I joined a club about two years ago, but quit after three months. I have some problems with the way it was being taught. I'm hoping this was just a bad club, and I'd like to know if I should try it again. I am attracted to the spiritual side of the art, as well as the physical benefits it promotes. My problem is the classes seemed very rushed and I had trouble remembering the movements. We had a very limited space to train in which made it difficult and uncomfortable. The instructor showed us the movements and only gave us a very short amount of time to figure them out. I quickly became discouraged and eventually gave up. Is this typical of most Aikido clubs? As beginners we trained with intermediate students and I just felt like a practice dummy. Please let me know what you think, as I would love to continue my training with a proper club.
posted by:
|
Ireland
|
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, April 10, 2007 - 7:16 PMThe aikido learning curve is fairly difficult. Nobody is expected to get the movement right away. Limited space can be an issue. I've always thought it a good sign when students stay after the class and keep training to catch up on what they learned. As for the 'practice dummy' aspect, I think there should be -some- time for kohai to be nage. One can certainly learn however as uke.
FWIW
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, April 10, 2007 - 8:29 PMSome instructors may try to move quickly through material because they fear the students will get bored. It's a balancing act between giving people time to learn and keeping them interested. If this is a college club that meets only once or twice a week, the idea may be to get you interested so you can take regular classes at the main dojo. Usually it takes many many hours of practice to master a single movement, so don't feel like you're going or need to get it in the first session. Each time you will remember a little bit more.
As for spiritual stuff, my dojo is light on the outward religious and spiritual aspects of Aikido, and that's the way I like it. Intensity of character and spirit is what keeps our group together, but it' is between the lines. Spirituality is to be lived and not so much talked about. No one at my dojo is Omoto or Shinto that I know of, and even if they were it wouldn't be important.
But other dojo's are the complete opposite and anywhere between. So you can certainly find what you are looking for.
Best of luck. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, April 10, 2007 - 8:34 PMAlso, if you feel like you're only a practice dummy and not getting a chance to try the techniques, then perhaps the person you are working with is abusing the privilege. At our dojo beginners spend most of their time mastering rolling (ukemi) and footwork. Perhaps 25% of the time they work techniques that involve a partner, and half of that time they should be executing the technique. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, April 10, 2007 - 8:56 PMI strongly suggest, if you live in an area w/ multiple dojos/clubs/etc that you visit and observe as many as you can. Teaching style and dojo cultures are HIGHLY variable.
Having said that...
in most Aikikai" dojo there is not a rigid curriculum and beginning students are not expected to learn each movement or technique sequentially (which IS closer to the pedagogical approach of Yoshinkan style dojos). Rather, you muddle along, doing the movements the best you can, getting guidance from the instructor but not expecting to go home having memorized it - its more like, sometime during the first month, you'll have been exposed to nikkyo a few times and will start recognizing it.
So yeah it is a, pardon the expression <wicked grin mode on> faith-based teaching approach <wicked grin mode off> , based on showing up without expectations, doing what is in front of you, hoping some of it stays in your brain/body, and repeating every 2 to 3 days for 20 yrs.....
-
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, April 10, 2007 - 10:12 PMya devilock definately try some other dojo's out... like others have mentioned its different at each dojo... it was my experience that it took me a few months before i felt comfortable recognizing 1 to 2 techniques and performing the motions slowly. After 6 months to 1 year (i was going 2-3 times a week) I felt really good about a lot of them and was asked to take my first test.
It's one of the most highly reformed arts, and the in reality, the difference between an Aikido technique and some from other arts, as well as just the difference between an effective technique and a non-effective one is literally milimeters.
keep at it, and read the biography of O'Sensei in your spare time and you'll understand it a bit more i believe... the book is called an invincible warrior. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Wed, April 11, 2007 - 12:46 PMThanks to everyone for the input. I think there are a few dojos in my area, so I'll check them all out and sign up for the one I like best. Is there a particular style that concentrates more on the more "spiritual" (for lack of a better word) side? I mean a style that promotes balance and harmony above physical prowess. I tried Tai-Chi, but it was too slow and soft for my liking. A friend has practiced Karate for about five years, but I don't like the concept of competition. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Wed, April 11, 2007 - 1:03 PMYou need to look for a Teacher tather than a Style. Call them up, ask questions. Visit their classes,look and listen. Go with the one that Feels Right. And Keep Going Back. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Wed, April 11, 2007 - 1:24 PMagreed.
