Aikido Moncton offers classes and courses for people from all walks of life.

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Margaret Campbell

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We often think of punching through boards and sparring when we think of Martial arts. Aikido Moncton is a martial arts school that has something different to offer in both its philosophy and its practice. Aikido translates to "Art of Harmony" and is taught and practiced in a non-competitive environment. Chuck Bates, Owner and Chief Instructor for Peaceful Warriors Inc., has been an Aikido instructor for over 18 years and a student of the art for more than 25 years himself. He says that the art is about "recognizing individual strengths. We stay away from the Hollywood-isms of martial arts and give people an opportunity to safely explore their strengths without violence."

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Aikido Moncton offers students the chance to learn a unique martial art.

Aikido Moncton is the only school of its kind in the greater Moncton area. They are the first full-time and only Yoshinkan School in the area to have certification recognized by Tokyo, Japan. The art uses traditional Japanese posturing and philosophy. It is based on the Samurai tradition and incorporates the language and history in the teaching. Aikido is still a mandatory study for Tokyo Policewomen and the Tokyo Riot Squad.

The school currently has students from all walks of life, age range and physical ability. Students enjoy a step-by-step, detailed approach that is meant to highlight each person's strengths. Bates emphasizes that while there are standard forms or series of movements within the art, each student's personality and body type will shape how the art looks and feels in practice. "It is an art of compassion, not of destruction", says Bates, "so it resembles a dance in the practice of continuous movement rather than sparring."

Aiki-Dance, as it's called in the school, is a dynamic blend of Aikido fused with dance combines the passion of the "warrior" movements with the blend of "peaceful" harmonized patterns.

The team of instructors is comprised of Bates and three of his students who have completed their certification to teach the art. Bates expects that two more of his students will complete their certification by September. The school offers a full week schedule of unique classes designed for beginners, adults, youth and children. The classes for children ages 4-6, for example, focus on developing coordination and discipline through fun and interactive games. "It's cute to see a four-year-old running around counting in Japanese after only one class. The youth classes are also great ways for parents to help children of other ages channel their aggression in a non-violent atmosphere." Another specialized class, Aiki-boomers, is for the Active 50 Plus and offers a blend of Aikido and gentle yoga that maintains flexibility, overall fitness and health.

New students are always welcome at Aikido Moncton and they are holding free information sessions every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at their new location inside the Main St. Superstore. For more information, including class times, please visit their website at www.aikidomoncton.com or call Chuck Bates at 384-7428.