Advice for a humble Aikido beginner?

Question

Any words of wisdom would be great

Answer 1

dont blick out of fear, use every second to position yourself for defence. This was my problem for a long time. Your instructor knows what they are doing, listen to them and if you have a problem tell them. Good luck and take it slowly. click me for best answer

Answer 2

Mushin gave some really good advice! I'll just add my 2 cents although Mushin pretty much said it all....

When practicing with a partner, try not to "muscle" the techniques.When I used to do Aikido, I tried to find partners that were higher ranking so I could "feel" the technique as they did it (more practice on Ukemi was always a good thing), and when it was my turn to do the technique, I tried to stick with the proper technique  as much as I could. Try to see or feel the timing of a technique as your Sensei demonstrates it. Don't get frustrated if your partner doesn't take Ukemi if you do a tecnhique incorrectly....If something isn't working, your seniors or Sensei will most likely give you tips.

Train with full focus and intent to improve. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance if needed. Most of all, remain humble.....no one likes to be thrown by an arrogant partner.  :-)

Answer 3

follow your sensei's key rule about properly moving off line.  Stick to the very important aspect of harmony even in a street situation.  Most imporatantly take no forethought of your actions....just be.

Be what your attacker is not and you'll be all that Aikido teaches.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Jeff,

Stick with it.  Aikido can be very satisfying, but its along road to get there.  In the beginning it can be difficult and frustrating because it is very technical.  Aikido in its true form will be free flowing and not resistive.  If you are struggling or using strength you are doing something wrong.  Practice blending with the attach.  Tenkan a lot.  Feel a punch coming, tenkan with it, blend, take the ki, and flow.  Don't be discouraged.  Aikido does work.  I've used it several times in "real life" (I'm a police officer).  Aikido is not a contest.  Your heart should welcome your attacker, show him his evil ways, transition his attitude face down to the ground or in a pin and teach him proper respect.  Focus on your center.  Always maintain balance and harmony.

Answer 5

Don't forget to breathe properly. I've seen a lot of students hold their breath while performing a throw or pin and try to force a technique with muscle power alone and then wonder why the technique didn't work. Same thing with Ukemi practice. Practice proper timing by Inhaling while receiving and leading an uke's attack and then exhaling when throwing and pinning or while rolling into a breakfall, it will do wonders for your technique.

Answer 6

Read as much as you can about aikido to get a sense of its history etc. Be wary of you-tube videos.

A year in Karate/Tae Kwon Do/Kempo and you can probably fight much better than before. It takes well over a year before you start feeling comfortable enough with Aikido techniques to imagine using them in "real life".

I don't think anyone ever feels like they have "mastered" an art. If they do then they've stopped growing, or the art is too simple. In Funakoshi's autobiography you definitely get the feeling that he doesn't feel like a "master" and is bemused to be considered one.

The biggest difference between Aikido and most martial arts systems in terms of techniques is that there are almost no punches or kicks in Aikido, as there is virtually no way to punch or kick someone without causing them injury. What few strikes there are, are used just for distraction. Instead of striking, Aikido attacks the physical weak points of the body--the joints. It is a grappling art, with arm bars and wrist locks combined with throwing techniques.

Finally, Aikido is different from other martial arts in that it utilises the attacker's own attack against him. If the attacker pushes, the defender pulls. If the attacker pulls, the defender pushes. Force is never met with force. Rather, the weight of the attacker's momentum is used against him to unbalance him and knock him down. This makes Aikido perhaps the only martial art whose performance is not enhanced by being physically big, unusually strong, or unnaturally fast. With proper speed and timing, the very small and the very old can effectively use Aikido for self-defence against much bigger opponents.

Finally, enjoy your art and the start of your martial arts 'journey'.  I added a good link below for your information.

Sorry for the long answer.

Answer 7

always listen to your sensei

Answer 8

Study your Katas hard. They teach you how to move and be graceful when your doing everything else in class.

Answer 9

When he corrects your posture/Kamae, hand position, any correction at all, commit it to memory. Always be conscious of keeping your kamae during movement transition.

The more you remember to correct yourself according to what he has taught, the more you can learn.

Observe dojo etiquette. Respect your seniors AND juniors.

Do not interrupt your Sensei

He will most likely ask if anyone in the class has a question... use that moment to ask.

Do not wait to be told to clean, organize, etc.

When your Sensei, Senior or anyone else in the dojo asks for your assistance, respond quickly... as quickly as you can.

Keep your self and your uniform clean, nails trimmed, etc.

Answer 10

Don't go up against a jiu-jitsu practitioner. Aikido=punching bag for some martial arts.

Answer 11

Recognition of the vastness of one's own ignorance is the first step on the road to true wisdom.

(Appreciating the fact that "I don't know squat!" is an excellent way to start.)

Answer 12

Focus on basic movements, every thing else will fall into place.  Have fun

Answer 13

Hey check out all these videos on Bruce lee's Art! This will explain everything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4CVTq44i...

Answer 14

Don't rush to get ahead. Remember you have your whole life ahead of you, and this is a lifelong pursuit. Be diligent in your studies and do not argue.