Dominating the landscape at Pasir Ris Drive 1 HDB Neighbourhood Centre is the Pasir Ris East Community Club. This is where Aikido Class is held every Thursday evening for the past many years. Children, teenagers and adults, from age 5 to age 45, train at this dojo.

The beauty of Aikido is that it is suitable for all ages. Parents put their children here for various reasons. Some are here for the cultivation of discipline (which I find that they will acquire naturally when they see how the adult trainees behave); some are here for an hour of healthy physical activity; and if they do pick up an ability to take care of themselves physically in times of danger, it is always a bonus.

What is heartening to see is when I see fathers partnering sons, sisters partnering sisters, brothers partnering brothers. It is a chance for a father to feel his son, for a sister to feel a sister. How often do we physically touch our loved ones? Sometimes when I see sisters playfully throwing each other with great enthusiasm, I will jokingly remark," With sisters like that, who needs enemies."

All in all, despite the different age groups and the different belt levels of aikido, we enjoy an evening of good work out, camaraderie, and a growing sense of self-confidence through the self defence techniques and philosophy of the art of Aikido.

We would be happy if you will join us at the Pasir Ris East CC Aikido Shinjukai Dojo.

  by --- Dr Charles Ong