Practice sessions are open to all, students and non-students alike. No prior experience in the martial arts is required. You will be taught everything you need to know. The only manditory cost is a small club due (see link on main page). Membership in the organization gives you unrestricted access to the practice sessions offered by the Colorado Shodokan Aikido organization (near the Denver Tech Center). Colorado Shodokan Aikido (CSA) holds practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as Sunday mornings (see link on main page). Wearing a martial arts uniform, or purchasing a uniform, is not manditory. The only true "requirement" is a desire to learn and have fun.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art. Aikido is purely self-defensive, requiring little physical strength. Aikido relies on intelligence, speed and balance to manipulate an attacker's force.
Shodokan Aikido is a particular style of Aikido. Like all styles of Aikido, Shodokan Aikido make use of circular motion; however, the motion tends to be smaller and faster. In addition, Shodokan Aikido also makes use of linear motion. The nature of the Shodokan techniques makes them ideal for street defense as well as a competive environment. CSA does not require its members to participate in any competitive events.
As a member of CSA, you can expect to learn a variety of Aikido self-defense techniques. You will learn various throws, joint-locks, pins and how to avoid an attack. In addition, you will learn how to fall properly so that you do not get hurt and how to escape from a number of holds.
Chief instruction for CSA falls under the direction of Mr. Dave Nettles. Nettles Sensei currently holds the rank of Godan (5th degree black-belt) in Shodokan Aikido. Nettles Sensei has the wonderful ability to effectivley communicate his knowledge of Aikido to his students. Colorado Shodokan Aikido is both pleased and fortunate to have Nettles Sensei as their chief instructor.