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 9:31 AMYour reply is great see,hear ,feel ,what is happening? What speaks to us? I"m very curious! Curious energy rocks!!! that is what works! What feels right?See what we want,hear what we want,................................and feel it!!! And poof! there is the teacher!!! Repetition is the mother of skill,an experience not a demo,Life is heart felt.A good teacher teaches what must be taught,not what they want to profess to teach.Find the ones who want you to be empowered.That is all.Feel what is right,What do you really Want?Find it! Yes!!!
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Thu, April 12, 2007 - 10:57 PM"Is there a particular style that concentrates more on the more "spiritual" (for lack of a better word) side? I mean a style that promotes balance and harmony above physical prowess."
Hmmm. Well, I'm told the Ki Society style tends not to be non-physically focused, but I've never seen it, nor met a practitioner.
I've always believed and found that aikido is a physical embodiment of a lot of deeper principles of how to relate to and connect with the rest of the world, and as I've trained, with an eye on those principles, the physical practice has made them accessible to me in ways that go much deeper than the physical techniques I've learned. Training, over and over again, week after week, changes you according to how you approach your training. At my current dojo, we only talk about connection, compassion, how to balance the desire to not harm with the need to protect, and especially the importance of blending and not getting into a fight.
We don't particularly go into spirituality, because that's personal and different for each person, and one of the marvels of aikido is how it overlays and complements any spiritual path. I don't think that's in opposition to the physical or martial side of things; quite the contrary, I think we get the full gift of aikido when we think of it as both "martial" and an "art". The sheer physicality of it, of learning to inhabit and move my body around and take these amazing falls that I couldn't have dreamed of five years ago, has been a large part of the spiritual experience for me. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Fri, April 13, 2007 - 8:48 AMAnd ,comversely, my dojo sometimes tends to focus more on the spiritual, energetic aspects of aikido specifically in terms of personal transformation.
Rather ,we go through spurts.We have a sortof cycle that covers testtraining/testing/Energy/basics & technical/energy/test training around the cycle of the year.
-
-
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Wed, April 11, 2007 - 2:25 PMJanet and Qatana nailed it - Shop around. Every dojo has a unique feel to it, and you should only stick with one that you feel comfortable at. It is your money/time after all.
I cannot speak to your specific points, but feeling rushed through training consistently is never good. At my dojo our Sensei encourage giving folks good chunkcs of time to work the techniques and grind the lessons in.
Best of luck in your search for a good school.
FYI - You do not need to do Aikido to use the spiritual practices of Aikido. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Thu, April 12, 2007 - 4:52 PMSame feel here. I trained in "self-defense" and familiar what to do to "end the conflict" as quick as possible. Aikido still offers "The Way", a spiritual philosophy related to the combat.
An instructor you bond with IS worth seeking and through thier guidance you would be able to be the one doing the tossing, look for this reassurance in them.
Reminds me of the T.V. program Kung Fu. The hero, "David Caradine", had many qualities worth seeking such as self-defense, accupressure, medicinal herbs, etc.
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, April 17, 2007 - 10:58 AMI'd say that the way to judge a dojo is by the students that have been there for a while. If the intermediate students seemed to know what they were doing, I'd take that as evidence that you'll get it too if you stick with it.
As far as the "spiritual" stuff goes, we don't spend much time talking about it because you don't need a partner and a mat to talk philosophy. Since you have limited access to training but plenty of access to thinking, then time on the mat should be spent doing the things you need a mat for. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, April 17, 2007 - 9:25 PMIn terms of evaluating a dojo, my sensei or sensei's sempai, or their sensei (who knows who it's really attributed to) said to look for three things:
Are people having fun?
Are the techniques effective?
Are the senior students helping newer students?
I'm paraphrasing, but that was the essence of it. I always have those questions in mind when I visit other dojos.
