The Abundant Peace Aikido & Tai Chi School

Build Your Balance, Calm, and Strength Now ...

If you’ve been feeling off‑balance, tense, or simply stretched too thin, this is your moment to reset.
Tai Chi Walking is one of the fastest, most accessible ways to reclaim your stability - physically and mentally - before stress, stiffness, or fatigue take a deeper hold.

You don’t need to learn a long Tai Chi form.

You don’t need months of practice.

With Tai Chi Walking, you start feeling the benefits in your very first session.

Why This Matters Now
Every day you delay, habits of tension, shallow breathing, and rushed movement settle deeper into your body.
Your balance weakens. Your stride shortens. Your mind stays in “go‑go‑go” mode.

Tai Chi Walking interrupts that cycle immediately.

What You’ll Gain - Fast
Physical benefits:
• Stronger legs and hips for safer movement
• Noticeably better balance and stability
• Smoother, more confident walking
• Reduced stiffness and joint strain

Mental benefits:
• A calmer, clearer mind
• Relief from stress and overwhelm
• A grounded sense of control
• The ability to reset your mood in minutes

This practice is simple. It’s powerful. And it’s designed for real life - your life.

Each slow, intentional step retrains your body to move with strength and ease.

Each breath pulls you out of stress and back into yourself.

Why Start Here Instead of a Full Tai Chi Form?
Because you don’t have time to wait for results.

Tai Chi Walking gives you many of the same benefits as traditional Tai Chi - balance, strength, calm, coordination - but in a format you can learn in one workshop and use immediately.

Within a single workshop, you’ll learn skills you can use immediately - skills that support balance, strength, and mindful movement for the rest of your life.

If you’re looking for a practice that’s gentle, effective, and builds strength, stamina and balance, this workshop is a wonderful first step.

Join us. Your body and mind will thank you the moment you begin.

Tai Chi Walking

Sunday, June 28 2:00 - 5:00pm $95

Call 780-908-1115 or email to register
and feel the power and grace that Tai Chi Walking can deliver.

Yours in Health & Harmony,
Brad Schultz

“Experience Greater Health & Harmony in Your World.”

Give your kids more than just cardio .....

Give your kids more than just cardio and coordination.

The martial art of Aikido cultivates life skills. Skills that will help your child navigate the world and society as they grow older and become adults.

You can equip your child with the critical awareness and skills to ensure their success in Life!

Aikido practice cultivates character, discipline and focus; qualities that enhance any and every endeavor.

Our children’s program emphasizes the development of these qualities through simple, fun Aikido practice.

Initially, instruction is centred around exercises and drills that enhance basic physical skills and mind-body coordination.

One of the first life skills the children learn is how to fall without hurting themselves and the principles of integrated, balanced movements.

Team work and leadership skills are also cultivated
as the more experienced students work with the newer
kids, ensuring mutual support and growth.

Kids learn about posture, centered-movements,
attentiveness and courtesy. They also experience how to
respect and protect their own space and use their power
in healthy ways.

Classes start with a fun and lively approach to warm-ups. Then, there is practice in the art of falling safely using forward and backward rolls, and breakfalls.

The rest of the class is partner practice, where each student pairs up with another to work on their program of movement skills and techniques.

Interspersed throughout the class are Aiki-games, a
fun, yet structured way to enhance their coordination
and spatial awareness.

The kids also develop the internal skill of meditation, so they can learn to quiet their mind, relax and channel their energy. Indispensable skills needed in the real world to remain centered and true to themselves and their goals.

What can Aikido do for your child?

Enjoy 2-weeks of unlimited classes for you and/or your child to experience first-hand what Aikido has to offer, without charge or obligation.

“Abundant Peace Aikido has given our son self-confidence and focus in his everyday life. He has often commented on how he appreciates the environment of respect and consideration. In 4 short months, the change is noticeable.”
- Cristina & Bart

This Special is coming to a close soon, so come in and see why everyone is talking so highly and enthusiastically about what Aikido has done for them.

And give yourself the chance to experience the same results and benefits!

780-908-1115
www.abundantpeace.com

Yours in Health & Harmony,
Brad

Aikido Develops the Mind .....

Bring Mind & Body Together
for Natural Grace, Harmony and Power!

What are your interests and concerns?

Do you want a self-defense system not requiring superior strength, size and speed?

Do you like the idea of studying a traditional martial art, yet without the emphasis on aggression or destruction?

Do you want to stimulate and develop your mind as well as your body?

Are you looking for a fun and also practical way to get into shape and stay fit?

Do you need to de-stress and find effective strategies for managing a hectic lifestyle?

Our Spring Special gives you the opportunity to experience first-hand what Aikido has to offer you, without charge or obligation.

