Heaven & Earth 
Student's Site
Coming this winter

Aikido Taiwan

Learning with Heaven & Earth

A word about training with Heaven & Earth

The Heaven & Earth - Aikido Dojo lineage is Aikikai style aikido which is the style of Aikido that was taught by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (O'Sensei). Emphasis is placed on flowing circular movements which are designed to subdue and control an aggressor without harming them. In this style of Aikido the aggressor's own force is used against them. Safety while training is a primary concern which makes the Aikikai style of Aikido suitable for people of all ages.

Michael Ricca performing Aikido on Steve Chen

Since strength is not emphasized or necessary in performing Aikido techniques it makes it a perfect Martial arts to be practiced and enjoyed by the whole family. By understanding and performing a techniques properly even a small framed person will be able to throw a much larger and stronger individual. In many cases we find that women often advance faster in Aikido than their male counterparts because they will pay closer attention to the technique rather than trying to rely on strength as many men tend to do.

Marina Lee and Noel Love

Class Schedule
Each standard training session is 1.5 - 2 hours. To get the most from the training time we ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes earlier than the scheduled class time so that you may change into your uniform and begin warming up. The basic class format will begin with some light warm ups and weapons practice. Then we will move into the techniques. The techniques will be arranged so that easier (warm up) techniques are at the beginning of the class and the pace and difficulty gets more serious as the session progresses. We will end each class with some ukemi practice and/or randori exercises.

Ryan Bertram performing Aikido on Noel Love

Beginning and Ending a Class
To begin a class all students should line up in Seiza with the Kamiza (O'sensei's Photo) to their front and facing the instructor. 

All students should line up according to their rank, with the highest to the right and the lowest at the back left.. 

We will first bow to the Kamiza and then bow to the instructor. 

We will end the class in the same manner except there will be additional bows, after bowing to the instructor we will then bow to each other as a sign of thanks and respect for having allowed us to use each others body in order to learn Aikido.

Aiki Kids bowing in for class

During Class
While the instructor is demonstrating trainees should be kneeling in Sieza or sitting cross legged on the mats. Talking should be minimum and directed towards the training or Aikido during class time. No shoes, eating or drinking on the mats. You may place a bottle of water on the seats near the shoe rack and step off briefly for a sip during training. Aikido training requires a co-operation between two people. When practicing techniques we are assisting each other to learn, not trying to test or compete with each other. A friendly, non-competitive atmosphere is essential to proper practice. Do not forget to thank your partner for allowing you to use their body during training. Be responsible and sensitive to it. 

Promotions
One of the most commonly asked questions is how does promotion in rank occur. Promotions are based on 3 aspects. #1. Accumulated amount of training sessions. #2. Skill and execution of Aikido techniques and #3. Your attitude towards your training and fellow trainees. The minimum amount of required training sessions goes as follows. . . 

7th Kyu White belt 
Given upon entering and starting your training

6th Kyu Yellow belt 
Minimum 40 training sessions required to test for Yellow Belt

5th Kyu Orange belt 
Minimum 80 training sessions required to test for Orange Belt

4th Kyu Green Belt 
Minimum 120 training sessions required to test for Green Belt

3rd Kyu Purple Belt 
Minimum 180 training sessions required to test for Purple Belt

2nd Kyu Blue Belt 
Minimum 240 training sessions required to test for Blue Belt 

1st Kyu Brown Belt 
Minimum 320 training sessions required to test for Brown Belt

1st Dan Black Belt 
Minimum 450 training sessions required to test for Shodan

Ryan Bertram promoted to Shodan

Class Fees
The fee is based on which class you are attending. Please make payment at the beginning of each month and if for any reason you are unable to pay for the classes please let me know so that we may work something out.

HEAVEN & EARTH AIKIDO

E-MAIL: aikido@heaven-earth.com

#401 Chang Chien Rd.
Hsih Dze, Taipei County
Phone: 886 - 2 - 2645 - 2390
Mobile: 0932301752
SKYPE: heaven-earth