What makes Aikido a unique martial art?
(back to top)
The grace and power of Aikido comes from using the
attacker's force to throw or pin him/her with minimal effort. Aikido principles
of blending and non-resistance also teach students to seek creative
alternatives in conflict, both physical and verbal. As students gain
confidence, they discover that force does not have to be met with force.
Aikido defenses involve minimal strikes and no kicking.
Instead, the student uses circular movements to control the attack. Aikido
emphasizes open-hand defenses, allowing one to move quickly (making a fist
involves muscular contraction, which takes time) and rely on proper technique
and internal energy (ki) rather than
physical strength. This "soft" power allows the student to throw with
devastating force or with the gentleness of a summer breeze.
What makes Aikido an "internal style"?
(back to top)
It is perhaps too simplistic to create a dichotomy such as
"internal vs. external martial arts"; an advanced and mature Karate
student may emphasize internal power and softness
while some Aikido instructors emphasize muscular power and technical precision.
Nevertheless, Aikido is often described as an internal style due to its strong
emphasis on relaxation and awareness of one's center, and how to project energy
or ki through the body. In
addition, we do a great deal of conditioning training, both external (strength,
cardiovascular fitness and flexibility) and internal (breathing exercises).
Through extensive conditioning, the student gradually
develops great power. The secret to Aikido's power is due to the fact that we
practice many defenses from wrist grabs, allowing the student to learn how to
meet resistance with relaxed and precise movements. In contrast, other martial
arts that do not focus on grabs do not have as immediate an understanding of
the imperative of movement from the center in order to develop relaxed power
and extension. For some people, the concept of ki
or universal energy may seem esoteric; the
development of internal power can also be described simply as the integration
of power of relaxation with coordinated movement. After training for several
years, the Aikido student discovers that ki has a deeper and subtler
manifestation.
Is Aikido practical for self-defense?
(back to top)
If you want to learn how to protect yourself, we encourage
you to take self-defense classes rather than a traditional martial art. Then
choose a martial art that you will stick with for many years -- a form that
suits your personality and philosophy. There is no ideal martial art, and it
may take years of training in Aikido technique (or any other martial art for
that matter) to gain street effectiveness.
Perhaps the best preparation for self-defense is awareness
and good posture. If you react to a dangerous situation with excessive tension,
fear or anger, no amount of "practical" training will help you. Aikido teaches
relaxed awareness in conflict, and the fundamental importance of proper
postural alignment and evasion skills. In addition, Aikido's emphasis on
blending with attacks rather than blocking makes it ideal for defending against
more powerful opponents. Aikido has become popular with law enforcement
personnel due to the fact that it does not rely on strikes and kicks to safely
immobilize an attacker. In addition, many soldiers in elite groups such as the
Special Forces have integrated Aikido techniques into tactical training due to
the efficiency of the movements.
I am looking for something that will give me a good
workout and help me relax in stressful situations. Should I choose Aikido?
(back to top)
Find a form of exercise that you enjoy enough to make a
long-term commitment. Some people prefer the complexity and variety of Aikido
instead of repetitive training like running or weightlifting. After you become
proficient in the art of falling (one to three months), Aikido training can be
very aerobic and physically challenging.
Aikido kokyu waza
(breathing exercises), zazen (seated meditation), and intense physical exercise
help people relax. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises in particular help
students consciously change negative breathing patterns and reduce stress.
What is this Aikido style and
how does it differ from other forms of Aikido?
(back to top)
There are many different styles
and traditions in Aikido. The Chief Instructor is
Vermont's only fully certified
instructor (shidoin ). He has studied intensively with direct
students (uchi deshi) of the founder,
including Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei and Kazuo Chiba Sensei, and continues his
practice under a number of senior teachers. Some styles emphasize a soft,
almost dance-like approach, while other forms of aikido teach more linear,
martial technique. We believe that true Aikido balances elements of softness
and hardness, unifying internal power or ki
with technically precise movements. Aikido should be
martially effective and realistic without sacrificing the imperatives of
sensitivity, awareness and the cultivation of harmony. We also strongly
emphasize the relationship between weapons and empty-handed practice, a method
of training the founder emphasized in his earlier years.
