Physical Education: Martial Arts: Aikido

Basic Aikido techniques, such as throws and immobilizing holds, are taught in this martial art that emphasizes leverage and circular movements as defensive techniques.

PEAC fee: $290.00; Class takes place at Aikido of Champlain Valley; Students must provide own transportation; fee includes uniform; Open to Degree and PACE students

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INSTRUCTOR: Benjamin Pincus Sensei EMAIL: bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org CLASS TIMES: Tues/Thursday 6:00-7:15pm PHONE: (802)249-0359 (personal cell phone) or 802-951-8900 dojo Class Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine Street, Burlington (entrance and parking behind the building). Visit us on the web at www.burlingtonaikido.org Course Summary: Aikido, the way (do) of blending with (ai) energy (ki) is a traditional Japanese martial art. By using throws and immobilizing holds, an aikido student redirects and neutralizes the force of the opponent's attack. Aikido is characterized by circular, blending movements rather than direct blocks common in more linear martial arts like Tae Kwon Do or Karate. Aikido has very few striking techniques. Instead, training emphasizes generating internal power (ki) and a sophisticated understanding of the science of leverage and unbalancing (kuzushi). Aikido's circular movements are powerful and effective, particularly against physically stronger opponents. In this class, students will learn the art of falling (ukemi) and basic evasive movements (tai sabaki). Students will then study defenses against basic attacks (wrist grabs) and progress to more advanced attacks (strikes, chokes, knife attacks, etc.). Aikido is not a solo form; it emphasizes paired practice over solo kata. Students should feel comfortable with close physical contact.

Learning Objectives: • Psychomotor Goals: Aikido conditioning teaches body/mind integration. By integrating breath work with aerobic conditioning, integrated, relaxed movement and flexibility training, aikido teaches us how to relax under stress and learn how to generate power through relaxed and flowing movement. • Cognitive Skill Goals: The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, once said “Depending on the circumstance, one should be as hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, free flowing like water, or empty as space.” While practice will focus on physical skills, students are encouraged to explore aikido’s integral relationship between martial effectiveness, creative conflict resolution and greater harmony and balance in one’s life. The aikido student learns how to cultivate the principles of power and fortitude along with resiliency, learning how to blend with both physical and verbal attacks. • Wellness/Lifelong Fitness Goals: Training integrates yogic stretching, breathwork, and plyometric training to cultivate relaxation, aerobic fitness and the cultivation of internal power with a powerful and flexible body. An integral aspect of training is the art of ukemi, or falling practice. Skillful falling is perhaps one of the best self-defense tools one could gain from their practice. Safety: Covid Protocol: All students are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid due to close contact practice. Classes emphasize the careful study of ukemi, or the art of falling. Aikido is a strenuous and aerobic form that involves joint locks, chokes, pinning techniques and throws. Please speak to the instructor if you have prior medical issues and/or safety concerns. If any of these challenges are relevant for you, please speak directly with the chief instructor. He has worked with many survivors of trauma, and will keep your concerns and questions confidential. Please notify the instructor if you have any preexisting injuries or physical challenges that may impact practice of aikido. Physical Contact: Aikido training requires close physical contact. Aikido is not a solo form. You will train with another student, taking turns attacking or defending. All instructors and students must obtain consent prior to physical contact. It is the obligation of the instructor/student to inform the individual what the touch will consist of, and to obtain permission in advance of the touch occurring. In most cases, consent for physical contact during instruction will occur by clear and specific verbal communication. For individuals that communicate via other means, equally effective accommodation should be considered. An individual has the right to their preferences regarding touch and these preferences might change over time. Establishing consent on one occasion does not establish future consent. PEAC Course Fee: The $295 fee includes free membership at Aikido of Champlain Valley from August through December 2023, and a keikogi (judo uniform- meant for grappling, it is much stronger and heavier than a karate keikogi. In order to receive the free membership for unlimited classes five days a week, the student must register for the UVM credit class, the UVM aikido club, and separately register as a member with Aikido of Champlain Valley. You can attend additional classes to make up missed classes, or to deepen your understanding of aikido. Suggested Equipment: A training uniform (keikogi) is required; a white judogi is recommended. Before you purchase/receive a keikogi, students should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Shorts and tank tops are not recommended; T-shirt and sweatpants are ideal. We will practice lapel/collar grabs, and a keikogi will not tear.

