The Instructors at Aikido Retreat at Granlibakken, Granlibakken Resort, Lake Tahoe, CA are passionate about offering mentoring opportunities for Aikido teachers throughout the US and abroad. The mentorship program is unique to this Retreat. We are unaware of any other retreat that offers this type of program.
Each year we provide a unique way for Aikidoists to improve their teaching skills. Any sandan, yondan or godan can apply to be part of a mentorship program whereby you are paired with a featured teacher at the Retreat. Together you discuss and shape class content, select techniques that convey Aikido concepts and principles, co-teach a class, and receive valuable feedback about your performance as a teacher.
With your mentor’s help, you have a chance to share your Aikido, develop and improve your teaching style, and get insight into what your strengths are as an Aikido teacher. In addition, you can develop a personal relationship with your mentor that goes beyond the time spent at the Retreat.
Below is a list of benefits included in the mentorship program:
- Unique opportunity to receive mentoring by nationally and internationally recognized Aikido teachers
- Establish a personal relationship with a mentor
- Receive individual attention in the planning and the implementation of an Aikido class focusing on techniques and Aiki principles with a featured teacher
- An opportunity to receive feedback about teaching strategies, class presentation, awareness of time, and management of physical space
- Discuss current trends in Aikido, interaction with Aikido organizations, and what the future may hold
- Get valuable insights into the organization of the Retreat
Qualifications for Mentoring Program
- Rank of sandan, yondan, or godan
- Some experience planning and sharing a class with a higher ranking person, or teaching class(es) at your dojo
- AND/OR participating in the preparation of candidates at your dojo for kyu/dan promotions
- A personal interest in improving your teaching skills
- Support and encouragement from your teacher
- The candidate may have teaching experience in an academic area or a movement art.
We will do our best to tailor the mentoring program to your interests and skill sets that you feel would help you become a more effective teacher. If you are interested in this experience, please contact Michael Friedl Sensei at [email protected]. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected 2 weeks prior to the Retreat.
