About Our School

The guiding purpose of the the Aikido of Suenaka-ha of Bloomington is to continue to spread the understanding and practice of Suenaka-ha Aikido into the Midwest area. Much as the motivations of O'Sensei when he travelled to Hawaii in 1961 to introduce and spread Aikido, so are our desires to share this wonderful and dynamic art with you.

Class Picture

The ideal Aikido student

Individuals of all skill and physical capability levels are welcomed. Students with physical limitations or concerns are strongly encouraged to learn at their own pace and instruction will be tailored to maximize learning of effective techniques while minimizing physical risks. As Sensei Suenaka states, all students are encouraged to practice at a pace that indicates a sincere desire to learn and grow.

How to Join

All that is required to join is a decision to come to our school to observe or participate in a class. First time students should wear comfortable clothing such as a long sleeve shirt and sweats that allow for comfortable movement. Shorts are not recommended, due to tumbling and groundwork activities.

Classes are on-going and new students are welcome to start at any time. Every class reviews the fundamental technqiues of how to fall and roll safely, basic techniques, and exercises.

After a period of time, new students will need to obtain an all-white dogi (practice uniform) and a jo and bokken (wooden staff and wooden sword) for weapons training.

Additional Training Opportunities

As members of our school and the Wadokai organization, students have the opportunity to study with Sensei Suenaka at events which are held throughout the year, including our Winter Camp (Kangeiko), Summer Camp (Gasshuku), and numerous seminars hosted by our member dojos throughout the year.

Training Methods

Classes begin with warm-up excercises and stretching to prepare the body for the workout to come. The basic class format follows:

  • Stretching
  • Ki-no-taiso
  • Ukemi undo (falling techniques)
  • Jo and Bokken katas (wooden staff and sword)
  • Waza (techniques)
  • Randori (multiple attackers)

In addition, we observe and practice the four basic principles (yon dai gen soku) of Aikido technique: 1) Keep one point, 2) Relax completely, 3) Weight underside, 4) Extend ki.

Instructor

Senseis Suenaka and Laudeman Sensei Paul Laudeman is currently ranked shodan in Aikido under Sensei Roy Suenaka and has been training in a variety of martial arts since an early age. In 2005, Sensei Paul began his training in Aikido under Shihan Jerome Legions in Ashland, Virginia. After relocating to Indiana in 2007 and opening the Bloomington dojo, Sensei Paul has continued his studies directly with Sensei Suenaka at camps and seminars, as well as with many other noted shihans and senseis from the overall Wadokai organization.