~n
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sat, July 7, 2007 - 5:47 PMI too took an Aikido class and decided to drop out of it. I didn't find the teacher going over technique too fast nor did I feel like a practice dummy so the problem you were having could very well have been the fault of the other students or the teacher of that particular class.
In my case I decided not to continue with the class because I realized the types of attacks that we were being taught to defend against were too easy to counter and I wanted to learn something that was more challenging.
I did find some of the techniqe I learned in the class useful when sparring with others out of the Aikido Dojo so I'm not saying the class was useless to me.
What I would point out however is that very few experienced combatants make the type of obvious attacks that we we being show in the Dojo and just because one learns a counter to an attack it doesn't also mean that the other person doing the attack isn't going to execute a counter to your planed out defense.
In my opinion overall the Aikido teacher I had in that class totally failed to point out the element of deception in the way more experienced combatants will make attacks and the class was more intended to teach students how to defend against attackers that have very little offensive skill.
At the very begining of the class the teacher told us that if we felt akido was not our art we should move on. With those words in mind I chose to do just that. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 12:31 AMSo, Alex, why exactly did you join this tribe? -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 9:39 AMApparently he thinks there is value in a newbie bypassing basic kata and form and going directly to counters, which to me is akin to a music student wanting to improvise before learning notes and scales. I'm not aware of any art that teaches that way. Are you? -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 9:51 AMI guess that the a huge pile of Information abut the fact that Aikido is an art that takes years to get a grip on (pun intended) isn't applicable to people who can figure out on one class that it is never going to be useful to them.
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 9:59 AMNow now Qatana, must we lead in with ad-homonyms and chasing people out of the tribe as soon as they voice a contrary opinion? I thought you were the voice of calmness and positivity on this tribe...
Alex,
Your reasons for not choosing Aikido are the most rational and reasonable I've heard. It takes a good chunk of intelligence to say "very few experienced combatants make the type of obvious attacks that we we being show in the Dojo" instead of "Aikido is fake".
In fact, I happen to agree with you on some points. The large attacks common in Aikido waza are not something an experienced fighter would use unless there were specific circumstances e.g. extreme anger or maintaining a large miai and forcing them to commit a large technique.
I believe that a good portion of the people who might attack me will use large techniques e.g. john wayne style hook punch etc. However, with the popularity of MMA and related fighting sports, I believe that the average attacker is gathering better (or at least different) techniques. Aikidoka should be prepared for Brazilian Jujitsu style take-downs and other ground and pound techniques. Also they should be prepared for feints, jabs, and other techniques that do not present the extreme unbalancing present in larger techniques.
Large single attacks should be the beginning of Aikido practice. They are the easiest to deal with. But from there Aikidoka should graduate to more difficult attacks. This is not easy. This is outside of our comfort zone.
I happen to believe in the fundamentals of Aiki-based arts. I believe the principles can be used effectively against most, if not all types of attacks. I have no proof of this now, because no Aikidoka is willing to stand in front of those attacks and neutralize them. But I think if Aikidoka would work hard, stop distracting themselves with the fluff associated with Aikido, and return to the core martial art, the one created by warriors and killers, Aiki-based arts could return to their honorable position. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 10:31 AMThe "average attacker" doesn't Have MMA training, for the most part the "average attacker" is either under the influence of drugs or emotions and is generally out of control of themselves.
Try changing the intent of the attack. Stand in the dojo and hold a hundred dolar bill in your hand. People may not try to grab you by the wrist but isn't it amazing that the exact same defense works for "grabbing something out of your hand".Isn't it incredible that the same defense against a yokumen will deflect a roundhouse punch., or that a properly timed tenkan will pretty much get you out of the way of most striking attacks.
I'nm sorry but nobody is qualified to voice an opinion about how something doesn't and will never work based on a single class. Not in a martial art, not in a visual or performing art nor any other art or vocation which requires commitment and discipline.Other than " I didn't feel it was a good match FOR ME".
See,aikido MUST work, if people have a calm and positive picture of me!! -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 4:18 PMI would add to my prior comment (re learning basics before learning counters) that "realistic attacks" very much depends on who and where you are. As an urban woman, I don't normally expect snipers or roadside bombs, but being grabbed and held or grabbed and pulled - which many men deride as "unrealistic" - is VERY much how men initiate attacks on women. very much a case of YMMV. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 11:15 PMA friend told me a story about Jimmy Friedman Sensei, of Suginami in SF...it's not the shiniest part of town, and one night he was going through the alley next to the dojo and a mugger came up, grabbed his wrist, and demanded his wallet.
