GETTING STARTED IN AIKIDO
Welcome to Aikido!
This page has been prepared to answer some of the questions you may have.
While on the one hand it is a good idea to look into Aikido before making
a commitment to train, I have found that people who come armed with too
much information and too many expectations and pre-conceived ideas are
the ones who have trouble. Aikido can be taught differently from place
to place. Try to come with a clean slate.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a relatively new, non-competitive Japanese Martial Art. It is
well known for its non fighting philosophy and natural, smooth-flowing,
physical techniques. It is a highly refined and sophisticated form of
physical, mental, and spiritual discipline.
Aikido is a philosophy with a physical expression. In small terms it is the integration and cultivation of the individual, a way to forge ones body, mind, and spirit to come to a deeper understanding of and to strive toward perfection of oneself on all levels of being. In large terms, it is the integration of the self with nature’s laws and principles. It is training to understand and become one with creation itself. Aikido is a way to study and come to embody the truths of the universe; coming from such a position of understanding and betterment of oneself, a person can contribute to making this a better world.
Meaning of the word Aikido
The name Ai ki do is made up of three Japanese characters. The character
AI means union, joining, blending or harmonizing. The second character
is KI, which literally means the steam or vapor, coming off of rice as
it cooks, it has come to mean in modern Japanese, the mind, the soul,
the spirit, life-force, the unseen essence of all things. The third character
is DO, which means the way, or path, to signify that the study of Aikido,
though it is wonderful training for the physical body, does not involve
merely learning physical techniques. It includes positive character-building
ideals which a person can incorporate into his life. So, we have the way
(do) to union (ai) with life-energy (ki). Aikido is an ideal way to train
physical body. It is also a way to train the mind, to touch our psychological
and emotional aspects and to realize and actualize the connection between
them all.
What does it take to get started?
It is very easy to start. It is suggested that you come and observe
a class first. Feel free to ask the instructor any questions you may have,
and also to talk to the students. Once the decision has been made with
the instructor, we have made it very simple to join, all it takes is to
fill out and sign a simple card. There is a $25.00 registration fee. No
long term contracts or gimmicks. Besides the desire and sincere interest
to study, you are only asked to give it a fair chance. It is not a magic
pill. Although we promise no miracles, we can promise tangible results
if you actually do the training. We have seen dramatic effects that the
training has on people’s lives.
When can I start?
It is possible to start at any time. You do not need to wait until the
beginning of the month or any other specific time.
Do I have to already be in shape?
No. You start from wherever you are. You will gradually work into shape.
In the beginning, you will be led slowly through the basic movements and
techniques. Later, as you become more familiar with the movements, the
training can become more dynamic and aerobic. There are different kinds
of “shape.” Running shape, swimming shape, gym shape, even
people who are “in good shape,” and those who think they are,
are sufficiently challenged by Aikido practice. The movements look so
obvious, simple and natural, as if they should be easy to do, but they
involve much more than just moving the body physically. Even simple-looking
movements and techniques are not so easy to perform at first. As the movements
become more familiar, we move up to new levels in the techniques.
What will I be doing and learning?
When first starting Aikido, there are many things to learn. To help make
the training easier we break things down into digestible parts. We start
with basic knowledge and fundamentals, introducing dojo etiquette and
procedures, proper posture, centering, basic body movements, hand and
foot movements and positions, energy awareness. Then we move into practicing
the foundational techniques with the teacher at first, and then with an
experienced training partner. Since Aikido techniques involve throwing
and pinning, you will also learn how to fall safely. Even though we focus
on the basics, there are still a vast amount of things to process. Let
the training experience be an exploration and a discovery of your unlimited
but as yet untapped potential. The learning that takes place is not just
head knowledge, it is experiential knowledge. Many concepts, beliefs,
limits and barriers are faced and overcome on physical and non physical
levels.
What should I expect from the training?
As when you begin to learn anything new, it may feel a little awkward
and clumsy or uncoordinated at first. Your mind can feel overwhelmed with
all there is to do, and your body, hands and feet may not move as well
as you think they should. If you feel this way, you are human. Don’t
worry; things will start to flow more smoothly. Do not expect to be able
to perfectly perform the techniques right from the start. Be careful not
to dwell on what you realize you don’t know and can’t do.
