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

INSTRUCTOR:Benjamin Pincus Sensei (He/Him) EMAIL: bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org Aikido of Champlain Valley 257 Pine St., Burlington LAND LINE PHONE: 802-951-8900 (dojo) CLASS TIMES: Tues/Thurs 6-7pm Course Description: Aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes dynamic, circular throws and pins rather than strikes and kicks. Aikido means "the way of harmonizing with internal power," or ki. We will practice aerobic conditioning, flexibility and relaxation skills that cultivate the development of core power and internal energy, falling skills and self-defense techniques. Aikido emphasizes paired practice rather than solo exercises. 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.” The curriculum will include an understanding of how to apply the principles of conflict resolution in order to increase martial effectiveness and discover greater harmony in one’s life. The aikido student learns how to cultivate resiliency and 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. Required Platforms: This course will utilize Brightspace https://brightspace.uvm.edu/d2l/login and Constant Contact in order to communicate class information including closures, supplementary material, etc. Students should add bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org into their e-mail address books in order to receive e-mails from the instructor. Method of Instruction & Course Organization: Classes will take place in the traditional Dojo (literally, “place of the way/path”) at Aikido of Champlain Valley at 257 Pine Street near downtown Burlington. If the student requests, the instructor can recommend additional reading material. The course primarily emphasizes the physical training of aikido. The class will also practice traditional Japanese etiquette – Reigi. All students are expected to be respectful of this tradition. Aikido involves bowing – please notify the instructor if you have any questions or concerns about this aspect of the tradition. PEAC Course Fees PEAC charges course fees to offset the costs of instructors, course equipment, and other administrative costs directly associated with the class and/or program. These fees are necessary because PEAC does not receive an allocation from tuition dollars collected for its courses. The course fee for Aikido is $290. This fee includes a keikogi (traditional uniform) and includes free membership at ACV for unlimited classes from January through April 2026. Required/Suggested Equipment: We require students to wear a keikogi (uniform) while training. Before you purchase a keikogi, students should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Shorts/tank tops are not recommended - T-shirt and sweatpants are ideal. We will practice lapel/collar grabs, and a keikogi will not tear. Safety & Warm-Up Requirements: Aikido training can be practiced at different levels of intensity according to the skill and inclination of the partner. Please respect your own boundaries and that of your partner, and inform the instructor (or any senior member you trust) if you feel unsafe for any reason during your practice. You can always stop training if you feel like you need to take a break. Physical Contact Aikido is a strenuous and aerobic form that always involves close physical contact with a partner. This contact includes wrist/lapel grabs, joint locks, chokes, pinning techniques and throws. You will train with another student, taking turns attacking or defending. Classes emphasize the careful study of ukemi, or the art of falling. If physical contact is a concern, please speak directly with the chief instructor or assistant teachers. We have worked with survivors of trauma, and will keep your questions and concerns confidential. Please notify the instructor if you have any preexisting injuries and emotional or physical challenges that may impact your practice. All students have the right to state their preferences regarding touch. We also understand that these preferences might change over time. Establishing consent on one occasion does not establish future consent.

Methods of Evaluation & Course Requirements: Attendance Policy & Classroom Environment Expectations 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 physical facility. Students must show up to class and be ready to partake in all class exercises 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 are expected to sign in on the attendance sheet located at the front desk preceding every class in order to record your participation. Students must attend 80% of classes to receive a passing grade. Failure to attend at least 80% of classes will result in a failing grade. Therefore, in order to pass the course, students must not miss more than 6 classes. Students are expected to arrive on time; three (3) late arrivals will count as one (1) absence. If you need to miss classes, you must contact the teacher preceding the class and let him know the reason for your absence. Making up missed classes: Students are eligible to make up missed classes if they become a member of Aikido of Champlain Valley, attend additional classes at other times, and notify the teacher that they attended those additional classes. It is the instructor’s discretion to determine whether an absence shall be deemed excused or unexcused. Excused absences are defined as absences with prior notice given to the instructor. You must contact the instructor personally and notify them of the reason for your absence. Messages do not serve as notification. Examples of absences that are unexcused regardless of prior notification include meetings, work, and/or friends or relatives in town. Examples of excused absences with prior notification include death in family and/or severe illness. Students may be asked to provide verification. Skills & Knowledge Assessment At the end of the semester, we will conduct a test. 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 an athlete who fails to practice for the test could receive a lower score than a less adept 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 30 Points Total: 100 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 A course evaluation will be shared with students in the last weeks of the semester. The instructor will email the link and post it on the Brightspace page. Students are expected to complete this evaluation. 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/ In addition, we require that all teachers and students abide by the Aikido of Champlain Valley Gender Equity policy. General Statement Regarding Potential Changes During the Semester: http://catalogue.uvm.edu/ The University of Vermont reserves the right to make changes in the course offerings, mode of delivery, degree requirements, charges, regulations, and procedures contained herein as educational, financial, and health, safety, and welfare considerations require, or as necessary to be compliant with governmental, accreditation, or public health directives. 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. 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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, the use of AI/ChatGPT, and the or selling of intellectual property • 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 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.