Free Japanese Yoga & Martial Arts Classes!

On Thursday, November 3 the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts will offer an introductory class in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation, along with an introduction to Saigo Ryu martial arts. This event is FREE. The classes will take place at 1053 San Pablo Ave. in Albany, California, right across the bay from San Francisco.

The martial arts class is not required, and it will follow the Japanese yoga program, which starts at 7:00 PM. Since the Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu training will refer to principles of mind and body unification covered in the Japanese yoga class, everyone will want to participate in this first part of the evening. You can read more about both subjects at www.senninfoundation.com.

Wear loose clothing and bring a notebook. Preregistration is needed and easily accomplished. Just leave a voice mail at 510-526-7518. Give us your name and phone number, then indicate that you would like to participate in one or both classes. Let us know if anyone else is coming with you, and we'll see you on Thursday. Please arrive a few minutes early for general registration.

The classes will be taught by Troy Swenson Sensei, who has been studying and teaching at the Sennin Foundation Center for several years. He has teaching certification in Japanese yoga, and he received a black belt from the Shudokan Martial Arts Association Jujutsu Division. He is also the assistant editor of the SMAA Journal.

Don't miss your chance to learn how Japanese yoga and/or martial arts can help you realize better health, deeper calmness, and enhanced concentration in everyday life.

Japanese Yoga & Martial Arts for Kids

Since 1981, we've been offering a fun and well-structured program in Japanese yoga and martial arts for children age five and above. These affordable classes are taught by experienced instructors and are non-competitive. Class sizes are small, and instruction is personalized.

Learn an Effective & Traditional Martial Art

The Sennin Foundation Center presents training in Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu, a traditional martial art. While many Westerners use "jujutsu, jujitsu, or jiu-jitsu" to describe their art of self-defense, most of these methods bear little resemblance to the original Japanese jujutsu, Japan's oldest martial art. Both aikido and judo stem from jujutsu, and our dojo is one of few in the USA to offer authentic Japanese jujutsu.
Our class features a wide variety of powerful throwing, pinning, and grappling techniques stemming from older methods (kobudo) originating in the Aizu-Wakamatsu area of Japan. Saigo Ryu also features advanced training in the sword, spear, staff, short stick, iron fan, and other weapons. It is unique and distinct from many more well-known martial disciplines (like karate-do, kendo, and iaido). While training is dynamic, and the practiced self-defense techniques effective, the emphasis is on subduing an opponent without unnecessary injury. Children improve their health while learning martial arts as meditation, which helps them to remain calm under pressure. Some students have likened training in our dojo to "moving Zen."

Combining Self-Defense with Japanese Yoga & Meditation

Instruction in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation is included at no extra charge. Japanese yoga training makes it easier to master the martial arts, and it helps children to realize their full potential in other activities as well. Studying Japanese yoga and aiki-jujutsu gives young people a great opportunity to develop self-discipline, self-confidence, willpower, respect for others, as well as a stronger mind and body. Children learn meditation, stretching, breathing exercises, mind and body coordination drills, along with valuable self-defense techniques. Training in Japanese martial arts is vigorous, but due to the disciplined nature of our classes, we have few injuries. Parents report that their children show increased calmness at home, confidence in social situations, and better grades in school.

An Exceptional Teacher & Teaching Staff

As someone who began studying Japanese yoga and martial arts as a child, H. E. Davey Sensei, one of the highest ranking traditional jujutsu teachers outside of Japan, was ideally suited for creating a program for children. Under his guidance, and with the help of his staff of expert teachers, young people from Albany, Berkeley, and the Bay Area have discovered their true potential and hidden talents for many years.
Parents can learn more about our program for children by visiting Martial Arts & Kids. Give us a call, and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help your son or daughter to become healthier, safer, and more confident.

Testimonials from Top Martial Arts Experts

• Stephen M. Fabian, PhD
• Kawabata Terutaka
• Wayne Muromoto
• Sato Shizuya
• Nicklaus Suino
• Walter Todd

Recommended Websites

• Martial Arts & Kids
• Sennin Foundation Blog
• Shudokan Martial Arts Association Blog

Visit www.senninfoundation.com for more information.

Mu

A number of Ways (Do), owing to the fact that a Do is a particular expression of the Way of the universe itself, have used the term mu to point to the sum and substance of the universe. And since it is the mind after all that perceives the absolute universe, various mental states in the Ways have appellations that utilize the character for mu as well. Originating in Buddhism, but having parallels in other religions, mu means, “the void,” or “nothingness.”--H. E. Davey, The Japanese Way of the Artist

"Do not think of work—any work—as a duty. If it is a duty it will become a burden. How do you turn a burden into a pleasure? Live respectfully, correctly, positively, and boldly."--Nakamura Tempu Sensei