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Laido Classes in Winter Garden

VI Levels is a MMA & Fitness Center Located in Winter Garden, Florida. We offer several on-going programs with multiple weekly classes for Kids starting at the age of 3. Choose from 3 of our on-going programs, for kids 3-5 years old we have Mighty Mites, our most popular program Youth is for Kids typically between 5-9 and our Teen program which the youngest can be about 10 years old. We don't focus so much on age but more skill.

We also have our Adult Program with Weekly classes and our Women's Self Defense Program. Along with our on-going programs you have a variety of Semi-Private and Private Programs to choose from. These programs are tailored to your needs and taught by one of our World Class or Celeberty Trainers.


About Laido Classes in Winter Garden

Laido (or, iaido) is a Japanese martial art that was created during the feudal ages by a man named Hayashizaki Minamoto Jinsuke Shigenobu. Laido’s name originated from Iaijutsu, as iai was the term for a sword in motion — specifically one smooth motion — as it’s drawn from and returned to the saya (scabbard). In full translation, iaijutsumeans the way of the sword

Laido consists of four main components: The smooth and controlled movements of drawing a sword from its saya, the striking or cutting of an opponent, the removing of blood from the blade, and returning the sword to its saya. More importantly, the Japanese martial art puts a major emphasis on the notion of tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu, or always being prepared, mentally and physically. Therefore, laido itself roughly translates to the way of mental presence and immediate reaction.

Laido encompasses various styles of Japanese swordsmanship, all of which subscribe to a form of Japanese modern budo, which refers to the lifestyle and practice of finding one’s michi (way). There are many legends told about the creation of laido, but they all point towards Shegenobu creating the art out of the divine inspiration to avenge his father. Much like the way of traditional samurai combat, laido is most efficient for small-scale battle, ranging from one-on-one combat to small groups at once.

The core movements of laido are based on katas, or detailed and choreographed movements designed for specific situations. Each kata in laido is attached to a specific story, detailing the number, placement, position, and weapons of potential opponents. All katas, however, involve the four main components contributing to the swift motions of removing one’s sword, cutting their opponent, removing the blood from the blade, and returning the sword to its saya.  

Practitioners of laido are referred to as iaidokas. While the traditional sword used for laido is the shinken, beginner iaidokas train with a bokken (wooden sword). The majority of practices, however, depending on the teaching style of the instructor, use an iaitō (blunt-edged sword). The more experienced iaidokas are the ones who get to use the traditional shinken.

Once guns were introduced to Japan during the Meiji Restoration, swords became less popular for battle. Once the art of zen was introduced to Japanese culture, laido began to adapt around the spiritual and peaceful aspects of it, making the martial art less about killing and more about the improvement of one’s self by practicing discipline and improving the mind, body, and spirit. It actually wasn’t until the American government occupied Japan, passing laws to make iaijutsu among other martial arts illegal, that the name changed. By simply changing the name to iaido (or, laido), the art went from a defense system designed for killing to a spiritual way of life that was allowed to be practiced.

Today, laido is still a very spiritual, peaceful, and challenging art rooted in the ancient philosophies of defense and attack. Iaidokas now practice against “invisible opponents,” to learn the 12 official katas recognized by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF). Since there is no sparring, the art’s emphasis is hinged upon precise, controlled, fluid motions, often referred to as “moving zen.” 

VI Levels Winter Garden

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On-Going Programs

We go the extra mile for the kids, but we don’t take forever to get there.

Within each program we offer a variety of classes, that meet multiple times per week. Each class within the program is designed to further advance everyone with our VI levels in mind.

MIGHTY MITES

Kids Jiu Jitsu Classes
Ages 3-5
This mighty fun class is great for improving developmental milestones. Our Mighty Might's are given a platform of coordination, following directions and patience all while teaching the foundation of Self Defense.

YOUTH

Kids Jiu Jitsu Classes
Ages 6-9
Our non-traditional, enhanced, Mixed Martial Arts and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program will give your child the mental and physical skills that will assist them in everyday life. All while increasing their enthusiasm and understanding of discipline.

TEENS

Teen Jiu Jitsu Classes
Ages 10-14+
Our Teens Program is a continuation of our younger programs. Whether you are just joining us, or you have been with us from the beginning. Your teen will continue to develop skills designed to help them in the real world.