But this special is coming to a close soon, so come in and see why everyone is talking so highly and enthusiastically about what Aikido has done for them.

And give yourself the chance to experience the same.

Call or email today and mention the Spring Special to receive 2-weeks of unlimited classes, and give yourself the opportunity to experience greater health, fitness and well-being.

780-908-1115
[email protected]
www.abundantpeace.com

Strengthen Your Balance, Brain, and Body - One Step at a Time ....

If you’re looking for a practice that is gentle, accessible, and backed by modern science, Tai Chi Walking is one of the most effective ways to improve balance, mobility, and overall well‑being.

Researchers in fields such as motor control, neuroplasticity, and fall‑prevention science have repeatedly shown that slow, intentional movement trains the brain and body in ways fast exercise simply cannot.

Tai Chi Walking uses this principle to create measurable improvements in stability, coordination, and calm.

Why Tai Chi Walking Works (According to Science)

1. It strengthens the neuromuscular system.
Slow, weight‑shifting steps activate stabilizing muscles in the feet, ankles, hips, and core.
This improves proprioception - the body’s ability to sense where it is in space - which is essential for balance and confident movement.

2. It enhances brain‑body communication.
Studies in neuroplasticity show that mindful, repetitive movement builds stronger neural pathways.
Tai Chi Walking trains the brain to coordinate movement more efficiently, improving reaction time and reducing fall risk.

3. It regulates the nervous system.
The slow pace and controlled breathing activate the parasympathetic (“rest and restore”) branch of the nervous system.
This reduces stress hormones, lowers heart rate, and increases mental clarity.

4. It improves mobility and joint health.
Gentle, continuous motion lubricates the joints, increases range of motion, and supports long‑term mobility without strain.

Beyond the Physical - Mental and Emotional Benefits

While the science is compelling, Tai Chi Walking also cultivates qualities that support whole‑person health:

• Patience
• Presence
• Inner balance
• Inner quiet
• Grace in motion

Over time, these slow, mindful steps begin to influence everyday life. You may notice yourself moving with more ease, thinking more clearly, and responding to stress with greater steadiness.

If you want a practice that is gentle, effective, and scientifically grounded, Tai Chi Walking is an ideal place to begin.

Join us and experience how evidence‑based movement can transform your balance, your confidence, and your sense of calm - one mindful step at a time.

Tai Chi Walking

Sunday, June 28 2:00 - 5:00pm $95

Call 780-908-1115 or email: [email protected]
to register
and feel the power and grace that Tai Chi Walking can deliver!

Yours in Health & Harmony,
Brad Schultz

“Experience Greater Health & Harmony in Your World.”

Tai Chi Walking Workshop ....

A step‑by‑step way to cultivating balance, strength, calm, and mindful movement.

Tai Chi Walking is a slow, intentional, meditative practice, developing strength and balance along the way. Each step becomes an opportunity to feel grounded, centered, and fully present.

Tai Chi Walking is not just an exercise — it can also be a moving meditation. Besides the physical
benefits of increased strength, balance and mobility, it
teaches:

• Patience
• Presence
• Inner Balance
• Inner quiet
• Grace in motion

With consistent practice, the slow steps of Tai Chi Walking
begin to influence everyday life — helping you move with more ease, awareness, and confidence.

Tai Chi Walking

Sunday, June 28 2:00 - 5:00pm $95

Call 780-908-1115 or email to register
and feel the power and grace that Tai Chi Walking can deliver.

Yours in Health & Harmony,
Brad Schultz

The Life-Changing Art of Aikido .....

Recently one of our members felt motivated to write a little article on the "Art of Peace", as he has been experiencing it at our school.

And I thought to share it with you as it really does express the true value and benefits of practicing Aikido, which go far beyond just learning a martial art and developing physical fitness.

Please read and enjoy:

The Life Changing Art

In a world where media influences almost every facet of people’s lives, participation in a martial art can be seen as a saving grace by instilling much needed benefits into a population bombarded with outside opinions and influences. Aikido in particular is a wonderful martial art because it has benefits on all levels of a person’s being and doesn’t just target certain areas to develop.

The positive and beneficial aspects of Aikido are many. Not only is it a great physical exercise, strengthening core muscles and increasing flexibility as well as having internal benefits much like yoga practice, but it also has great mental and emotional benefits. These benefits can help everyone in their day to day lives.

Aikido, almost more than any other martial art, can clear your mind of many of the impulses to cause conflict in your life. One of the key principles of aikido is blending. In physical terms, blending means trying not to fight force with force which creates conflict. Mentally speaking, it is much the same.

