Aikido Martial Arts Class New to YMCA Offerings
Tom Boomershine
Oskaloosa, March 28, 2012 – Whether you are new to martial arts or ready to try a different program, the new Aikido class at the Mahaska County YMCA is a great program to consider. “Aikido classes will start the first week of April. It will be held at the gymnastics facility in University Park. Adults will have class on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings and youth will have classes on Saturday mornings,” said Ryan Harkema, Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Director. A free trial class is available to anyone considering the program.
Aikido is self-defense against kicks, grabs, punches and weapons. This art emphasizes balance, grace, and harmony. Aikido is different from most martial arts in that it uses the energy of the attacker to defend one’s self from harm. All ability levels and members of the community are welcome at the new YMCA program.
Tom Boomershine moved to Oskaloosa last summer to minister at the Central United Methodist Church. “I see the practice of Aikido as an extension of my pastoral ministry. I am excited to have this opportunity to collaborate with the YMCA,” said Tom. Boomershine is a 3rd Kyu, intermediate practitioner of Aikido. He has been practicing Aikido since 2007 and is under the direct supervision of Motier Haskins, the Chief Instructor of Fairfield Aikido. Mo Sensei is a 5th degree black belt. Aikido at the YMCA is a satellite school of Fairfield Aikido.
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in the early 20th century. As the physical practice of philosophical principles developed by O-Sensei, Aikido strives for the ultimate goal of peaceful resolution rather than defeat. Composed of three Japanese characters: Ai, meaning harmony; Ki, spirit or energy; and Do, the path or the way, the word Aikido signifies the “Way of Unifying Life Energy.” In this regard, O-Sensei created a martial art in which the preservation of one’s attacker is equally important as one’s own self defense. As such, Aikido is one of the healthiest and most revered martial arts today. Practice is high contact and high intensity but non-competitive. The goal of the practice of Aikido is stretching each other to learn and improve, rather than focusing on defeating an opponent. For more information go to www.fairfieldaikido.com or www.usaikifed.com.
To learn more about the Mahaska County YMCA’s sports programs, please contact Ryan Harkema at 641.673.8411. More information about the YMCA can be found at www.mahaskaYMCA.org.
