In addition to the dazzling throws and looks painful locks, how would a beginner enters Aikido class for the first time can be quite daunting. It is true that of all the martial arts, Aikido is probably one of the most welcoming and hospitable there.
When I saw my first demonstration of Aikido I was about 16 years, and have chosen a more "traditional" school boy martial arts such as Karate and Tae Kwondo, but long kata practice we put off the memory of a long sequence of moves really was not for me!
When I came across these guys in strange black pants (Hakamas as I later learned that they were called) efforts by throwing each other across the carpet and twisting and turning I was captured by the grace and rhythm. It was so far from other martial arts I'd practiced, but I was hooked.
For the first few lessons Sensei told me to wear comfortable clothing as there was no point investing in Gi (heavy white robes worn as a judo player), unless I was seriously interested in continuing. So, tracksuit pants and a light T-shirt are fine. I also advised that the sandals for a walk with Matt.
One thing that can catch the beginner is that Aikido is a traditional martial art and as such most of the dojo still observe the rules of etiquette, such as leaving their slippers, facing away from the mat and worship (or air "ing), when it enters and exits mat. Most practices also usually start with a quick bow Sensei. Sensei you should advise you about these things, but it is not unusual for them to just leave that to understand? little intelligent observation and talk with some of your new colleagues to ensure that you these things up after a few hours and certainly will not be punished for not observing them when they were new.
Warming up is very important in Aikido so after being on the mat, and you have finished your worship that usually start with 20-30 minutes of stretching and breathing exercises. This is a really important part of the practice because it not only ensures that you reduce the risk of injury, but that you get used to breathing from the "center" (just below your solar plexus), which is another key element of Aikido.
After the warm-up will begin training, and practice the term is very much what it is. You will spend the next hour and a half observing Sensei perform the technique with a choice of partners (uke), which will then practice with a partner. If an odd number of classes May you end up practicing in three, but it is customary to only be two of you, who will take turns assuming the role of attackers and defenders.
The great thing about the practice that you are encouraged to swap partners for each technique. This ensures that you get to practice with a wide range of different body types and sposobnosti.Cijeli sense practice is that the techniques become ingrained in your muscle memory and become second nature, so you instinctively will perform in the real world would ever have to.
When watching video on YouTube Aikido greats you will notice that almost break sweat, and did not appear to be moving in some cases. This is because after 30, 40 50 years of practice techniques are so ingrained that they develop almost psychic ability to predict attacks before they happen and that the position accordingly.
class will usually end up with more bow, and the last word with Sensei about how he feels the class went and any other updates from the club.
and that's it, your first workout - done
General tips and advice I would give to someone looking to start aikido are:
- Do not be rude and / or have a bad attitude, it will not go down well at all. Go in with a completely open mind and be ready to challenge your world view
- Do not expect to 'punch' of people and flying kicks, that's not what Aikido is about?
- Do not be shy to ask a higher grade or Sensei to practice with you. This is the only way you will improve and it is equally important for them to practice with some of your abilities than a higher grade
- Try and get involved in the social side of the club, go out for a drink and continue on. Not only will you learn the fantastic martial arts, but you will no doubt make some good friends
- Join the online Aikido community network where you can share experiences and broaden their knowledge of aikido in general
First of all, enjoy it! Aikido will not only make you feel more confident physically, but there are lots of interesting philosophy behind it that will also improve the way you look at the world and their way of life.