I was happy to read that people like I mean have actually heard of Aikido. I have practiced 14 years and have always been excited by it. I think it definitely gets better as you learn and can do large ukemi and koku nage (large rolls and “breath throw”- timing techniques.) I have found a place where I can hold a practice session for $25.00 for one hour and 1/2. We received a donation of mats from another dojo (not related to ours) and held a demo and six people showed up the next day. I am wondering what to charge for one class per week and wondering if I should add a second class? I decided to charge $30.00 per month and am wondering if that’s too much. So far, although my dojo is in its infacncy, I have had far more men interested than women. Aikido is a great sport for women, too, and I am hoping to encourage other women to join.
Aikido is a good sport for life, in that people still do it into their 50’s and 60’s. Sometimes it can even be compatible with “hard styles” such as Karate, in order to have better attacks as we do not work on attacks per se. I am told that a sport such as Tai Kwon Do can give one a very good workout! Those sports can be a bit more milatiristic, and some people like the structure. You also work “solo” though as a group while in Aikido we usually work in partners. Aikido also somewhat favors smaller people, and it is interesting that there is such a thing, even, but it does work! Because a smaller person is lower to the groud, it is easier to pull someone to the ground.
Aikdio does not have competitions at all, which can sometimes be frustrating. It could be difficult if not impossible for a beginner to know how “good” his instructor is. Also, we don’t have any awards to show prospective students.
The best way to find a martial art is to determine what you want to get out of it and then go see a class. It’s best if you can devote at least two days to practice down the road. Consistent practice is even more imporatant. Trust your instints on weather you feel relaxed and comfortable in a class or not. If not, move on and try another.
