Aikido
conditions the whole of your body, working and building your flexibility and
your anaerobic strength.
Physical strength is not a requirement to train, but with progress building at the speed that you can determine, your overall fitness will improve.
Classes generally start with a range of stretches and exercises that work as a preparation for the rest of the class. Anyone who has studied Yoga will be familiar with a number of the stretches we do. Certain exercises we do are preparation for Aikido techniques and body movements (Tai Sabaki).
Training in Aikido also taps into an inner energy (Ki) and control of body and breath as one (Kokyu) which is also a preparation exercise. Once muscles are warmed we begin, mostly with a paired training partner.
Partners are generally switches after each technique we do, giving you the opportunity to train with people of different sizes and of course differing abilities.