Aikido of Thermopolis is located about 4 mile south of the town of Thermopolis, WY (population about 3,000), and along the Big Horn River, in the northwestern part of the state. The dojo is located in the barn at 388 Buffalo Creek Rd. The Dojo Cho (instructor) is Reginald Reid, Yon (4th) Dan, who teaches the Aikikai "Iwama" style of Aikido. Although Reggie Sensei has only the use of his left arm,
he enjoys teaching both one- and two-handed Aikido to his students in a fun and lively atmosphere. Class schedule:
Adults: M & Wed., 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Youth: Tu & Th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Weapons: Sat., 10:00 am
Classes usually begin with stretching and warmup exercises and basic body movement drills. Techniques are first demonstrated by the instructor, then practiced by the students with partners. Often the class will end with a vigorous Randori, where a student is attacked by two or more other students, and the defending student must move accordingly. Always, the most important aspect of each class is personal safety and students are encouraged to communicate any physical concerns with their partner before practicing a technique. Again, there is no competition in Aikido, so working with a partner is not a contest of strength. Partners switch roles after 2 to 4 tries at the technique, and as a partner you want to help your partner get better at Aikido. Aikido techniques have their foundation largely in Japanese sword and spear fighting, but also in jujitsu, in all of which the founder was an expert. Techniques are circular and flowing. They include blending with and redirecting an aggressor's energy leading them into an arm or wrist pin or projecting them into a throw. It is commonly said on the mat in the dojo (school) that "the faster one comes in to attack, the faster they will go out" of the circle of merging energies. So, we generally practice at slower speeds in order to learn the techniques in a safe environment. Another saying in the Aikido dojo is "if you are using muscle in your technique, you are not doing Aikido." Upper body strength is not needed to perform an Aikido technique. These "full-body" techniques, when done properly, should be effortless, relying mostly on proper distance, angle, and timing. It is often jokingly said that your best friends in Aikido are "Ken" and "Jo." Aikido classes may include use of a weapon, such as a wooden sword (bokken or ken), staff (jo) or knife (tanto). Weapons practices are meant to help with your empty-hand techniques, especially the footwork, and vice versa. Aikido is a relatively recent Japanese martial art designed for defense against an unprovoked attack from multiple attackers. It was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who passed away in 1969. The founder is often respectfully referred to as "O'Sensei," which means Great Teacher. Aikido is not considered a "striking art." There is no competition in Aikido because it is not a sport. This is as O'Sensei requested. O'Sensei considered Aikido the Martial Art of Peace and hoped its practice would spread around the world in that capacity. As such, the principles of Aikido can be practiced both on and off the mat to resolve conflicts in our daily lives. One of my favorite sayings by O'Sensei is "Always practice the 'Art of Peace' in a vibrant and joyful manner."
