What To Look For In An Aikido School

To study Aikido, one needs to find a qualified teacher and possibly join a reputable school. Beginning your search for a reputable Aikido dojo should be taken very seriously. You should scout around to several different dojos and choose a place where you feel comfortable. This includes a feeling welcomed. If you are not allowed to watch any classes, you may not want to invest your time and money. Without seeing a class you will not be able to get a good feel for the school. Talk to some of the students and find out what they like and don't like about their school. If people look like they're having fun, take that as a good sign.

Watch out for signs of places whose primary interest is in staying in business, or growing their business, and not in training proficient martial artists. These places will often try to convince you to sign a contract promising to pay them for a certain period and in return, you may receive a promise of a black belt or another high ranking. However, costs of a school, equipment, and insurance are quite high. The best way to determine if a school is being reasonable is to compare what they offer for the price compared to what other local schools offer for their prices. If you are asked to sign a contract, don't act impulsively. Take a copy home and read it over when you won't be distracted.

However, do not be surprised if you are asked to sign a waiver in which you attest to your understanding that martial arts can be dangerous and you promise not to sue the dojo if you get hurt. Yet, Aikido, as well as other martial arts, involves physical activity and contact; injuries will occasionally occur. However, if injuries are common, there is likely a problem in training supervision, and you will probably want to look elsewhere. It will be difficult to tell what the frequency of injuries in the class is in one or two visits.

You should clarify the objectives of the specific Aikido school. In some schools, students are expected to take on more and more responsibility for the dojo's maintenance and instruction programs as they advance in rank. Be very clear on what they will expect of you and what you expect of them. A good indication is to find out if the instructor(s) differentiates between form and function. In other words, do they do it because it looks good or because it works? Some teachers want to teach only people who are willing to commit to them and their style, some are willing to introduce you to their style and let you dabble, some will teach you as long you show up.

The instructor is the person who is going to be guiding your development. You need to feel comfortable with him or her, and feel secure in receiving instruction from them. Find a teacher who embodies your aspirations, one whose opinions you respect. Expect the teacher to challenge your views, to push you beyond your limits. Some teachers pass on technique without any knowledge of the art's philosophical principles. Others talk philosophically the whole class without demonstrating or discussing Aikido's physical aspect. The best teachers are those who achieve a balance. If you have some unease or conflict with the instructor, you might want to look elsewhere.

When signing up for an Aikido program carefully examine the obligations that you are undertaking. Participation in the dojo's programs may be regarded as a privilege rather than as something bought and paid for with membership dues.

A good, reputable dojo, will be heavily influence by the organization that a dojo belongs to. Instructors tend to reproduce the training method that their teachers used on them. There is also the fact that organizations set standards and rules for their member dojos. This in mind, you should try to find out about the parent organization's philosophy and standards. You can ask the instructor about any such organizational philosophy.

Some dojos have a very serious disciplined atmosphere about them. Some have a lighter more casual atmosphere. The nature of martial arts training is to push yourself both mentally and physically and there will be times when you will feel nervous or self-conscience, but you should feel comfortable with the dojo, its instructors, and your fellow students.

Lastly, remember to have fun. If you do not enjoy what you are doing, you will probably not get the most out of the opportunity to walk such a wonderful pathway. And, wherever you end up, remember to practice, practice, practice.