AIKIDO OF FRANKLIN PARK

AIKIDO

Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) that uses graceful movements derived from Japanese swordsmanship and earlier, combative Japanese martial arts. Aikido emphasizes dynamic, circular movements as well as redirection of the attacker's energy, to carry out throws and locks. Aikido can be practiced by students of any age and any physical ability, since it emphasizes proper form over an opponent's strength.

INSTRUCTOR

The sensei (instructor) for this class is Dr. Yoram Vodovotz, fourth-degree black belt in aikido. Sensei Vodovotz has 25 years of aikido experience.

He is affiliated with Capital Aikikai in Silver Spring, MD.

CLASS SCHEDULE

The class is open to students of all levels, with or without previous martial arts experience. Children younger than 10 should be accompanied by an adult. Students should wear a martial arts uniform if they have one, or sweatpants and sweatshirt. The class is taught Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 at the Blueberry Hill Park Activities Center in Franklin Park, PA. Franklin Park is in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA.

REGISTRATION

Students register for six weeks initially through the Franklin Park Borough Department of Recreation, for a fee of $40. They can then extend the class for a further 6 weeks for $20. Subsequently, students will register on a monthly basis for $30/month.

CONTACTS

To register, please contact Mr. Jim Watenpool of the Borough of Franklin Park Department of Recreation (412-364-4115).

To contact Sensei Vodovotz, please e-mail yoram66@hotmail.com

SEMINARS

We practice joint classes and hold seminars with The Shoriki Dojo Goshin Jutsu Karate and with Allegheny Aikikai. Our next seminar will take place on June 20, 2009 at. Allegheny Aikikai. Takeguchi Sensei (7^th Dan), the chief instructor of Capital Aikikai in Silver Spring, MD, will teach the seminar. He has practiced aikido for more nearly 50 years, and so this seminar is sure to be special. As part of the seminar, we will hold kyu rank testing. The fee is $20 for the day and includes lunch. More information, as well as driving directions, can be found here: http://www.alleghenyaikikai.org/seminarJun2009.html

We look forward to seeing you there!

2008 MARKS THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF AIKIDO OF FRANKLIN PARK!

We celebrated this event with our friends at Allegheny Aikikai and Western Maryland Aikikai in Altoona on May 31, 2008.

Details can be found here: http://www.alleghenyaikikai.org/seminarMay2008.html

Videos from the seminar can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/user/AlleghenyAikikai