind" versus "accepting mind"
• 4/19-4/21 "Extension"
• 4/26-4/28 Breath, and Breath Technique (kokyo ho)
• 5/3-5/5 "Musubi," or "connectedness"
• 5/10 Knee-walking ("suwariwaza")
• 5/12 Pins and Immobilizations
• 5/17 Possible Guest Instructor
• 5/19 Final Evaluation

OPENING/CLOSING CEREMONY & LATENESS: At the beginning of class, we will begin with a simple bowing ceremony and roll call. We end class with a closing ceremony. Please make all attempts to arrive before the opening bow. If you arrive late you shall receive only half credit for attendance in that day's class.

WITHDRAWALS AND INJURIES: Withdrawals are only given for serious, compelling reasons. If you wish to apply for a late withdrawal, you must submit documentation of the reasons for withdrawing (i.e., doctor's note, etc).