ADULTS

Adult Jiu Jitsu Classes
Ages 15+
Whether you've trained before or you're ready to start a new chapter in life. Our Adult Program is a wonderful place for people who want to learn Self-Defense, have fun, get in great shape, all while under the watchful eye of skilled instructors.

Women's Self Defense

Women's Self Defense Classes
Ages 6+
Our Women’s Self-Defense is a 5 Week Program that meets once a week for 90 minutes. This is Women's Self-Defense thats molded to everyday situations, that’s Simple, Practical, And Most of All — Reliable.

FREE WEEK TRIAL

Free Week Trial
Seriously, A Free Week!
We are currently offering a FREE WEEK TRIAL for Mighty Mites, Youth, Teen and Adult Programs. Simply sign up & select the first class you or your child would like to attend, completly FREE. Once you arrive for your class, we will handle the rest.

Semi-Private & Private Programs

Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.

Our Semi-Private and Private programs offer individual and semi-individual classes that can meet multiple times per week. Helping you to form a habit that is life changing and healthy.

FITNESS TRAINING

Fitness Classes
Ages 6 +
We offer Group and Private Classes to help get the results you desire. People who are looking for more personal attention, can hire one of our world-class coaches for Fitness & Cardio Training. Your challenge, become the best version of you!

WOMEN'S SELF-DEFENSE

Women's Self-Defense Classes
Ages 6 +
Women’s Self-Defense That’s Simple, Practical, And Most of All — Reliable. Our Women’s Self-Defense program is based on the effective and efficient techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Molded to everyday situations.

STRIKING

Striking MMA Classes
Ages 6 +
Striking revolves around learning how to use your knees, legs, and arms to protect yourself or someone you love. Bringing in a foundation of Muay Thai, you'll become more comfortable and confident with your body.

CAMPUS DEFENSE

Campus Defense Classes
Ages 16 +
Whether you're sending your daughter or son off to college. Or you're a current college student, learning how to get yourself out of tricky situations is a life skill. Train with our Celebrity Trainers to learn how to maneuver through life.

MODEL MUGGIN

Model Muggin Classes
Ages 16 +
Learn what to do, and what not do, in the unfortunate event of a mugging. Life sometimes throws us curve balls, be prepared when the time counts. Protect yourself and your loved ones with confidence and skills to last a lifetime.

FAMILY SAFE

Family Safe Classes
Entire Household
Having the family know what to do in a worst-case scenario provides a foundation for everyone to work from. Your family will build upon what to do and what not do in the event of real-life emergencies.

HANDGUN PROTECTION

Handgun Protection Classes
Ages 16 +
Learn how to use and control your handgun effectively and safely. Learning how you can safely manipulate and control your weapon will boost your confidence and abilities for those unforeseen times.

HANDGUN MANIPULATION

Handgun Manipulation Classes
Ages 16 +
Learn Handgun Manipulation. When faced with an impossible decision, what do you do? Learning how to break down those seemingly impossible feats, gives you the strength and confidence in yourself to come out on top.

TACTICAL JIU JITSU (TJJ)

Tactical Jiu Jitsu Classes
Ages 16 +
Tactical Jiu-Jitsu™ (TJJ™) is a blend of martial arts, military, and law enforcement strategies. It is a street-ready program for anyone who is serious about self-defense and personal protection.

SPORTS CONDITIONING

Sports Conditioning Classes
Ages 6 +
Our Sports Conditioning Program is geared towards the athlete who is looking to enhance their workout.

MMA CONDITIONING

MMA Conditioning Classes
Ages 16 +
Our MMA Conditioning Program is geared towards the MMA athlete who is looking to enhance their workout, learn new skills and enhance specific areas of their Defense & Offense.

HOME INVASION

Home Invasion Classes
Ages 6 +
Geared towars the entire household to provide skills and the knowledge on how to handle a home invasion.

ANTI-BULLYING

Anti-Bullying Classes
Ages 6 - 16
One of our most popular programs, our Anti-Bullying classes are for ages 6-16 and provide the foundation to give kids the skills on how to handle bullies in modern day situations.

MIX & MATCH

Mix & Match Classes
Ages 6 +
Looking for something but you're not too sure what? Why not try a little bit of everything? Or a lot a bit of something? Find your passion and do a sampling of all our privates and/or semi-private classes.

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