What We Offer
- Menu
- Aikido
- Weapons
- Iaido
- Children's
- Private Lessons
- Space Rental
- Events
Private Lessons
People learn in a variety of styles and rhythms. Private lessons offer a different learning environment than group lessons. Private students report a diverse set of benefits: customized attention from the teacher, quiet environment, less distractions, more flexibility to repeat one movement until satisfied, convenience of scheduling, opportunity for more-self-directed learning, rhythm of the lesson is determined by the teacher relative to the student’s needs. For many students a combination of private lessons along with regular group classes promotes accelerated progress.
Testimonials:
I began my studies in Aikido in 1984. At the time, my interest was based purely on exercise and self-defense; function not form. Over the years since my first class, I have begun to develop a greater appreciation of aikido as a full mind and body activity.
My studies brought me to realize that although I had been progressing at a rate commensurate with the amount of time spent in class, my true appreciation of the art form developed in one to one private lesson time. Suzane has opened my study of aikido to a new level of understanding. Through her private lessons, I have gained a deeper awareness, of not only fundamental skills, but also subtle movements that create openings and close gaps for increased effectiveness.
Suzanne’s style of teaching provides use of images and metaphors that create a mental visualization to follow. She is effective in her “Socratic” method of teaching, allowing the student to work through the movement to find the correct body position. She takes what the student knows and builds on that experience to create depth in understanding.
My aikido skills have increased four-fold over a two-month period since beginning my lessons with her.
Suzane is very attentive and has tried to meet the sessions in a timely manner. She utilizes the full hour session to her full teaching. She teaches the fundamentals of each technique and makes sure that you understand and are able to carry them very well. She is efficient, organized, and uses the entire sessions effectively.
Lessons may include empty-handed technique, ukemi, bokken or jo practice according to the needs and interest of the student. Lessons are one hour long. Day and time of the lessons can be flexible and are determined by the student and the teacher. Cost is dependant upon the lesson structure selected.
Private Lesson Instructor
Suzane Van Amburgh holds the rank of 4th degree black belt, Shidoin level teaching certification in Aikido, and sho-den grade in both Iai-Battoh Ho and aiki weapons. Suzane has trained within the lineage of T.K. Chiba Shihan for over 25 years. She began her training in 1982 under Senseis Paul Sylvain and Lorraine Dianne (now Shihan). She was a member of Berkeley Aikikai 1986-1989, and trained under I. Shibata Shihan. From 1989-1996, she lived in Denver and was asked to take leadership of Colorado Aikikai in 1992. Suzane reorganized the dojo as a USAF-WR associate dojo and served as Chief Instructor under the guidance of Lorraine DiAnne Sensei.
In 1996 she moved to Portland, joined Multnomah Aikikai, and trained under Frank Apodaca Shidoin. Periodically, Suzane travels to Japan. She has trained in Nagoya, Kyoto and at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. Here at Multnomah Aikikai, currently under Aki Fleshler Shidoin, Suzane teaches Aikido on the regular weekly class schedule. In the spirit of professional development she is enrolled in a Feldenkrais Method® Teacher Training program. In October 2007 Suzane became authorized as an Awareness Through Movement® student teacher.
To begin private Aikido lessons with Suzane Sensei, contact Multnomah Aikikai, 503-246-8120.
Dojo Member Fees
| 4 lessons, 2 persons | $200.00 |
| 1 lesson, 2 persons | $60.00 |
| 4 lessons, 1 person | $140.00 |
| 1 lesson, 1 person | $40.00 |
Non-Member Fees
| 4 lessons, 2 persons | $320.00 |
| 1 lesson, 2 persons | $90.00 |
| 4 lessons, 1 person | $180.00 |
| 1 lesson, 1 person | $55.00 |