Students are often stressed from the busyness of the school year. This stress can lead to a variety of downsides. Downsides that will affect a student’s mindset throughout the school year. To find peace of mind and a balanced mindset, students at American River College have the opportunity to learn the philosophy and techniques of Aikido with the Aikido Karate Club which started at the beginning of the semester.
Aikido is a martial art that originated in Japan and is known as the art of peace. Just like any martial art, Aikido teaches pins, submissions and a variety of other techniques, while focusing on personal growth within its students.
The pins and submissions that Aikido teaches are mainly focused on self-defense. Aikido trains students to find peaceful resolutions to any conflict they may encounter. And these pins and submissions are used to find that.
Sensei Christian Devine has been practicing Aikido ever since he was in college. Devine has experienced many benefits throughout his journey with Aikido.
“The benefits of Aikido are learning self-control, learning how to use your breath, learning how to respond in the face of adversity,” Devine said.
Devine says Aikido has helped him with his mindset. And changed the way he thinks over time.
“Aikido over the years has taught me to shift my awareness, shift my consciousness to try to see the very best in others. And try to always look for a peaceful resolution or a peaceful outcome,” Devine added.
Devine and his staff have big plans for Aikido at ARC. They plan for a program that will benefit students at ARC for years to come and help build leadership qualities out of ARC students.
Isaac Ramirez, a nutrition major at ARC and the president of the Aikido club says a club like Aikido is what was needed during his time in high school. And how the benefits and teachings that Aikido offers can really help a student in college in a variety of different ways.
“It’s for free; you don’t have to be an expert to join Aikido, any level is welcome, our Sensei is really nice enough to teach us,” said Ramirez, on why he joined.
Ramirez also says Aikido has helped him with his stress.
“It is calming, it’s a nice hour to just relax, just forget about anything, if you’re stressed out this is the place to go,” Ramirez said.
The Aikido club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 231A in the Kinesiology and Athletic Department.
For more information contact the club via email:
