The Columbia Aikido and Judo Club was founded in 1970, making it one of the oldest martial arts clubs in the country. The club is located at Columbia University in New York City and has been a hub for martial arts enthusiasts for over 50 years.
The club was founded by Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada, a 8th Dan Aikido master, and his students. Sensei Yamada had the vision of creating a community of martial arts enthusiasts who could learn and practice Aikido in a safe and friendly environment.
The Philosophy of Aikido
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them. The philosophy of Aikido is based on the idea of non-violence and harmony. The goal of Aikido is not to defeat an opponent but to neutralize their attack and protect oneself.
Aikido techniques involve throws, joint locks, and pins. The emphasis is on fluid movements and efficient use of energy. Aikido promotes physical fitness, flexibility, and mental discipline.
Key Takeaway: The Columbia Aikido and Judo Club, which was founded in 1970, is one of the oldest martial arts clubs in the United States. The club offers classes in Aikido and Judo for students of all levels and is run by experienced instructors, including 8th Dan Aikido master Sensei Seiichi Sugano. The philosophy of Aikido and Judo emphasizes non-violence, harmony, maximum efficiency with minimum effort, and physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense skills. The benefits of practicing Aikido and Judo include improved physical fitness, increased flexibility, enhanced coordination and balance, stress relief, and self-defense skills. However, the Columbia Aikido and Judo Club is more than just a place to practice martial arts—it is a diverse and welcoming community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for Aikido and Judo and often come together for events, seminars, and workshops.
The Benefits of Practicing Aikido
Improved physical fitness
Increased flexibility
Enhanced coordination
Stress relief
Self-defense skills
The Practice of Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on grappling and throwing techniques. The philosophy of Judo is based on the idea of maximum efficiency with minimum effort.
Judo techniques involve throws, joint locks, and pins. The emphasis is on timing, balance, and leverage. Judo promotes physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense skills.
One key takeaway from this text is the philosophy of Aikido and Judo, which both focus on using techniques that require minimal effort and emphasize timing, balance, and leverage. They are also both martial arts that promote physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defense skills. The Columbia Aikido and Judo Club has been a hub for martial arts enthusiasts for over 50 years and continues to offer classes for students of all levels. The club is not just a place to practice martial arts, but also a diverse and welcoming community that hosts events, seminars, and workshops throughout the year.
The Benefits of Practicing Judo
Increased strength and flexibility
Enhanced coordination and balance
The Columbia Aikido and Judo Club Today
The Columbia Aikido and Judo Club continues to thrive today, with a dedicated community of martial arts enthusiasts. The club offers classes in Aikido and Judo for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced students.
The club is run by Sensei Seiichi Sugano, a 8th Dan Aikido master, and his team of experienced instructors. The club is open to students from Columbia University and the surrounding community.
The Community at the Columbia Aikido and Judo Club
The Columbia Aikido and Judo Club is more than just a place to practice martial arts. It is a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for Aikido and Judo.
The club hosts events, seminars, and workshops throughout the year, bringing together students from all over the world. The community at the Columbia Aikido and Judo Club is diverse and welcoming, with members from all walks of life.
FAQs for Columbia Aikido and Judo Club
What is Columbia Aikido and Judo Club?
Columbia Aikido and Judo Club is a student-run organization at Columbia University that offers training in Aikido and Judo. The club aims to provide members with a safe and supportive environment to learn and practice these martial arts.
Who can join Columbia Aikido and Judo Club?
Any Columbia student, faculty, or staff member can join the club by paying the membership fee and attending the training sessions. No previous experience in Aikido or Judo is required to join the club.
What are the benefits of joining Columbia Aikido and Judo Club?
Joining Columbia Aikido and Judo Club can provide various benefits such as physical fitness, self-defense skills, stress relief, and personal growth. The club also offers a community of like-minded individuals who share the passion for these martial arts and opportunity to participate in tournaments and seminars.
What equipment do I need for training?
For Aikido, you will need a white traditional uniform (gi) and a pair of white tabi shoes. For Judo, you will need a white judogi and a pair of white judo shoes (zori). You can purchase these items online or at a martial arts equipment store. The club also has some loaner equipment available for use during training.
When and where are the training sessions held?
The training sessions are held at the Carman Hall 2nd floor lounge in Columbia University on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training is currently being held online via Zoom.
Who are the instructors for Columbia Aikido and Judo Club?
The instructors for the club are experienced practitioners and black belts in their respective martial arts. They are dedicated to providing quality training and guidance to members of the club.
Is there a testing or ranking system for Aikido and Judo in the club?
Yes, the club follows the testing and ranking system established by the United States Aikido Federation and the International Judo Federation. The instructors will assess the progress of the members and recommend them for testing and promotion.
How much does it cost to join Columbia Aikido and Judo Club?
The membership fee for a semester is $60, and for a year, it is $100. This fee covers the cost of equipment, training, and other expenses associated with running the club. Scholarships are also available for members who need financial assistance.
Meet our lead author and resident Aikido enthusiast, Sam 'Sensei' Thompson. A life-long practitioner of this dynamic martial art, Sam started his Aikido journey when he was just seven years old - tripping over his own feet, and gradually turning those tumbles into graceful falls. His journey from clumsy beginner to seasoned sensei is filled with tales of perseverance, resilience, and a generous helping of self-deprecating humor.
Sam's love for Aikido extends far beyond the mat. He has a degree in Eastern Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, and has studied under renowned Aikido masters in Japan. His deep understanding of the art, coupled with his knack for storytelling, makes him the perfect guide to shepherd you through the winding paths of Aikido. Sam's philosophy is simple: Aikido is not just about throws and falls; it's about understanding ourselves, developing our character, and occasionally laughing at our own expense when we find ourselves flat on our back.
