I am considering taking Aikido..?

Question

I am 24, 205 lbs, and I would not say that I am in bad shape physicly. What do I need to do to be fit for it, and how would I find a dojo or any learning center? Do such places have a sign up time, like a simester, or do I sign up at any time? Also, about how much will it cost?

Answer 1

Aikido is not terribly demanding physically. A healthy 24-year-old should have no trouble with any reputable class. When you begin training, I would advise you arrive at class early and do practice rolls, hard falls, and stretches to warm up before class starts. Your teacher should show you stretching exercises appropriate for Aikido. Most classes start with some stretching exercises anyway, but more can't hurt. Stretching is especially important because Aikido involves stress on the tendons of the person being thrown, so being warm and stretched will prevent injury.

You should be able to find Aikido classes in the Martial Arts section of your local yellow pages, or 411 information can give you serveral listings from a category.

In my experience Aikido classes accepted students at any time. You just join in and work with partners who are close to your level, or who are good with newer members. It's a gentle art, and experienced members are expected to watch out for the safety of junior students, so even if you work out with the most advanced student in the room you're not going to get thrashed.

Prices vary from one dojo to another. I would estimate these days it would be in the $60.00 per month range, possibly more.

I suggest that you talk to representatives of several schools and watch their practice sessions before making a selection. There are many different styles of Aikido, so you should be able to find one that matches your style best.

Answer 2

Well to answer you in order

1. You do not have to already be fit when you start Aikido or any Martial art but it never hurts either. So any form of conditioning that is comfortable for you for warming up would be a good start so you do not pull any muscles or tendons

2. Finding a school can be done many ways, by phone book yellow pages, to search engines or just driving in an area you know some schools are at possibly. the important thing is to find a reputable Dojo and not a McDojo. Meaning, if you can purchase your Black Belt through a program, chances are it is a McDojo, most have no gauranteed set time for promotion, only a general one that is usually bended to each person's level of learning.

3. Signing up can be anytime, the starting time is not like at a University where you get your classes and schedule, with this it is not so formal usually. Some places post a monthly schedule of when their classes are or special events will be on their websites, but there is no difference other than when you will test say if you join two months after a friend joins. he will have two months experience more than you as long as he does not stop training. He will probably test before you. SO that is really the only thing. IF it requires you to sign a large contract for a year or so like a Gymnasium does than reconsider if they are legit or just making money? It is ok to make money but not at the expensive of the level of quality the student should learn.

4 Costs, can vary from Dojo to Dojo ranging from as low as free or near free, then some can be $50-$100 a month and more expensive ones are over $100 a month. this usually does not cover testing fees for your next rank.

Hope that helps answer your questions and though I personally do not take Aikido I have only taken a few lessons from friends that do, I think you will enjoy your self if you find the proper school for you. enjoy your journey.

Answer 3

Your current physical condition is probably not that relevant as long as you are in normal good health. The training will guide you toward the proper conditioning, and with Aikido there is definitely a lot of training. Dojos in your area are frequently listed in the the phone directory or on line, but of course the best approach would be to get referrals from martial artists in your area. Even if they are not active Aikido practitioners, they will most likely be familiar with reputations of dojos in your area or know what to look for and be able to visit and evaluate prospective schools for you. Charges vary widely between schools, as do lengths of training contracts, but most likely the best schools are not interested in making money but cultivating their martial art. Don't be surprised if they are hesitant about accepting you as a student until you have demonstrated to them sufficient motivation; this would be considered a good sign. Aikido is definitely a powerful style and if you have a passion for it and have a good dojo in your area would definitely be worth pursuing. Yes, it is a long process toward proficiency, but the journey will be its own reward.