Ever been in a fight? Not the playground type? A proper one? Highly unlikely for the vast majority of people. The chances of it happening to you are very, very slim. However, if you have, you will know the unpredictable, unstructured, fast nature of one.

So, as a beginner will Aikido, or any martial art for that matter, mean you’re suddenly Bruce Lee’ing your way out… absolutely not. In fact, my personal opinion, it is highly likely to be more detrimental to odds of success than if you flailed about like a demented windmill.

This is not because Aikido isn’t a very capable martial art but it’s you or me, the beginner, we’re not skilled yet. If you have to think about what your going to do or you try to direct the conflict into a direction so as to apply an Aikido move…. then unfortunately it’s unlikely the outcome will be in your favour… Only very competent trained individuals are likely to instinctively respond to the random nature of a street fight.

So, if it is no good in a fight for a beginner, what’s the point training in Aikido?

Well, here’s my thinking.

First, remember Aikido is a defensive martial art. The intention is not to instigate a conflict but to safely extricate yourself from one.

As you train, unknowingly your awareness is improving, your responses are getting faster and you’re developing abilities to control your breathing, body and mind. As these develop subconsciously, they are laying the foundation to being able to control yourself in threatening situations, both physical and verbal through the application of skills and technique.

So finally, when to use Aikido… as a beginner, use it to help your daily “normal” life. Let it help you manage day-to-day stressful situations and conflicts by developing a confidence and calmness that this martial art brings. Use the exercises to improve your coordination and responsiveness. Use it to avoid conflict but if not possible, to reduce the impact of conflict. Ultimately at this stage of skill development avoid over self-confidence in your abilities and walk away. 😊

Next Blog – So many words!

This blog is a tricky one as I don’t have the experience or the knowledge to talk authoritatively about Aikido… beginner right! I’ll leave that to the Sensei to explain when you try it 😉… and I’ve already explained in Blog #1 the things I enjoy from it but it did get me thinking “why?”. 

Why not another martial art, like MMA, Karate… or something completely different… yoga, swimming, gym, running (which I firmly believe you should only do if you’re chasing or being chased by something 😊) so here’s my opinion of Aikido. Please bear in mind that this is only my opinion and if you have different views that’s fine too but I think….

1)      Expertly done this is lovely to watch. It looks like a well-coordinated dance, more Art than Martial. Expert proponents can make this look unbelievably contrived… but I assure you its not. Even a beginner learns the fundamental martial principles that, if done properly, are highly effective. If you have time watch this – “Aikido, The Samurai Spirit”

2)      It’s a really, really “clever” martial art. It’s protective rather than confrontational formulated around very sound use of force, mechanics, balance, and timing. I find this fascinating for two reasons 1) I like the use of applied scientific logic wrapped up in a martial art and 2) When I do get it right (rarely by the way… but it’s getting better… got a 7 out of 10 the other week😊) it’s so gratifying.  This means that really anyone (any age or ability) has a chance to do it.

3)      The tradition is essential. People are so busy nowadays that they have little time to stop and take stock and I include myself in that. Aikido has formality, direction and structure that hasn’t changed too much for a long time. This is good right? Its somewhere where history is being maintained and practiced. It occurs to me that if we travel too fast in our lives we’re more likely to trip (deep I know! 😊). This is a place to slow down, re-evaluate or take a break from this fast, demanding world.

Next Blog – When to use it?

Think I’ve got the hang of this blog thing now so here are some hints and tips if you are thinking of turning up for the first time…

Can I just turn up? Yep – just look for “Mat Fees/Class Times” on this website for a time that suits you and pop along. No appointment or calling ahead required. I would suggest coming earlier as it gives you time to take everything in, for someone to spend some time with you plus you will have to fill a medical form. Yes, there is even paperwork in Aikido!

What should I wear? Clothing wise, ideally if you have loose joggers and a t-shirt or sweat shirt with no zips or metal buttons. Footwear, if you have some flip-flops or slip on shoes.

Basic Bowing Etiquette. First, don’t worry about making mistakes, people will help you with all this. but here’s a starter for 10.

• As you enter or leave the dojo you should turn towards the central picture where the founder of Aikido is (O’Sensei) and bow. This area is called the Shomen.
• Getting on the mat. Avoid stepping on the dojo mat with your shoes. Scuttle along the side, turn your back to the mat and use the mat edge to slip out of your shoes (this is where flip-flops are really handy), then step onto the mat with your bear feet.
• Once on the mat turn around facing the Shomen again, kneel down and bow again. People will show you how or there are some good tips on YouTube 😉
• When deciding where to sit beginners usually sit the back left of the mat when facing the Shomen.

For me the first visit was definitely nerve racking. It can be quite daunting walking into a world you’re not familiar with, where you don’t know what to do and you don’t know anyone but I found everyone wanted to help me.

So there I am kneeing on the mat and the class starts. Everyone spritely jumps up in a coordinated fashion for warm ups. I attempt to follow. To say I was “dad dancing” is an understatement. You’ll see a lot of movements and put your body in positions you thought it could never go in and be out of time with everyone else but I promise you the more you do them the more you’ll go “I can do this”.

Once I was all “warmed up” the teacher (Sensei) started demonstrating a move. This is where my brain starts overheating. There combinations of foot movements, hand movements, and all the Japanese names all smoothly demonstrated in split second. For me it’s too much information. It’s too much for any beginner so don’t panic, you’re not expected to reproduce any of it. Remember this is your first visit so it will be confusing.

To make matter worse after being shown what to do, it was my turn. You’ll find someone will come to “play” with you and you’ll probably stand there like the kid with no friend at a party. Again, don’t worry… the person your training with will help you through it. Don’t try to remember it because you won’t. Instead just remember the simple things like starting feet position, or which hand to grab each time at the start and do everything slowly.

Finally, after two hours of seemly doing everything wrong I actually came off with a massive smile on my face. Everyone was chatting to me telling how well I had done and was I coming back. Here’s the thing, whether you come back or not is completely up to you. You’ll know if it right for you and there’s no hard sell, there’s no point, right?.

Next blog. Why Aikido!