Instead, relax and enjoy the training process and all it has to teach
you. You will be surprised at what you learn about yourself along the
way. Through the physical practice of the techniques, the student gradually
comes to appreciate and understand the mental and spiritual aspects of
Aikido.
You may have slightly sore muscles. This is merely because you are not
used to moving in the same way. The soreness will soon go away. Please,
do not give up at the slightest discomfort or because you do not understand
everything right away. Later, as the training starts to have its effects
on you, you may discover that your posture has improved, a lot of tension
has gone, and you are more flexible, relaxed, calm, centered, patient,
confident, focused and more aware of yourself and your surroundings. You
may even look a little different to your friends. These kinds of reports
are common.
What about the cost?
We work on a monthly dues basis. There are no long term contracts or special
gimmicks. Monthly dues are payable to Last Chance Aikido. Prompt payment
at the beginning of the month is appreciated. Monthly dues are not dependent
on how many classes you attend during the month. We live in a pay for
products and services society, but martial arts dues are different. Your
monthly dues go to support the teacher and keep the dojo running. They
are not pro rated payments for the number of hours you train, and are
not meant to pay for techniques. It would be impossible to pay for all
of the training and wisdom the teacher has acquired through all the years
of training.
Do I have to attend every class?
Due to family, job or school circumstances not everyone can always come
to every class. It is not the end of the world if you cannot make it every
single time. However, be careful about casually missing classes, because
the more you do the easier it becomes, then it gets harder to come back.
In order to get maximum benefit from your training, you must decide to
make it a priority in your life, not just something to do for entertainment,
diversion, or because you have nothing better to do at the moment. Training
in Aikido is in part, training to conquer those little voices in your
mind that tell you that you don’t have to train today it’s
too hot or I’m tired, I can always go tomorrow etc. By making the
commitment to train, and following through on it, you develop the personality
traits, qualities and characteristics to evolve as a person and you reap
the benefits of training as well.
Do I need to buy a training uniform?
It is fine to wear loose sport clothing like sweats when you first come.
No street clothes should be worn on the mat for practice. Once you know
that you would like to continue in Aikido, it is suggested that you purchase
a keiko gi (uniform). This uniform consists of a jacket, pants and a belt.
What about the bowing?
There is a saying. Bu wa Rei ni hajimari, Rei ni owaru. The Martial Arts
begin and end with bowing. We bow as we enter the dojo, to start class,
to our training partners before and after training with them, and to end
class.
There is no need to fear the bowing. In Asian countries bowing is not
even necessarily a religious act. It can correspond to our handshaking
or saluting in formal situations. Japanese culture is much more formal
and ceremonialized than our American culture. Aikido is not a cult or
a religion. Any person holding any religious belief can practice it. By
training in Aikido, one comes to appreciate the little things; attention
to detail, good behavior, proper decorum, manners, and etiquette are great
things for anyone to know.
Attitude shows through. If you are arrogant it can be seen in your bow.
If your attitude is pure, the bow will be very naturally beautiful with
no need to try to make it so. With the bow, we show our gratitude, we
acknowledge, respect and appreciate where the art came from and what it
has to offer. We demonstrate our humility, respect, and appreciation to
the art, to the teacher, your training partners, for the dojo itself and
the opportunity to practice. We put ourselves into the best state of mind
and body from which to learn.
How is Aikido different from the other Martial Arts?
Aikido has its own unique characteristic features. Among the first things
people want to know is how Aikido differs from the other Martial Arts.
Of course, there are many points in common between all the various Martial
Arts. All of the Martial Arts have as fundamental to their practice, the
idea of honing the mind and body through strict, disciplined training.
Points of emphasis in the various disciplines, and their expression as
techniques however, can be quite different from one art to another. Each
art is good for what it is. Each has its own beauty and appeals to different
people. This is why I suggest that you come to observe a class and ask
questions. Also take a look at the various arts so you can make an educated
choice as to which one you would really like to do.
The biggest contrast is most of the other Martial Arts have become competitive
sports. Aikido has chosen not to become a sport! (More about the difference
between the various martial arts, and how martial arts and sports are
different is coming up in another part of the website.)