We offer 9 weekly classes of Aikido for adults.  Our program introduces the art and gives each person the support to learn at their pace.  In Aikido there is no competition, the training is done with a partner in such a way that it is challenging and serious while being collaborative.  Our approach is based on the teachings of the founder of Aikido and his work done at the Iwama dojo in Japan.  

If you are curious, we welcome you to try 3 classes as our guest.  We are ready to give you a gentle introduction that allows you to get a feeling for the art and experience it first hand.  We are happy to answer any questions that arise and provide you with the support necessary to get started on your path.  

Aikido Montreux offers an extensive youth program for children ages 4-6 (Petit Samurai), 6-9 (children) and 10-16 (teens).  We have one class a week for the Petit Samurai (Wednesday at 4-4h45 pm), 3 classes a week for children (Monday, Wednesday at 5h15-6h30 pm and Saturday at 10h15-11h15), 3 classes a week for teens (Tuesday, Thursday at 5h15-6h30 and Saturday at 10h15-11h15).  All classes work with challenging the youth to improve themselves.  There is no competition and progress is recognised through increased skill level, personal growth and examinations for achieving advanced ranks leading to reach the level of black belt in the art.   Our youngest black belt was 16 years old and had achieved that through over 7 years of training regularly.  

A large part of the art of Aikido is learning the skill of the sword and staff.  Traditionally Aikido arises from the use of the sword and staff and the open handed techniques directly relate to the movements used with weapons.  Aikido students develop the skill of using the sword and staff as an extension of themselves, as an extension of their body.  Weapons classes are Monday and Wednesday from 7h20 to 8h30 am.

Uchideshi program

Aikido Montreux has a full-time uchideshi (residential student) program.  For those people who are inspired to commit to the paths of Aikido, Yoga and Meditation, to go deep into their own practice and make that a priority.  This program is for people who are wanting to become professionally adept, who are wanting to step out of the normal routine, who are inspired to go deeply into the questions that drive them, and coming to the fundamental ground of who I am and why am I here.  It is the path of the contemplative monk with that of the warrior.  

Combat Improv

Aikido Montreux is the home of the practice of Combat Improv.  Combat Improv is an exploration outside of the traditional approach of Aikido and looks at responding to an ever changing dynamic.  The practice takes the principles of Aikido and applies them to a more spontaneous emerging experience of physical training.  It is the expression of Aikido in a limitless context.  Combat Improv class is held on Thursday 18h45 to 20h15

Sunyata Yoga

Sunyata is the Sanskrit word for emptiness.  Sunyata yoga aims to explore our physical, emotional and cognitive experience freshly, free of the labels of age, history and ideas.  To discover a dimensional nature to our experience that liberates the person from limiting patterns and opens the possibility of discovery.  Based on the traditional practice of Hatha yoga, including dimensions of Aikido, Vajrayana Buddhism, and Elemental Breathwork, Sunyata Yoga is meant to be a support for the path to awakening, integrating and evolving into a more authentic version of ourselves.  Yoga classes are held Monday and Thursday at 20h30 to 21h30, Wednesday at 9h15 to 10h15 and 17h15 to 18h30.  

Conscious Meditation

Conscious Meditation is an approach that introduces a contemplative practice free from belief patterns.  A simple approach to meeting our experience in the most direct and conscious way possible.  It is a method that supports deepening our discovery of who we are, integrating the different dimensions of ourselves and aligning with an impulse to evolve in our life.  Meditation is held every Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8h30 to 9h15 am.

Elemental Breathwork

Elemental Breathwork has its roots in Yoga pranayama, Aikido Shin kokyu, Chinese Chi Gong and the practice of Tibetan tummo.  In this practice the aim is to experience the different levels of ourselves and bring the polarity of our being into a greater balance and expression.  Breathwork sessions are held Monday and Wednesday at 7h to 7h20