Methods of Evaluation & Course Requirements: Attendance & Participation Since PEAC classes are based on physical activity and skill development, participation is crucial to the learning process. Participation includes active presence, effort and improvement, rather than initial physical aptitude or prior martial experience. Students must show up to class and be ready to partake in all class exercises. All student are expected to arrive on time; three (3) late arrivals will count as one (1) absence. Attendance and participation count for 70 % of your grade; If there are 28 aikido classes this semester, each class will count for 2.5 points, with 70 points being perfect attendance. In addition, a test in Japanese at the end of the semester will count for 30% of your final grade. If you need to miss classes, you must contact the teacher preceding the class and let them know the reason for your absence. Making up missed classes: Students are eligible to make up missed classes if they become a member of UVM Aikido Club,, attend additional classes at other times, and notify the teacher that they attended those additional classes. Keikogi is mandatory if you train in other classes. Skills & Knowledge Assessment: At the end of the semester we will schedule tests. The techniques will be announced in Japanese; the student will be evaluated on his/her understanding of the test names, the techniques, and their understanding of ukemi or falling practice. The student will be evaluated on an individual basis rather than natural aptitude, so it is possible that an athlete who fails to practice for the test could receive a lower score than a student who diligently applies themselves to learning. We will review the test techniques throughout the semester. In order to pass, all students must attend the final exam/class. Grading Criteria: Attendance and Participation 70 Points Skills and Knowledge Assessment (Final test) 30 Points Grading Scheme: A+ 97-100 points A 92.1-96.9 points A- 90-92 points B+ 87-89.9 points B 82.1-86.9 points B- 80-82 points C+ 77-79.9 points C 72.1-76.9 points C- 70-72 points D+ 67-69.9 points D 62.1-66.9 points D- 60-62 points F Below 60 points Cell Phone Usage: Cell phone use is not allowed during class or in the dojo. All cell phones should be turned off or on silent mode and should be stowed away during class, unless you have a job or current issue that requires emergency notification. Aikido of Champlain Valley is a 501(c)(3) federal non-profit educational organization that admits students of any national or ethnic origin, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation or preference to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities to all members. We are a safe space for the GLBTQ+ community and for immigrants regardless of legal status. University Policies: Classroom Environment Expectations In this class, we will work together to develop a learning community that is inclusive and respectful. As a learning community we will seek to encourage and appreciate expressions of different ideas, opinions, and beliefs in the spirit of Our Common Ground. Meaningful and constructive dialogue is encouraged in this class. This requires mutual respect, willingness to listen, and open-mindedness to opposing points of view. Respect for individual differences and alternative viewpoints will be maintained at all times in this class. Conduct that substantially or repeatedly disrupts the ability of faculty and instructors to teach and the ability of students to engage may result in my asking a student to temporarily leave the classroom (see pages 443-444): https://catalogue.uvm.edu/undergraduate/academicinfo/rightsandresponsibilities/ Lived Name and Pronoun Information The UVM Directory includes fields for indicating your lived name and your pronouns. Lived names (preferred names, names in use) are names that an individual wants to be known by in the University community. Entering your pronouns is strongly encouraged to help create a more inclusive and respectful campus community. To update your information, login to the UVM Directory. A preview box will allow you to see how this information will appear in other systems used on campus such as Microsoft Teams and Blackboard. More information about how to make changes to your lived name and pronouns is available in the Knowledge Base. Student Learning Accommodations: In keeping with university policy, any student with a documented disability interested in utilizing ADA accommodations should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS), the office of Disability Services on campus for students. SAS works with students and faculty in an interactive process to explore reasonable and appropriate accommodations, which are communicated to faculty in an accommodation letter. All students are strongly recommended to discuss with their faculty the accommodations they plan to use in each course. Faculty who receive Letters of Accommodation with Disability Related Flexible accommodations will need to fill out the Disability Related Flexibility Agreement. Any questions from faculty or students on the agreement should be directed to the SAS specialist who is indicated on the letter. Contact SAS: A170 Living/Learning Center; 802-656-7753; access@uvm.edu; www.uvm.edu/access Important UVM Policies: * The Academic Integrity policy address plagiarism, fabrication, collusion, cheating and the use of AI/ChatGPT. * UVM's Code of Student Conduct outlines conduct expectations as well as students' rights and responsibilities. * FERPA Rights Disclosure communicates the rights of students regarding access to, and privacy of their student educational records as provided for in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. * If you would like to appeal a grade, please follow the procedures outlined in this policy. This link offers information on grading and GPA calculation. Religious Holidays: Religions may be practiced in many different ways and can impact participation in classes variably. Students have the right to practice the religion of their choice. Each semester students should submit in writing to their instructors as early as possible and at least one week prior to their documented religious holiday the date(s) of the conflict or absence. Faculty must permit students who miss work or exams for the purpose of religious observance to make up this work. The complete policy is here. Promoting Health & Safety: The University of Vermont's number one priority is to support a healthy and safe community: * Center for Health and Wellbeing * Counseling & Psychiatry Services (CAPS) Direct Phone Line: (802) 656-3340 * C.A.R.E. - If you are concerned about a UVM community member or are concerned about a specific event, we encourage you to contact the Dean of Students Office (802-656-3380). If you would like to remain anonymous, you can report your concerns online by visiting the C.A.R.E. Team website. Statement on Alcohol and Cannabis in the Academic Environment: As a faculty member, I want you to get the most you can out of this course. You play a crucial role in your education and in your readiness to learn and fully engage with the course material. It is important to note that alcohol and cannabis have no place in an academic environment.