Our Classes
Regular weekly class times are shown below. Details on any special classes, weekend seminars, events, expositions and so on, can be found in our News & Events section. To attend any regular class simply come along 15 minutes before a class starts and register at the Ikigai reception desk. Depending on the class, registration and payment can be per month or per class or for a number of classes. Family discounts are available. Generally loose clothing (tee-shirt and tracksuit bottoms) is suitable for beginners for all classes. Changing rooms and locker facilities are provided.
Aikido
Aikido is a martial art using natural movement to co-ordinate the mind and the body to increase health and self-development. Aikido is primarily concerned with the education and development of character, the co-ordination of mind and body, and fostering a positive attitude and spirit of peace through training in physical and mental self-discipline. Based on graceful circular movements, Aikido is a sophisticated self-defence training method and a modern development of traditional Japanese martial art and martial philosophy.
Aikido Class Times:
Adults (>13 years): Monday, Wednesday, Friday 19.30 - 20.30; Saturday 10.00 - 11.00
Adult Beginners: Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 19.00
Children (6-12 years): Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 18.15 - 19.15
Children Beginners (5-10 years): Monday, Wednesday, Friday 17.15 - 18.15
Qigong
Qigong is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial-arts training. With roots in chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, qigong is traditionally viewed by the Chinese and throughout Asia as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (pronounced "chee"), translated as "life energy".
Qigong practice typically involves moving meditation, coordinating slow-flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and a calm meditative state of mind.
Qigong Class Times:
Mondays & Wednesdays 10.00-11.00 Tuesdays & Thursdays 17.00-18.00Saturday 09.00 - 10.00Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is a creative form of yoga where poses are linked together with the breath in a flowing sequence.
The beauty of Vinyasa yoga is the variety. There is no standard sequence in Vinyasa yoga, so the style, pace and intensity will all vary depending on the teacher. Classes may be sequenced around a peak pose such as a backbend, or they might focus on a particular theme such as the chakras or an aspect of yoga philosophy. The class may be dynamic and focus on strengthening postures, or it may be a slower flow with an emphasis on mobility and flexibility in the spine or the hips.
Yoga Class Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 18.30 - 19.30
Sunday 10.00 - 11.00
Anti-Stress Training
Anti-Stress Training is open to teenagers and adults and includes a mix of physical and non-physical exercises aimed at reducing tension and helping deal with stressful situations and conditions.
Practise includes relaxation techniques, breathing, games, talks, creativity, tests, learning skills and various challenges.
Class Times:
Saturday 11.15 - 12.45
Zen Meditation
Zen Meditation sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays at Ikigai. Zen meditation, also known as Zazen, is a meditation technique rooted in Buddhist psychology. One of the goals of Zen meditation is to learn to regulate your attention. It’s sometimes referred to as a practice that involves “thinking about not thinking.”
In the classes people usually sit in the lotus or semi-lotus or seiza position and focus their attention inward. Classes also include walking meditation (“kinhin”) plus breathing and stretching exercises.
Class times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16.00-17.00
Saturday 10.00-11.00
Pilates
Pilates is an exercise system developed by a German physical trainer called Joseph Pilates. It improves balance and muscle conditioning through a series of mind-body connection exercises.
Class times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 18.15-19.15