GDW CENTER
Promoting personal growth, skills development, and general wellbeing through martial arts and music
About Our Programs
Aikido
Aikido is a noncompetitive Japanese martial art in which practitioners blend and redirect real attacks into effective throws and joint locks while prioritizing compassion for the attacker to avoid unnecessary injury. We also train with weapons including the jo staff, bokken (wooden sword), and tanto (wooden knife).
Blending with an attack means that the practitioner doesn't have to be strong or fast, nor do they have to apply much energy in order to remain safe and execute an effective technique. This makes Aikido perfect for all body types and fitness levels and is the reason that Aikido is often the last martial art students practice because they continue to train for the rest of their lives.
The applications of Aikido extend far beyond physical altercations and training time on the mat. Our practice develops and reinforces traditional martial values. Students also learn falling without fear or injury, conflict prevention/resolution, and efficient body movements which can even simplify daily chores.
Our Aikido classes are open to everyone age 12 and up.
Karate
We currently offer Karate classes for ages 5-12. Students can expect to learn discipline, respect, focus, self-control, confidence, proper body mechanics, blocks, and strikes. They will also develop a basic understanding of conflict prevention/resolution and appropriate responses to realistic attacks of various types.
We do not participate in tournaments nor do we train students for that purpose. We believe that what we practice becomes permanent and we realize that there are no points or time-outs in a real physical confrontation. With this in mind, we do not offer belt or rank promotions frequently or as a way to motivate students. When a student is awarded a colored belt, it indicates that instructors believe that the student possesses a skill level that allows them to defend themself to a certain degree and that their character matches that of a respectable martial artist. By the time a student is invited to test, they have most certainly put in a lot of hard work to earn promotion.
Music Lessons for Bagpipes and Drums
We're passionate musicians who love sharing our arts with others. We provide instruction for beginners and advanced music students of all ages and are committed to the continued growth of each individual.
It's never too early or too late to start your musical journey. We believe that everyone is musically inclined (even if they believe they're not). Some people just haven't found their instrument yet.
We've chosen to help people find their instrument (or a new one) by offering a unique opportunity in the Columbia area; we teach lessons for the Great Highland Bagpipe and the Scottish snare drum.
Want to try a free introductory lesson? We have everything you need to get started. You can borrow a practice chanter, drum practice pad, and sticks. Just contact us and we'll set up a time.