Trying not to conflict with people during heated conversations can be quite difficult but after even a little bit of time practicing aikido you will find that you naturally ‘blend’ and find non-conflicting solutions to many issues.

Lack of self-confidence is a huge issue felt with almost everyone at some point but is particularly absent from people in the tweens and teens. Many magazines, movies and television programs only show images that sell what they are promoting and people buy into the propaganda.

It is a classic example of an outside influence defining our opinions. One of the mental aspects of any martial art is the increase in self-confidence and aikido is no different. Just because someone doesn’t look like the model on the cover of Vogue doesn’t mean that they can’t be confident in who they are.

On the other end of the spectrum from confidence is ego. Unlike most martial arts, aikido is non-competitive. What that means is that there are no tournaments or competitions to build an individual’s ego up above someone else’s. Instead, aikido is an art of becoming better than yourself and not better than someone else.

Practicing aikido often, all these benefits become yours for the taking and you may not even notice it! But guaranteed those close to you will notice a positive change in you.

Whether you stand up for yourself in a firm yet non-conflicting manner or you find yourself taking less stock in other people’s opinions of you and are more content to be yourself then aikido is doing for you what it has done for so many people before. It really would not be an (exaggeration) to say that Aikido changes lives, and it can change yours.
- Chad Ference

Whether you are interested in greater fitness levels and the confidence that comes from the skill of self-protection, or you would like to explore the mind-body integration of this dynamic, yet harmonious internal martial art, called Aikido, you can take advantage of this opportunity to experience our classes.

Learn the dynamic movements unique to Aikido, while staying fit and active.

You'll learn to:

- Open and stretch the entire body.

- The importance of mind in Mind-Body Arts.

- Develop Mind-Body Integration.

- Build basic and foundational self-defense skills and principles.

- Move with Grace, Coordination and Natural Power!

Give yourself the opportunity for greater health, fitness and well-being by experiencing this dynamic mind-body art.

Call or email today and mention the Summer Special to receive your Guest Pass for 2-weeks of Aikido classes.

What are your interests and concerns?

Do you want a self-defense system not requiring superior strength, size and speed?

Do you like the idea of studying a traditional martial art, yet without the emphasis on aggression or destruction?

Do you want to stimulate and develop your mind as well as your body?

Are you looking for a fun and also practical way to get into shape and stay fit?

Do you need to de-stress and find effective strategies for managing a hectic lifestyle?

Our Summer Special gives you the opportunity to experience first-hand what Aikido has to offer you.

But this Special is coming to a close soon ….. so come and see why everyone is talking so highly and enthusiastically about what Aikido has done for them.

And give yourself the chance to experience the same!

Experience greater energy, fitness and the confidence that mind-body integration provides:

780-908-1115
www.abundantpeace.com

Yours in Health & Harmony,
Brad

Equip Your Child with the Tools for Success in Life .....

The martial art of Aikido cultivates life skills. Skills that will help your child navigate the world and society as they grow older and become adults.

Equip your child for life short video:
https://youtu.be/ow2tiQ44dFA

You can equip your child with the critical awareness and skills to ensure their success in Life!

Aikido practice cultivates character, discipline and focus; qualities that enhance any and every endeavor.

Our children’s program emphasizes the development of these qualities through simple, fun Aikido practice.

Initially, instruction is centred around exercises and drills that enhance basic physical skills and mind-body coordination.

One of the first life skills the children learn is how to fall without hurting themselves and the principles of integrated, balanced movements.

Team work and leadership skills are also cultivated
as the more experienced students work with the newer
kids, ensuring mutual support and growth.

Kids learn about posture, centered-movements,
attentiveness and courtesy. They also experience how to
respect and protect their own space and use their power
in healthy ways.

Classes start with a fun and lively approach to warm-ups. Then, there is practice in the art of falling safely using forward and backward rolls, and breakfalls.

The rest of the class is partner practice, where each student pairs up with another to work on their program of movement skills and techniques.

Interspersed throughout the class are Aiki-games, a
fun, yet structured way to enhance their coordination
and spatial awareness.

The kids also develop the internal skill of meditation, so they can learn to quiet their mind, relax and channel their energy. Indispensable skills needed in the real world to remain centered and true to themselves and their goals.

What can Aikido do for your child?

Enjoy 2-weeks of unlimited classes for you and/or your child to experience first-hand what Aikido has to offer, without charge or obligation.

“Abundant Peace Aikido has given our son self-confidence and focus in his everyday life. He has often commented on how he appreciates the environment of respect and consideration. In 4 short months, the change is noticeable.”
- Cristina & Bart

Aikido can help equip your child with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in life!

This Special is coming to a close soon, so come in and see why everyone is talking so highly and enthusiastically about what Aikido has done for them.

