Zephram Tino
During the 1920s, Morihei Ueshiba created the Japanese style of martial arts known as Aikido. Nearly 100 years later, in Clearwater, Myrna Harrod-Taniguti has been continuing Ueshiba’s legacy by instructing local residents in Aikido since 2017.
Harrod-Taniguti combines a lighthearted approach with the non-competitive nature of Aikido, resulting in what her students describe as a peaceful environment. During the 2023/24 classes she had a total of 30 students of various ages enrolled, and on March 13, four of her younger students successfully achieved their Green Belt level of training.
Black Press sat in on Harrod-Taniguti’s last class before spring break, held on the evening of March 13. Following the class, student Margot Venema explained how attending Aikido classes has benefited her: “I come into class feeling very tired but by the end of class I feel energized.”
Many students participate in Harrod-Taniguti’s classes to improve on a variety of mental and physical health benefits, most of which can be accommodated by Aikido’s intended goal of working towards self-improvement. Like most martial arts, upon entering the dojo, it is very important to leave behind negative aspects of life and focus on the more positive aspects of oneself. When these positive aspects are brought to light, they can be utilized in everyday life.
Aikido also provides techniques in self-defence. Harrod-Taniguti describes the art, saying “It is not just physical self-defence, it’s also mental self-defence for the mind.”
Aikido classes will resume in April after spring break. For more information, or to register for classes in Aikido, call 250-674-8881 or email rce@docbc.ca The next sessions are scheduled to begin April 9 and continue to May 30.
Kids’ Aikido
Valkyries (all girl) youth ages 9+ will be held on Monday and Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Youth ages 7 to 9 will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Youth ages 10 to 12 classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:25 to 5:25 p.m.
Aiki-intensive classes
(Must have 60+ hours) will be on Fridays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Evening Aikido
Sessions run from April 9 to May 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings
All classes will be at the Wellness Studio at 132 Clearwater Station Road.