We are the only dojo in Vermont that hosts seminars with direct
students
of the Founder, including Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei and Kazuo Chiba Sensei, in
addition to other senior teachers (Shihan)
from the United States, Europe and Japan.
I am over 45 years of age. Do
you have older students?
(back to top)
Yes, we have a number of students who began training at this
age or older (up to 70 years of age). Due to the circular nature of the
technique and our emphasis on conditioning and safety, aikido is a wonderful
practice for people of all ages. We encourage people with health concerns to
speak to a doctor before beginning any physical exercise. In addition, please
consult with the Chief Instructor if you have any particular concerns or
physical challenges.
Is aikido a good martial art for women?
(back to top)
Women often find Aikido easy to learn because many women
don't tend to rely on physical strength, which can impede effective Aikido
technique. Aikido's emphasis on using the opponent's force and muscular
relaxation make the art particularly useful and valuable for women.
What is the best martial art
for Law enforcement and Emergency Responders?
(back to top)
There is no "best martial art"
for anything. The ideal martial art is one that you can commit many years of
training or for your lifetime. A year of Aikido or another martial art may make
little difference in your skills on the street. However, many professionals believe
that Aikido is perhaps one of the better martial arts to supplement the
training of law enforcement and emergency responders. This is true for many
reasons. For instance, Aikido's emphasis on a relaxed but upright posture and
centered movement allows professionals to protect themselves and civilians,
instinctively teaching the use of appropriate and effective force. In addition,
Aikido's emphasis on blending with attacks and use of pins and joint locks
provide better and more appropriate alternatives to arts that rely on strikes
and kicks or floor grappling. If you would like more information on the value
of Aikido on the street please read the article by Carlo Fargnoli, a longtime
N.Y.P.D. police officer and Aikido student. He studied at New York Aikikai with
Yamada Sensei: www.aikidoonline.com/Archives/2002/sep/clmn_0902_bcorner.html
I have studied other martial
arts. Will my background help me understand Aikido?
(back to top)
It is important that you join
the dojo with a clear mind, or an "empty cup." The best students are those
that do not understand Aikido through past training, but encounter the teacher
and the art in the immediacy of the present moment. For many serious martial
artists, in particular people who have practiced "hard styles" such as Tae Kwon
Do, Karate, or Hapkido, Aikido becomes part of a natural evolution towards
seeking a softer and more internal style.
Students who have trained in internal
forms such as Tai Chi Chuan appreciate the emphasis on relaxation in the face
of resistance they encounter in Aikido (like push hands training, Aikido allows
the student to discover how to move towards deeper relaxation in the face of
resistance and rigidity).
Generally speaking, Aikido
training will improve one's skill in other martial arts, whether it is Tai Chi,
a striking style, or a grappling form such as Brazilian Jujitsu. This is due to
the fact that Aikido teaches universally applicable principles of relaxed and
integrated movement. On the other hand, skill in other martial arts may not
necessarily help one understand the movements or principles of Aikido.
Do you
have classes for teenagers?
(back to top)
Teenagers should attend regular adult classes. If they
would like to, younger teenagers are encouraged to attend the intermediate
children's class. We have many teenagers currently enrolled in the regular
adult classes.
I have children. Can they come to the dojo while I practice
Aikido?
(back to top)
We have many families in the dojo and strongly support training parents. We have a
children's play space adjoining the mat on the Pine Street side of the dojo. The
space includes many toys, couches and space to play, talk, or do homework. Children
should be old enough to allow for unsupervised play, or you are welcome to
bring a caregiver or take turns with a parent if the children need supervision.
When you visit, you are welcome to see the children's play space.
I am interested in aikido, but I am not sure if I am
ready to join. What should I do?
(back to top)
We encourage students to visit in order to watch a class,
even if you have seen Aikido before. Different dojo
and teachers have particular styles and methods of
practice — it is important to carefully watch and see for yourself if this appears
to be the right path. You should watch an entire class if possible
, and then meet with the
Chief Instructor for an informal interview. Pincus Sensei teaches at the dojo
on Tuesday through Saturday, but often trains or
teaches at seminars, so you can always call ahead to confirm a time to visit.
You are encouraged to bring questions that you may have to the interview. You
are also welcome to join our on-line mailing list which will give you
information about upcoming events such as introductory classes,
seminars, etc.
Can I try a class?
(back to top)
Aikido is more difficult to learn than it appears. The first
few classes will focus on ukemi — the
art of falling — rather than techniques. It may take several months for some
people to get the feel of the art. This is why we do not allow people to "try
out" just one class — Aikido takes patience and commitment (we do allow
children ages 7-12 to try a class). We encourage you to watch at least one
class before joining. If you like what you see, register for three months or
one month sessions. After the first month, we encourage you to take unlimited
classes — ideally a minimum of two or three classes per week.
You should have a good sense of whether or not the art is
the right path for you after at least 60 hours of practice.
I would like to begin training. What should I do?
(back to top)
You should watch a class and make an appointment with the
Chief Instructor for an informal interview. Pincus Sensei teaches Tuesday
through Saturday. You should also complete the pre-registration form
or you can pre-register when you visit
us at our dojo at 257 Pine Street in
Burlington.
Please complete this liability release
form and this application form
completely before mailing them to Aikido of
Champlain Valley. If you are opting to take advantage of our
Electronic Funds Transfer program to automate payments, please fill
out the EFT form. Please mail
to:
Aikido of Champlain Valley
257 Pine Street
Burlington, VT 05401
You can also deliver the application forms in person preceding your first
aikido class. The liability release form must be signed; if the applicant
is younger than 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form themselves.
You must complete both pages of the form in order to practice Aikido.
We do not accept forms sent by e-mail.
Please contact us at 802-951-8900 if you have additional questions.
When should I start and what classes should I take?
(back to top)
Introductory classes
begin on the first Tuesday of the month. These classes meet on Tuesdays and
Thursdays at 5:30 pm. We encourage people to take these classes for at least
one month (or longer). If you cannot attend these classes the first month,
please let us know. In the introductory classes, senior students work with new
students — many of the students have trained for over three years, so you will
have plenty of positive instruction. If you are unable to attend these
classes, you are also welcome to attend other nights or other classes (either
basics or mixed level classes), and for the first month you will receive
private lessons on basic movements and the art of falling (ukemi.
After your first month, you can take any of the
Introductory, Basic or All-Level classes.
I missed the first introductory classes. Can I begin in
the middle of the month?
(back to top)
It is not essential to start with the first introductory classes,
although it is encouraged. We can pro-rate our monthly membership dues if you
decide to begin later in the month, or you can pre-register and enroll the
following month. We encourage pre-registration to insure your place in
class.
Do I need a uniform?
(back to top)
If you are in the introductory class on Tuesdays and
Thursdays, you do not need to wear a uniform for your first month of practice. You
can wear a t-shirt or sweat-shirt (ideally without writing or graphics) and
sweatpants or loose pants (no shorts or tank tops). We sell keikogi,
or a practice uniform. You should purchase a
uniform by the end of your first month or if you attend any of the Basics or
All Level classes. We sell uniforms at the front desk. You are welcome to wear
a white uniform from another style if you do not have a logo or patch on the
uniform.
How often should I practice?
(back to top)
We prefer if students train a minimum of twice a week. We
have classes seven days a week in order to encourage students to train as often
as possible. After your first month, three times a week is an ideal minimum,
and some students (in an intensive uchi deshi/soto deshi
program) train every day. Remember that it is
important that Aikido balances your life, so you need to find a schedule that
works for you in relation to other commitments.
I am interested in intensive training in Aikido. Is it
possible to study in a traditional apprenticeship program?
(back to top)
Qualified students are welcome to apply to the uchi deshi
(live-in student) or soto deshi (intensive apprenticeship in which you board outside
the dojo) program. Please visit
this Link.
I notice that there is a lot of bowing. Is this a form of
religious worship?
(back to top)
This is a traditional Japanese dojo
(school) in which bowing and proper etiquette create
an environment conducive to focused training. These rituals do not have
religious meaning; instead, it is a way of expressing respect towards the path
of aikido, your teacher, fellow students, and yourself. Bowing is an integral
part of Budo, or all traditional
Japanese martial arts. Historically, the formality and etiquette of Japanese
culture provided samurai with rituals that helped them overcome fear and
distraction as they prepared for battle.
Aikido is very graceful, but some techniques look
choreographed. Why doesn't the attacker resist more? Would the techniques work
if someone really attacked you?
(back to top)
As students become more proficient they can attack faster
and resist techniques, creating more realistic combat situations. Many of the
techniques are dangerous if someone resists. If the attacker does not fight
the movement, the defender is able to put power into technique safely, without
fear of injury. In addition, by keeping the connection while falling, the
student learns about blending, a fundamental element of effective technique.
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art. One partner
attacks, and the other person defends. If beginning students always resisted,
their movements will be stiff and tense, lacking the subtle power and
efficiency of proper aikido. Beginners are encouraged to resist when it helps
students learn proper movement. After several years of training (once the
student understands basic technique), the teacher encourages creative and
constructive resistance in order to promote the development of effective and
powerful technique.
The non-competitive atmosphere encourages people to work on
their own training rather than compare themselves to others. This inward
directed practice is a nice counterbalance to the demands of our competitive
culture.
Aikido techniques and blending movements are effective
against a wide variety of attacks, particularly when integrated with aikido atemi
(strikes). Generally speaking, strikes in
aikido are used to unbalance and distract the attacker rather than cause
serious injury. In contrast, martial arts that rely on strikes and kicks have a
greater potential to permanently injure the opponent.
I am afraid to fall. Will aikido help me overcome this
fear?
(back to top)
Our classes emphasize safety and encourage students to work
at their own pace, gradually increasing training intensity. You will learn how
to fall slowly, beginning with simple rocking motions on the ground and
gradually working towards higher falls. After several months, falling becomes
a natural and enjoyable part of aikido training.
We emphasize the art of teaching Aikido to individuals
rather than classes, so the teacher may adjust a method of falling in order to
support a student with particular challenges.
What is the ranking system in aikido and how long does it
take to become proficient or receive a black belt?
(back to top)
Aikido has two belts, white and black (we give children
colored belts to increase motivation). There are five levels of white belt,
going from fifth to first level. After the first level, one tests for shodan,
or black belt. Students who wear hakama
(the large blue or black pants unique to traditional
Japanese martial arts) are either in our Intensive Training Program or have
their black belts. Other aikido schools allow students to wear the
hakama at the beginner level.
There is also a ranking system for instructor levels that is
independent of belt rank: Fukushidoin
(assistant instructor), Shidoin
(full instructor), and Shihan
(Master Teacher).
Aikido is a challenging martial art. It takes at least 6 to
8 years of intensive training (4 to 6 days a week) to achieve black belt rank.
Keep in mind having a black belt does not mean you are an "expert." Aikidoka
discover they always have more to learn,
and aikido involves more than technique. It is a way of life -- a method of
personal transformation.
If you have any questions please don't
hesitate to ask! Visitors are always welcome to visit our dojo and watch a
class. If you would like to meet with the Chief Instructor, please call ahead
or visit Tuesdays through Saturdays .
| 
