Technique is the Focus of Aikido Classes

Charles Woodby is a late-bloomer when it comes to the martial arts known as aikido. He was already 50 years old when he went to his first class in the South Campus if the San Jacinto College in 1995. He first thought that aikido would be too physical for him but he left in love with the martial art right away. In 1999, he returned to be the head instructor for the program for community members and enrolled students.

Woodby said that aikido is a Japanese martial art that is for self-defense. It is not an aggressive martial art. There are no competitions and made in a way that no one gets hit when practicing the techniques. That’s why anyone is accepted, no matter the age or gender.

Aikido is a fitness sport that combines balance, cardio and core strength. The fluidity of the forms seems like the practitioners are dancing. Students practice in pairs as they redirect the force of the attacker. Students start at the beginner level and build their skills as they go through the ranks. Students can take about four years to get the black belt.

One of Woodby’s students was Dale Gargrave. He was part of the US Marines but was mustted out of the service after he was injured. As part of his physical therapy, Gargrave practiced aikido again and he earned a second degree black belt. Now Gargrave is an instructor at the Central Campus of San Jacinto College.

The aikido program of the San Jacinto College is a member of the Aikido World Alliance and utilizes a standardized system of testing. Woodby also said that the classes have around 20 students, whose ages range between 20 and 60. The program has turned strangers into a close knit community, and Woodby is still in touch with former students.

Photo by jonathaneo