Classes in Aikido will be offered free of charge in Forbes Hall at the Thetis Island Community Centre, led by Grant Babin Sensei, a Thetis Islander.

Aikido is a non-combative soft form martial art developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to as Sensei or Great Teacher).

Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.

Participants should dress casually in loose and comfortably fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants.

For more information on the class, call Grant or Stephanie at 246-5269. A detailed description of Aikido is available by clicking on the Canadian Aikido Federation website: www.canadianaikidofederation.ca. The Aikido club on Thetis Island has been registered with the Canadian Aikido Federation as well as the British Columbia Aikido Federation under the name Little Island Aikikai and that classes are free but students who wish to join the club must pay a once a year membership with these organisations. The fee is $40 a year for both and can be paid to Grant.