Friedman Sensei cracked up laughing, and the mugger freaked out and ran away.
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Mon, July 9, 2007 - 10:37 AMIn my experience, there is a huge difference between - being attacked - and - being in a fight. People who watch MMA don't always know the difference. I would venture to say that perhaps most people in Aikido tend to train "against being attacked" which is much more valuable than learning to fight. That's not to say that they are completely different, but there are differences in strategy. There's a difference between self-defense and fighting. The intention of the attacker is different.
That being said, that's why a lot of martial arts are very effective as self-defense, but fell short when going up against BJJ in the beginning. The jump to working with a fighter using Aikido isn't that far, but generally, it needs to be addressed if one wants that knowledge and training, IMO. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Mon, July 9, 2007 - 10:44 AMAiki1, I think that is an excellent point! -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Mon, July 9, 2007 - 12:26 PMAnd this is why I don't understand what Alex & Eric are talking about. Aikido is Not a Fighting Art, and they are trying to make it into one and then dis it because it doesn't Work.In a Fight. Its not Supposed to. . -
-
This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Mon, July 9, 2007 - 8:12 PMI agree it's not a "fighting" art. I do think it can work in a fight, it's just not its primary purpose. I think the techniques are adaptable, after all many of the basic wrist locks are the same used in "fighting" arts.
This past weekend we had Doran Sensei up for a seminar. We worked on some techniques that evolve out of multiple attacks (I.e. rather than 1 big attack, two smaller ones, etc). We also touched on something that has come up a couple times recently, that you have to be adaptable (or reactive, connected, however you like to think of it) enough to accept the opportunity provided you in the moment. In other words, you may start out an encounter trying to do ikkyo but something happens and the ikkyo doesn't work well (don't get their balance, they move faster, whatever). If you're connected and ready, kote gaeshi or something else may present itself.
I don't think that I explained the idea very well. However its the kind of thing that typically happens later in training as people get more advanced in rank, especially with groups that are big on randori. Many people that don't stick with it never see that side.
Interestingly enough, this thread and specifically the discussion of usefulness against attacks or in fight situations, sparked a conversation between myself and a co-worker today. He is a black belt candidate in traditional tae kwon do. Apparently one of the first things his teacher says to new people coming in is: "If you want to learn how to fight, then go to the AFC, if you want to learn Martial Arts then you can stay here." (Note: AFC is our local MMA league).
-
This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, July 10, 2007 - 7:18 AMQuote Qatana: "Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
And this is why I don't understand what Alex & Eric are talking about. Aikido is Not a Fighting Art, and they are trying to make it into one and then dis it because it doesn't Work.In a Fight. Its not Supposed to. . "
In case we're slacking on our history here, Aikido and the Aiki-based arts come from the bushi of Japan. They were warriors by profession. The techniques were for use by bushi when fighting other bushi or whoever else might attack them. I can't fathom how that is not a "fight".
Now, perhaps later, most notibly after WWII, Aikido may have become a dance with funny pants.
But it did not start that way, and should not continue to deteriorate.
Aiki1's comments on the difference between 'being attacked' and 'being in a fight' are insightful. People often confuse being in an octagonal padded ring with one other professional fighter -- as being the same as 'being attacked'. It's not. But that doesn't mean that Aikido and should fail miserably in that environment. It also doesn't mean that when 'being attacked' you will not have jabs, feints, and takedowns to deal with.
Martial spirit emplies intent to win no matter what. I believe Aikido is up to the challenge, but I might be alone. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Tue, July 10, 2007 - 11:32 PMPerhaps we should define terms for better understanding. When I am referring to fighting arts, I'm referring to things like MMA training, where the primary goal is to train someone to hurt another person. The intent is not to defend oneself but specifically to hurt the other person. -
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Wed, July 11, 2007 - 9:09 AM"Perhaps we should define terms for better understanding. When I am referring to fighting arts, I'm referring to things like MMA training, where the primary goal is to train someone to hurt another person. The intent is not to defend oneself but specifically to hurt the other person."
