Aikido/Introduction

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Why Study Aikido?

Before setting out to learn Aikido, it might be best to reflect on why one might want to undertake this study. After all, even basic proficiency takes years, competency takes many years, and mastery will take a lifetime. That's a big commitment.

Some reasons:

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Finding a School

Traditionally, the place for learning a martial art was called the dojo (place of the way). It can be any place where Aikido is taught: a school gym, the local YMCA, a health club, or a dedicated Aikido school. Finding the right school for you can make a big difference, especially if you have a choice of schools. More details are available in Finding a Dojo.

How To Start

Once you've enrolled in a school, there are some things you can do to help you get started. Over time, these things will blend into the routine of study and practice.

Make Time for Study

The study of Aikido will take a weekly commitment of time on your part. Plan on attending classes at least twice a week to start with; three times a week is better. Some schools will have very limited class offerings. If that is the case, you don't have much choice but to juggle your weekly schedule to accommodate these class times. Other schools will offer a more complete schedule (mornings, lunch, evenings, weekends). Ask yourself some questions:

Most schools have hour long classes, though some have longer formats. Some may offer multiple classes at a time. Your teacher may also have restrictions on what classes you may attend (e.g. Tuesday nights are reserved for black belts). All of these factors needs to be considered when deciding when to pratice.

You may also find that you want to practice more as you get comfortable with the material. Many students will put in extra time to practice and prepare for a test. Remember that Aikido is a part of your life. In time, you may feel more dedicated to Aikido and that you want to put more time into it. That's fine, but at first, try to find a balance between this activity and others.

What to Wear

Most Aikido students practice in a uniform called a dogi (or gi for short). It consists of a jacket, trousers, and a belt (obi). gis come in different sizes and weights. If you are unsure of your commitment to Aikido, you may want to start with a lightweight karate-style uniform. Later, as you get more experienced, you might find that a heavier Judo gi will last longer and stand up to some of the stress that practice can have on clothing. Most uniforms will come with a white belt. Wear that unless otherwise directed by your teacher. See Tying the Obi.

You will notice that some students wear a long divided skirt called a hakama. Traditions vary from school to school, but generally the hakama is worn after reaching black belt. Some schools permit women to wear them sooner (a holdover from Japanese modesty). Ask a fellow student if you should wear one or just attend classes and see if anyone mentions it. A hakama can be an expensive investment. Most run well over USD 100. Uniforms range from USD 25 to 75 depending on size and weight.

Male students may find that briefs or a jock strap will give them support and comfort during class. Women often wear a sports bra with a t-shirt over it. Feet should be bare. Take off any jewelry you might be wearing. It's surprising how bruised you can get from something as simple as a ring. Do not wear anything around your neck - it can get caught and strangle you. Earrings get caught and might tear the lobes.

Warming Up

Many schools have a series of warm-up and stretching exercises at the start of class. Others assume that you will do this on your own. Regardless, it's worth taking the time to stretch out. Aikido can be physically demanding and the warm-up exercises are designed to limber up the student. Beyond getting in shape for the class, the warm-ups provide a time to mentally shift from the everyday world to practice. Thinking about problems at work during practice won't lead to absorbing what the instructor is saying and could potentially compromise your safety.

In addition, many of the warm-up exercises are related to Aikido techniques. Think about breathing and balance while you work through the warm-ups with the rest of the class. Do any of the exercises remind you of the techniques you've started to learn?

One additional note about practicing in the heat. Hydration is important. If it's hot in the dojo (many are not air conditioned) consider drinking some water before class. If you get light-headed during the class don't be shy about sitting off to one side for a while. If you need to leave the mat for water or for any other reason, ask the instructor first.

Absorb the Culture

The Japanese are a polite people. Because of crowded conditions, they have evolved a complex set of manners, protocol, and rituals, some of which come down to us in the study of Aikido. It's worth the time to get familiar with Aikido Etiquette even if your school is very casual about such things. It could save you much embarrassment should you visit another school. These are not purely empty traditions - they serve several purposes including:

All martial arts schools have a social structure to them, usually with the chief instructor (sensei) at the top, followed by assistant instructors, then senior students, and finally the rest of the students. It's worth taking the time to get to know your fellow students and teachers, even if you don't especially like them. You will be spending a lot of time with them in close physical contact and knowing them as people can make you feel more comfortable about practice.

Aikido has a long and rich history going back to the early part of the 20th century when it was developed as a martial art by Morohei Ueshiba. Learning a bit about [Aikido History]] can give you insight into why things are done in a certain way.

Tips for Studying Aikido

Some tips for studying and practicing Aikido:


This article is issued from Wikiversity - version of the Tuesday, July 08, 2014. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.