| Shobu Aikido of Boston |
Welcome. Shobu Aikido of Boston is an Aikido dojo which has operated in Boston for 29 years
under William Gleason Sensei, 6th Dan, who studied extensively in Japan for 10 years and has written
several books and a DVD on Aikido.
Our non-profit dojo offers classes and
seminars for adults, children and
families.
Shobu Aikido of Boston has a number of affiliate dojos and is itself ASU affiliated.
The dojo also hosts teachers from other
disciplines, including Yoga, Axe Arnis and Kyudo.
Aikidoka of any affiliation are welcome to train in our dojo. Please see our class schedule
and events section below.
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| Joining the Dojo |
If you are interested in joining our dojo, please join our
on-line community which offers discounts on
aikido classes, event notifications, aikido videos, forums and testimonials.
Please visit our dojo in Union Square and watch a class
during any class time.
Please email us at info@shobu.org with any questions you may have or to arrange a visit.
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| Benefits of Aikido |
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that can be practiced by anyone. Aikido techniques do not rely on strength
but rather use relaxed, whole body movements to redirect the energy of an opponent's attack to avoid injury to
all involved, if possible. Aikido provides a method for non-destructive conflict resolution.
Aikido can be practiced at many levels. The physical level involves the practice of self-defense techniques
with a partner, involving grabs, strikes and punches with or without weapons. The attacker is
generally pinned or thrown and students become adept at ukemi, the art of rolling, falling and protecting oneself. Aikido
provides the opportunity for a
mindful whole body workout, enabling the practitioner to become more physically fit, flexible and centered.
In this process, students learn to become more spatially aware, to judge proper timing and distance, to receive energy, to
establish and maintain connection to their partner and to take partner's balance or center.
At another level, students practice visualization, extending ki, breath control, meditation and developing a calm and
focused mindset. Aikido explores the mind - body - spirit connection.
In the process of practicing aikido, students often find themselves less stressed and more energetic, able to
manage
life's many conflicts with more calm control. Aikido encourages respect for self and others, self control, cooperation and
responsibility. Aikido is amartial art composed of a variety of techniques and principles and is also a budo, a
challenging martial path that betters the spirit.
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