Information Sheet for Aikido & Tangsoodo Courses’
1. Who can sign up for the courses’?
Any male or female YMCA member or Non-YMCA member who is at least 15 years of age or older may sign up. Interested students should consider consulting with their Family Physician before engaging in any type of strenuous physical activity.
2. Do I have to be a regular member of the Hagerstown YMCA?
Yes.
3. Will I need to buy any extra gear or clothing to start this program?
No! All that is required is to come in clean comfortable loose fitting clothing that covers the shoulders, knees and elbows. Please, No shorts or Tank type shirts. These types of clothing expose too much skin.
4. What if I have old injuries or aliments, would this be a hindrance to my participation in the course?
All prospective students should carefully consider their individual ability to endure a martial arts program, which involves unfamiliar ways of incorporating the human body for the express purpose of self-defense. As always if you are unsure then you should consult your Family Physician.
5. What is Aikido?
· Aikido is a martial art that involves training the whole body in the execution of fundamental self-defense techniques. The class will consist of basic flexibility and strength exercises. Basic rolling drills and centering exercises.
· Aikido techniques are learned cooperatively in accord with the abilities of each student.
· Aikido is not a system of combat, but rather a means of self-cultivation and self-improvement. Aikido’s primary belief is that all the peoples of the world should unite in a spirit of love and harmony and should seek to develop a deep respect for nature. Therefore Aikido has no tournaments, competitions, or contests.
· Aikido skill comes only from sustained and dedicated training.
6. What is Tangsoodo?
· Tangsoodo is a Korean self-defense system that comprises techniques for kicking, punching, blocking and falling. The class will consist of basic flexibility and strength exercises and kicking drills. The techniques are derived from Japanese/Okinawan Karate.
· Tangsoodo techniques involve traditional linear kicking and punching as well as circular hand, foot, and body movements. Together, the techniques are designed to help the student learn to incorporate all of their body motions into strategies of self-defense.
· Tang Soo Do resembles Tae Kwon Do, although it differs notably in its emphasis on mental and spiritual development and self-competition rather than sportive competition.
· Tangsoodo is not a system of combat, but rather a means of self-cultivation and self-improvement.
· Tangsoodo’s primary belief is that all the peoples of the world should cultivate a deep respect for nature and all things within it. Therefore a student should strive to unite in a spirit of love and harmony with people of the world. Our Tangsoodo has no tournaments, competitions, or contests.
· Tangsoodo techniques are learned cooperatively in accord with the abilities of each student
· Tangsoodo skill comes only from sustained and dedicated training.
For more information about Aikido or Tangsoodo and links to other sites please go to www.aikitang.org
For training gear information: