What makes aikido a unique martial art?
The grace and power of aikido comes from using the attacker's force
to throw or pin him/her with minimal effort. Most importantly, aikido
principles of blending and non-resistance 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.
Is aikido practical for self-defense?
If you simply want to learn how to protect yourself, we encourage
you to take self-defense classes. Then choose a martial art that
you will stick with for many years -- a form that suits your personality
and philosophy. 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. In addition, aikido's
emphasis on blending with attacks rather than blocking makes it
ideal for defending against more powerful opponents.
I am looking for something that will give me a good workout and
help me relax in stressful situations. Should I choose aikido?
Find a form of exercise that you enjoy enough to make a long term
commitment. Some people prefer the complexity and variety of aikido
over repetitive training like running or weightlifting.
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.
Aikido is very graceful, but looks choreographed. Why doesn't
the attacker resist more? Would the techniques work if someone really
attacked you?
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 resist, 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. The non-competitive
atmosphere also encourages people to work on their own training
rather than compare themselves to others.
Aikido techniques and blending movements are effective against a
wide variety of attacks, particularly when integrated with aikido
atemi (strikes).
I am afraid to fall. Will aikido help me overcome this fear?
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.
The loud slaps on the mat are painless; they absorb the impact of
the fall and aid in safe and proper alignment of the body. Students
also slap during a pin to signify an effective technique. Learning
how to fall is an especially valuable skill on icy Vermont streets.
What is the ranking system in aikido and how long does it take
to become a black belt?
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. The student then tests for two
additional black belt ranks. 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. Some aikido schools allow students to wear the hakama
at the beginner level.
Aikido is a challenging martial art. It takes at least 6 to 8 years
of intensive training to achieve black belt rank. Keep in mind having
a black belt does not mean you are an "expert." Aikidoists discover
they always have more to learn, and aikido involves more than technique.
It is a way of life -- a method of personal transformation.
I am interested but I am not sure if this is the right art for
me. Can I try a class?
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 serveral 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
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.
I want to join, what do I do now?
If you decide to enroll, you should arrange for an interview with
the Chief Instructor. Come to class at least 10 minutes early so
you can complete the application and release forms and purchase
a keikogi (practice uniform). You can bring your own keikogi-- a
karate gi is fine, although a judo gi (stronger and heavier fabric,
with a looser, patterned weave) is preferable. If you do not want
to immediately purchase a uniform, you should wear a t-shirt (not
a tank top) and loose, comfortable pants (no shorts).