And give your child the chance to experience the same results and benefits!

780-908-1115
[email protected]
www.abundantpeace.com

Yours in Health & Harmony,
Brad

https://youtu.be/ow2tiQ44dFA

Equip for Life! Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Reporter tries Aikido sword at Abundant Peace .....

St. Albert Gazette article on a recent seminar at Abundant Peace School:

Aikido is about more than just the sword work.
Full-body discipline required for Japanese martial art

It all seems so simple. The careful placement of the feet, the natural rhythm of the movements, and the careful positioning of the wooden sword look effortless.

Sensei Jim Alvarez, a 37-year veteran of the study of aikido, is one of the ones who can make it look easy. He gave five seminars at Abundant Peace Aikido in St. Albert over the weekend.

While I have little experience with martial arts, I jumped on the opportunity to learn a bit about using a sword to see how effortless I could make it look.
Not very effortless at all, if I do say so myself.

It turns out it only looks simple because it has taken decades of practice to master the techniques. The first thing I realize is that it is anything but simple, and that the sword itself has little to do with the end goal of natural body movements.

“You have to unlock the natural motion that’s already in your body,” Alvarez explains.

Whether the sword is in hand or not, then, the exact same principles of fluid motion and body positioning apply. Aikido, while it’s commonly perceived as being about the sword, applies whether or not the practitioners have weapons in their hands.
In a martial arts situation, staying out of range of someone’s hands and feet is as important as staying out of range of someone’s sword, and the same techniques apply to both situations.

“Sword practice of aikido is just one facet of the entire training,” he says. “It’s a tool, the same way a flashlight is a tool you would use to help yourself walk through a dark area.”

And while it’s difficult to master the movements for yourself – especially during your first day on the mat – it becomes complicated by the fact that while practicing forms in many martial arts can be done solo, aikido is typically done in pairs.

“Our forms consist of two people,” Alvarez says. “You learn from yourself, but also how you interact with another person. I realize that to get better at this, I have to be comfortable moving into someone’s personal space.”

Ultimately, it’s a practice of body movement, and it’s something that comes innately to us. Alvarez used the example of walking down a busy street, where large groups of people without words seem to be able to effortlessly criss-cross without bumping into each other.

“People just naturally move, without even thinking about it,” he said. “Those are aikido-type movements that are already in our bodies. So why does that break down?”

One of the big reasons, he explains, is that when put into a situation where we’re sparring one-on-one, or in any other situation where you’re bracing for something, the body stops acting naturally. Alvarez describes this as “flipping the switch” – from a physiological standpoint it’s the activation of the fight-or-flight instinct.
“You have to unlock the natural motion that’s already in your body,” he says.

After three hours swinging a sword, mostly going through solo patterns and techniques but also briefly in pairs near the end, it became apparent that I was not going to be fit for the kung fu movies by the end of the afternoon. It was a realization that didn’t exactly come as a surprise to me.
And even for relative veterans of the practice, the opportunity to learn from someone as experienced as Alvarez is not to be passed up – especially since Alvarez’s specialty is sword work.

Marcel Lecker has been training aikido for about eight years, and said the experience to train with Alvarez was a great way to expand his understanding of the sport, and to see it from different angles.
“When you’re in a dojo and regularly attending that dojo, there’s certain things you do in certain ways,” he said. “Anytime you get a chance to look at it differently you get a better sense of what’s going on.”

He said getting to learn from the refined technique Alvarez displays thanks to his nearly four decades of practice was immensely helpful in his own training.
And, unlike the rank amateurs like my trying the sport for the first time, Lecker likely didn’t have to rush home to put ice on his shoulder.
Reporter: Doug Neuman

What are your interests and concerns?

Do you want a self-defense system not requiring superior strength, size and speed?

Do you like the idea of studying a traditional martial art, yet without the emphasis on aggression or destruction?

Do you want to stimulate and develop your mind as well as your body?

Are you looking for a fun and also practical way to get into shape and stay fit?

Do you need to de-stress and find effective strategies for managing a hectic lifestyle?

Our Spring Special gives you the opportunity to experience first-hand what Aikido has to offer you, without charge or obligation.

But this Special is coming to a close soon ….. so come in and see why everyone is talking so highly and enthusiastically about what Aikido has done for them.

And give yourself the chance to experience the same!

Call or email today and mention the Spring Special to receive 2-weeks of unlimited classes ... and give yourself the opportunity to experience greater health, fitness and well-being.

780-908-1115
www.abundantpeace.com

Call now to experience greater energy, fitness and the confidence that Mind/Body integration provides!

Yours in Health & Harmony,

Brad