I agree, this is a good definition. This is not self-defense per se. Although the techniques of Aikido, in many instances, can be used to hurt someone, in my opinion it ceases to be Aikido then, and most people don't train for that anyway. BUT - when possibly faced with a situation where an Aikidoka might find themselves with the need to "defend" themselves against a MAA practitioner, if looked at as a - self-defense - situation rather than a fight, Aikido can certainly be successful. But, one needs to understand and train for this context. That's my experience. -
-
katsuginken or satsujinto?
Wed, July 11, 2007 - 11:50 AMwe all know how to fight, whether it be with our bodies, snide comments made in about unpleasant circumstance, or just argueing with ourselves about whats for dinner. it is pervasive in entertainment, business, politics and even family life. to excel in fighting others is a practice of domination, to cause pain or fear in an 'opponent' so that they will refrain from further aggression. this is considered 'victory' in competion arts, and indomitable will is best seen in the teir two fighter who wont give up despite being deposed. however, this kind of attitude is rare, and while often appreciated, is not given status in our culture the way a dominator is.
my understanding of aikido is that we train to learn how not to fight. every conflict is seen as a potential training tool, a chance to experience conflict and realize harmony. Life is full of conflict, and so is mind. however, I experience those moments of harmony as 'epiphanies'. I train to realize these and to help other realize them. WHEN aikido works in a fight, it presents the ultimate goal of bushido, which is to END fighting. It does this not by domination, but bt offering the 'adversary' an epiphany.
I speak from experience in this: in three highly charge physical encounters over the last 10 years ive walked away from violent attacks with the perp having had a realization or deeply moving emotional experience. to 'fight' is to be unbalanced- this is a primary tenant of O'sensei's teaching. by giving in to aiki- let it through me, "ive" stopped a man from beating a woman in a phone booth, and his last words to me as the cops drug him off were "why didnt that hurt?"; at a party I was chaperoning into which three coked up college football players started randomly punching people in a crowd, the biggest, easily 40+ pounds heavier than my 215, RAN from me in tears after I told him it was time to leave, and finally a man who tried to mug me (he was drunk...) collapsed at my feet saying he was sorry and then went on to tell me how horrible the last three months of his life had been. In each of these cases punches were thrown at me and I did simple sidestepping- hashi no ashi and tenkan movements, and only in one did I apply a technique.
those are the success stories. I regret I have some "nonsuccesses" where I attempted to apply myself, perform technique, or dominate another. The first of the three guys at that party is scarred for life due to my lack of harmonizing. Ive also been thouroughly stomped by a kid half my age though it looked like "i won"- I was in such a mess and felt so horrible for fighting someone I could have walked away from that there was no way I could knock it up to a 'victory' Put me in a ring with an MMA guy and I might - actually probably would- get eaten alive. by agreeing to compete Ive set into motion a chain of mind consciousness that is not aiki. but in daily life, where these things count the most, aiki is not about domination, it is about cultivating deep connection that holds a mirror to the deeper truth of who we are- not merely bones and blood and guts, but beings with spirits and deep fears and strong desires.
when we hold the mirror up for our partner in a way they can see themselves, the conflict become a harmony. it can look incredibly violent or very subtle- all this 'eye' sight is just a distraction anyhow. perception, as musashi pointed out is more powerful than sight or gaze.
Bushido was not about a competition to see who was the best swordsman or archer or hand to hand artist around. it is is a code of ethics and is aimed at the purification of our spirits so that we can shine forth in our day to day lives, amidst the contentions of nations, kings, business, neighbors and even family, no matter how large or small the may be. the kanji itself is of a spear being broken if I understand it correctly, and it means to stop the fight. in order to do this one must stop the fight within oneself first. those who are nable to do this may, as musashi wrote, cleave a man in two, but will never make a worthy sword cut.
after all this rambling I would like to provide a link to a article written by Ellis Amdur. I hope that some will see that this discussion is, while interesting, perhaps only a starting point for a deeper examination of aikido truly is about. what is victory? what is defeat? above I write with confidence about my practice and understanding of aikido. but perhaps when we think of "does aikido work in a (physical) fight" we have lost sight of what bushido truly is. I hope this article will bring some contemplation of questions which we are distracted from by that line of thought, and inspire you all to polish your spirits diligently so as to become the best mirror and of the the best samu to our planet and cultures as possible.
may you all realize your role in the flowering of this art of peace.
www.koryu.com/library/eamdur3.html -
-
Re: katsuginken or satsujinto?
