New Aikido dojo makes martial art available to northwest Kansas

By DAWNE LEIKER

dleiker@dailynews.net

For those with an interest in martial arts, classes in Aikido, a Japanese martial art, now are available in Hays for the general public.

Aikido of Northwest Kansas classes, under the direction of Brandon Nimz, start today.

Studying Aikido for the last seven years with the Fort Hays State University Aikido Club, Nimz said he looks forward to bringing the martial art, which synthesizes martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs, to a wider audience.

"We had a lot of community involvement at the university ... but the club had to keep a ratio that's 80 percent students and 20 percent non-students," Nimz said.

Classes are offered Monday through Friday at the dojo at Eighth and Oak.

For an opportunity to learn more about Aikido, individuals can experience their first class or view a class free of charge before signing up to participate.

Aikido differs from other martial arts in its philosophy allowing practitioners to defend themselves while also protecting their attackers by blending the motion of the attacker and redirecting the forces of the attack rather than opposing it head-on.

Timing and balance weigh heavily in developing Aikido skills, Nimz said, and those skills often take many years to perfect.

More than 16 students lined the sage green mats at the dojo, demonstrating defensive moves at the Aikido of Northwest Kansas open house Sunday.

On the sidelines, John Cornwell, Bison, father of three Aikido students talked about the value of the martial art for his children.

He said Hannah, 19, Ben, 17, and Eleanor, 14, had developed discipline through Aikido.

"Especially the youngest," he said. "It's been very good for her."

Aikido of Northwest Kansas is unique when compared to most other dojos nationwide in that, in addition to martial arts training, it also features Godly Warriors classes.

Nimz, a support-based missionary, has integrated the classes into his curriculum to emphasize the role of peacemaking and avoidance of conflict.

The Godly Warriors classes are non-denominational, Nimz said, and are inclusive of all participants regardless of background or beliefs.