Aikido Intro Class at the Abiding Spirit Center Starts June 9

Aikido is a martial art, but you won’t find any board breaking or rough calisthenics in these training sessions. Instead, students are taught to increase flexibility and core strength and to improve mindfulness and awareness.

The intent of Aikido is that it doesn’t rely on strength or speed to defend oneself. The techniques of this fascinating art are based on awareness and movement to compromise the attacker’s ability to cause damage, and render them incapable of further attack.

Often called “the martial art of peace”, this system of self defense is non-violent, non-confrontational and very, very effective. People of all sizes, ages and physical conditions can become adept, as it’s not based on having muscle or speed.

This introductory course will begin on June 9, with classes held for 4 consecutive Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 pm. The classes will be held at the Abiding Spirit Center, 829 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake. The Abiding Spirit Center is a nonprofit organization with the focus of improving health, empowering individuals in their lives and improving relationships and the community, through a variety of traditional and natural means. In addition to Aikido classes, the Center offers Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services

The classes will be taught by professional aikido instructors Lisa Tomoleoni (6th degree black belt), with over 20 years teaching experience, and Michelle Tate (4th degree black belt), with over 10 years teaching experience. Tomoleoni spent over a decade training in Aikido and teaching Aikido professionally in Japan. She has recognition from the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo as a professional instructor of their lineage.

The cost for this course is $65, and includes the four classes as well as a uniform. Come and give it a try!

For further information see www.abidingspiritcenter.org, call (815) 444-6019, or email abidingspiritcenter@gmail.com.