See you on the mat.
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Class Hours
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Monday & Wednesday 7pm to 8:30pm
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Saturday 9am to 11am
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500 West Patrick Street
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Frederick, Maryland 21701
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Yes, You can.
Always wanted to study a martial art, but never did? And now that you’re in your 50s, 60s or 70s you think you’re too old? Well, that’s a misconception. Training in a martial art does not mean you’re training to enter an MAA match. That’s generally a young person’s game, anyway.
You can get a lot out of training in aikido besides defensive skills. You’ll see improvements in mobility, flexibility and endurance. You’ll make new friends, have fun and explore the mind/body connection. Learn in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Sure you’re nervous, unsure. So pay us a visit and get answers to your questions. You can also check this website for Frequently Asked Questions.
In good standing…..
SMA is in good standing with MD Department of Assessments and Taxation.
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Class Schedule
Class are being held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 and Saturday mornings from 9 to 11.
Students attending Monday and Wednesday evening classes have been fully vaccinated. We ask all those wishing to join to get vaccinated. This not only offers protection, but shows respect for fellow students and the dojo. Masks are not required if fully vaccinated, but students may wear them if them choose.
Thank You!
To those who supported the dojo during Covid, thank you! You kept us open. To those forced to drop out, come home.
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How We Learn Anything
“…we fight against making mistakes. But mistakes are a natural process; to be alive is to make mistakes. To align with the Tao, try to consider mistakes as nature’s lessons from which you can learn, recover your energies, and forge ahead. According to the Tao Te Ching, setbacks are natural and inevitable. They are gifts that provide opportunities to improve your performance.” — From the book Thinking Body,Dancing Mind.
Our Interview With Martial Arts of the World
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Tagged aikido, aikido in frederick, aikido in maryland, frederick martial arts, ki-aikido, martial arts
Why Study Aikido?
So much media attention these days is given to mixed martial arts. And while the men and women competing are very skilled fighters, the goal of MMA and traditional martial arts can be very different. The aim of traditional martial arts is not to beat another human being into submission. A good program actually can make students less aggressive. It teaches physical and mental discipline, along with respect for others and yourself.
And as you get older, it can take longer to heal. So, youth is a prerequisite for MMA. However, age should not be a deterrent for Aikido and some other arts. In Aikido, you’ll often find a wide age range. Students learn in a cooperative atmosphere where they improve their techniques and the mental aspects that actually make those techniques flow.
I’ve had 50 year old men come into the dojo. Many feel fragile at turning 50, as they reminisce about the days when they did full contact karate. I ask them if they want to do full contact karate now and they immediately say no. But they’re under the mistaken impression that just because they’re not in their 20s or 30s that they can’t learn something new. That’s sad.
Aikido is not based on strength and speed as they know them. And it’s a challenge in the beginning for them to relax as they move. That muscle tension often comes from the mind. It’s counter intuitive for them. Take elite athletes. They’re not tense as they perform. Yet, they appear powerful and fast. But consider their movement is more of relaxation and flow, backed by mental confidence and a good understanding of what can be accomplished when the mind and body are in harmony. That in part is Aikido.
Oh, and it’s fun. Hope you’ll stop by for a visit.
Joe DeCapua, Lead Instructor, South Mountain Aikido.
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Tagged aikido, aikido in frederick, aikido in maryland, frederick martial arts, ki-aikido, martial arts
The “Older” Student.
Some people, as they get older, are wary about learning a martial art. That’s often because of the image martial arts have in this country: One person trying to beat another person to a pulp. When you’re older, that image loses its appeal, especially when it takes longer to heal. Let’s consider what Aikido has to offer the older student.
Moving. Without movement the body rusts. Aikido teaches how to move in a relaxed, flowing manner, while enhancing balance. As students learn to harmonize body and mind, they discover that strength and power come from calmness and relaxation. In the beginning, speed can be a hindrance and physical strength alone inadequate. Remember, when athletes are in the zone, their mind and body are working together for optimal performance.
At first. much time is spent learning how to move in new ways. It’s not hard, but it can be confusing. So it can take a a few weeks or so. A beginner in anything may feel a bit awkward or clumsy. But it’s temporary and everyone on the mat has been there. Best way to deal with it is to practice….and laugh about it.
In Aikido, we don’t compete with others. Instead, we try to improve what we can do little by little. Be better than we were last class. And other students help. By teaching another, you actually teach yourself. Oh, you will m ake new friends.
Today, the West is beginning to learn the benefits of mindfulness. Repetition, without intent or purpose, has limited benefits. Sports psychologists can confirm this. The movements we practice have a specific purpose that will become clear.
The beginner, older or younger, will discover that some beliefs and assumptions have to be discarded because they can be self-limiting. Having an open mind and a good imagination are vital. Self criticism is a waste of time. You can’t learning anything without making mistakes, often a lot of mistakes. Aikido is no different. Remember, it’s said that Thomas Edison tried and failed 10,000 times before he found the right way to make a light bulb. Every mistake teaches us something and the older student is often wise enough and patient enough to understand that.
Now, of course, an older student will not move like a 20 year old. Sigh. But we learn to move better and better with the body we have.
However, one of the best things is to realize the mind’s relationship to the body. This was known to martial arts masters centuries ago and it’s a major component of Ki-Aikido. You’ve heard of chi? In Japanese, it’s Ki. It’s the part about Aikido you can study for the rest of your life.
So, the welcome mat is out. Believe in yourself….and don’t get rusty.
Please check out our Facebook page. Feel free to contact us there or at joedecap@yahoo.com.
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