Just curious to see if there are any Aikidoka on here and where they train, what style, rank, ect....
2007-03-26 18:15:34 · 5 answers · asked by Stever 2 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
Why, yes, I study Aikido! I live & study in St. Louis.
The dojo I train at is affiliated with the Seidokan, a small and more obscure affiliation. My sensei's approach is very straightforward and practical. Every technique taught is self-defense oriented. No blabbering on about cultivating my Ki and the like (actually he discusses the importance of Ki a great deal). He balances equally between the "here, grab my wrist" techniques and the defense against strikes techniques.
The class structure & style is very informal, but we do observe the major traditions & protocols (we do indeed wear gis/hakamas and we do address sensei as "Sensei"). The focus is on learning a martial art, not playing dress-up and re-creating pseudo-Japanese feudalism with its excessive formalism. As such, Sensei doesn't require newcomers to wear a gi until after their 3rd full month of training! He gives the names of techniques in both Japanese & English. There is also an equal emphasis upon weapons training, which I like.
We have a total of 5 Aikido dojo here in St. Louis. I shopped them all and chose the one I'm currently at for the above-stated reasons.
2007-03-28 02:08:37 · answer #1 · answered by dewmeister 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very cool Dewmeister!
I unfortunately do not study Aikido, but am fasinated by the Art. As soon as I am able I starting to study more about it.
My main focus is Wing Chun Kung Fu, and have been told that the styles work extremely well together, so I have read up about Aikido, and am looking forward to filling my cup with knowledge of it.
lr
http://www.pacificwingchunassociation.com
2007-03-30 22:50:53 · answer #2 · answered by sapboi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never trained Aikido as a stand-alone art, but I've done cross-training in Yoshinkan Aikido.
This was done at the Itten Dojo, Enola, Pennsylvania. They also taught Muso Shinden Ryu Jojutsu, and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Kenjutsu.
Ranking.....I never accepted any ranking, it was for fun and general knowledge moreso than anything.
2007-03-27 12:44:56 · answer #3 · answered by Manji 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not but a friend of mine does. His school is rather small but it's near San Luis Obispo, CA. He's been doing it for a while and is about to test for Black Belt.
2007-03-27 02:48:57 · answer #4 · answered by jjbeard926 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do, but its hard to find a good teacher. Iawama style, 2 kyu.
2007-03-27 09:32:38 · answer #5 · answered by DougieM 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