Wed, July 11, 2007 - 5:49 PMSB: Thanks for your post. I've always had respect for what you have had to say in the greater process of ai-ki. I too have had experiences of ai in the midst of a dance of violence and come out successful, sometimes not-so.
To me, in the early part of my training I found that many practicioners of martial arts were in it for the sake of control or cruelty. Boiling it down, I have yet to find another category. I had found through self-analysis that mine was control, though in my angry and scarred youth I romanticized some of the cruelty in order to feel more safe. Now, I am in the process of understanding that there is no spoon, there is no control. The more I am there, the more I find 'winning' to be superfluous, there is no 'win'. The more I understand fear and 'Mara-nature'* the more I see that there is room for the non-conflict, non-fearful, non-attached, yet my scarred youth understands that in chaos, it is good to have the motoric subroutines to react in order to better the odds to preserve self or loved-one. I feel in my bones that there is no perfection of defense, yet I seek to have a chance at life. Amongst practicioners, I still swim in their need to be in control or to find the very cruel way to incapacitate their attacker and I feel a need for a philosophical shower afterward.
The conflict for me is this. Ego is strong in both the controlling and the cruel. The belief that "TheWay" can be owned by only one teacher, only one system or only one overall martial paradigm creates a struggle amongst those who invest in the martial Do's, Ryu's and Jutsu's and I feel that this is more a stumbling block than anything. I own that it is a stumbling block for me, but I regret seeing others in that moot grapple as well.
* www.audiodharma.org/talks/St...elor.html
www.dharmaweb.org/index.php..._Batchelor -
-
Re: katsuginken or satsujinto?
Tue, December 18, 2007 - 12:59 PMIt is not just in the Dojo of a "Ryu" or "Do" I've also experience the pecking orders in Sanghas as well,and "Theo" Mania" from some high profile Lamas,it really is Mara and it is a humanity problem,even the Easterners have thier problems as well.I guess the goal is "Emptiness" as the teachings are taught in Buddhism and the goal for Aikido is "Take Musu" "To spontaneously respond and to spontaneously create."In an Aiki fashion,like Buddhism,it is not for everybody.But no matter what path truly rings for us,Mara will be there waiting,and Emptiness on the otherside,.......waiting.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Sun, July 8, 2007 - 4:16 PMAlex,
It's a free world, train Aikido, or don't. Makes no difference at all. But, to assume that a teacher had better say everything they are ever going to say for all time in the classes you happen to be at seems a bit silly. The attacks of Aikido are not always realistic. Neither are those of Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, or any art that picks a subset of possibilities to study principles at any one time. To do otherwise is impossible. To have a system that is teachable you must pick a path toward the principles. There is no escaping that. If you just want to be a good fighter, go out and fight. Take your lumps and hope that you are whole enough to keep up your "practice". Or, you could study a system long enough to dig into the particular principles being expressed in a deep way.
-
-
Re: I tried Aikido, but had some problems...
Mon, July 9, 2007 - 12:36 AMDevilock:
Traditional Aikido teaching style tends to conduct classes at a pace that many Westerners consider very fast. Within 50 minutes, the teacher typically aims to run students through warm-ups, five of the ten foundation techniques, and a warm-down such as kokyu doza. Given the curriculum and time constraints, you'll find it fairly common for a teacher to show a technique four times and to allow students to practice this technique within about four minutes. Others below stated very well the expectations placed on students: learn HOW to learn by learning HOW to see and to listen differently. Aikido can offer spiritual insights; however, it begins with hard, physical practice, and learning how to navigate that practice will set you on your way eventually.
Check out Hombu dojo's web site, or sites of its direct affiliates, such as the Aikido Center of Los Angeles. You'll get a sense for how Doshu expects Aikido to continue. Good luck!
Best regards,
BDD
