What to look for in an Aikido school

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[tworczypistoletspluwa]

My Aikido trainer was explaining techniques with comparisons to physics: centrifugal forces, opposing forces, gravity, and even the sensation of imbalance, like stepping on an uneven surface. It was the best teaching I have experienced so far.

[johnc.]

I moved to Florida from California a couple years ago. In both states Aikido studios are rare. It's frustrating, I studied Aikido years ago and loved it. Really tough not having many around.

[elliotvansertima]

I love the combat Aikido
I trained in a traditional style many years ago and have done other martial arts but I still remember a lot of techniques
These guys bring it all back for a more practical use of Aikido 👊🏾🇬🇾

[optimusmaximus]

I joined three different Aikido schools and every one of them was the same - full of delusional, self-centred people. I never felt welcome, least of all by the instructors, especially when they found out that I had come from the striking arts (tae kwon do, boxing and wing chun). It's a shame really as I liked aikido but after my last experience I gave it away. I ended up taking up judo and I have never looked back. All people in the club I joined are highly disciplined, respectful, supportive, and very friendly towards me. I feel very much at home there and I always get excited about going to training. When I look back on aikido, every time I left a training session I was left with questions about the techniques I was learning and the way they were being taught. But no one was ever willing to discuss anything with me. Every time I leave a judo class, I still have questions as I am a naturally inquisitive person, but I am never short of club members who are only too willing to help me improve my technique and approach to learning. I do intend to take up aikido again at some stage, but the next time I will be very, very judicious in my choice of where I go.

[Gking]

I would add that it is worth checking the training and teaching experience of the dojo. Our dojo comes under the British aikido board and anyone can look up our credentials etc.

[shia_labeouf]

I agree with this. I'd summarise it as trusting your gut: Try a couple of sessions, talk to the teacher(s) and then be honest with yourself about how you feel afterwards. If you don't enjoy it, don't feel welcomed, or it doesn't feel like it will give you what you want, try somewhere else. Almost all dojos will give you one or two lessons for free.
Don't force yourself to train somewhere you're not happy.

[attygarland]

Lot to learn there .. first, I didn't know we could email them directly .. how so? I take it they never read our comments (or at least reply to them, if they do) .. I have made numerous valuable suggestions for videos on here and none have ever been picked up. ☹ Secondly, yes, we so wish they HAD affiliated dojos, esp. here in the U.S.. If that's not going to happen, then, again, we need someplace on a website where we can pair up locally with other Akidoflowers to practice the techniques shown in the videos series (and the online training videos esp.). It doesn't do any good to just watch the videos .. KEEP ON GROWING AIKIDOFLOWERS!

[essexaikidodojoshoshinkan]

Martial arts practice has got to be enjoyable. Visit several clubs to see if they provide what you want. If you are into a competitive format Tomik/Shodokan Aikido offers access to national and international competition, Regardless of style check to ensure that the instructor has a tracible lineage. I had an experience where a instructor was claiming to be a 10th dan and using our club badge on his website. Sadly there are conmen in all walks of life.

[danieldare]

I'm number one. Also love the channel

[literromanceresq]

I've been going to Aikido Schools for several years. I even went to the school located in Kawata, Waza, Japan. Here is what I've learned: If they don't incorporate Randori drills that are intense enough to parallel full contact sparring, then it's not a school for you. Aikido is not a martial art it's a religion.

[thomasrigley]

You guys are very “punter friendly” need to smarten up your presentation. I watch you for self defence info. I am 80 years old and now for the first time in my life feel more confident than ever about my personal security Thank you. Stuart

[striplingwarrior]

Hi chaps I would like to know more about weight underside and AiKiDo breathing.

[tjey]

On training, just out of curiosity what is, if there is any, the significance of meditation when training in Aikido?

[OneaeBlack]

Aikido Boxer Fitness Referee Street Fighter Competition Tournament Contest?