Need help on choosing Dojo

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[Noir]

I'm new to Aikido, thus I have no knowledge with which to evaluate schools. Have you heard of these two, and which would you reccomend. And do they teach the same style of Aikido? If not what are the major difference. I am looking for a style that might be more suited for self defense. Thank you in advance.

Venice Aikido Club:

"M. James Shibata, now 7th dan Aikido SeiShin Kai USA, has been the club's Chief Instructor since its inception and has been studying Aikido for more than 35 years. He is also President of Aikido SeiShin Kai USA, a federation affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, he has earned a 6th dan in Aiki Toho Iai and 6th dan in Sosho Ryu Iai."

Yoshinkan Aikido-Los Angeles
Mugen Juku Dojo

The head instructor of the Mugen Juku Dojo is Jacques Payet, 7th dan (7th degree black belt).

Payet Sensei has the unique distinction of being uchi-deshi (live-in apprentice) directly under the guidance of Shioda Sensei longer that any other Westerner. He was appointed staff instructor at the Yoshinkan Honbu dojo (world headquarters in Tokyo) and during that time he designed the Foreign Instructor course in 1991 and translated Aikido Shugyo the autobiography of Kancho Gozo Shioda. He was appointed technical director for the English Aikido Yoshinkan Federation. He has taught classes and seminars in many private companies and University clubs in Japan as well as in many other countries in the world.

Jacques Payet is currently on sabbatical in Kyoto Japan. He is fluent in Japanese, French, and English.

[Gorgeous George]

I'm new to Aikido, thus I have no knowledge with which to evaluate schools. Have you heard of these two, and which would you reccomend. And do they teach the same style of Aikido? If not what are the major difference. I am looking for a style that might be more suited for self defense. Thank you in advance.

Venice Aikido Club:

"M. James Shibata, now 7th dan Aikido SeiShin Kai USA, has been the club's Chief Instructor since its inception and has been studying Aikido for more than 35 years. He is also President of Aikido SeiShin Kai USA, a federation affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. In addition, he has earned a 6th dan in Aiki Toho Iai and 6th dan in Sosho Ryu Iai."

Yoshinkan Aikido-Los Angeles
Mugen Juku Dojo

The head instructor of the Mugen Juku Dojo is Jacques Payet, 7th dan (7th degree black belt).

Payet Sensei has the unique distinction of being uchi-deshi (live-in apprentice) directly under the guidance of Shioda Sensei longer that any other Westerner. He was appointed staff instructor at the Yoshinkan Honbu dojo (world headquarters in Tokyo) and during that time he designed the Foreign Instructor course in 1991 and translated Aikido Shugyo the autobiography of Kancho Gozo Shioda. He was appointed technical director for the English Aikido Yoshinkan Federation. He has taught classes and seminars in many private companies and University clubs in Japan as well as in many other countries in the world.

Jacques Payet is currently on sabbatical in Kyoto Japan. He is fluent in Japanese, French, and English.

They teach different styles. Recommendation will be based on what you want to get out of aikido...?

The first style is Aikikai -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikikai

and the second Yoshinkan -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pgiV7_Pr_E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIt_g0amnis&feature=related

Yoshinkan is more martial, and rigidly structured, whereas there's a lot more variation in style within the aikikai, which is a very general classification...

Perhaps check out some videos of the styles and see what you think? Or go along and watch a class at each of the dojos - i'm sure they'll let you.

Hope that helps.

[Noir]

That helps a lot. I will look into auditing a class. There is one more school I'm interested in. Have you guys had any experience of heard about The Dojo? Located in Santa Monica.

The Dojo:
The Dojo has been training students in martial arts for 17 years at its current location. Founded by Robert Bryner Sensei and his wife Chikako Bryner Sensei, they teach students in a traditional martial way. Their focus is on form, balance, detail of the technique, effiencey of movement, and power which will teach you to overcome a opponent both physicaly and mentally. Robert Bryner has over 50 years of martial arts training under master teachers from Japan and Okinawa. Aside from Aikido and Ryu Te® the Bryners have invited Guru Ramon Rubia to teach Eskrima at the Dojo. Like the Bryners, Mr. Rubia has devoted his life to martial arts and also has a vast knowledge of the arts. Mr. Rubia has studied under several masters as well and has been an excellent complement to the Dojo. We look forward to seeing you on the mat.

[Janet Rosen]

When I'm in that area visiting, I head to Santa Monica to train with Larry Novick at ACE Aikido
http://www.aceaikido.com/main.html
If you are visiting places to check out teaching styles/dojo culture I would definitely add this to your list.

[Anthony Loeppert]

Yoshinkan is more martial, and rigidly structured, whereas there's a lot more variation in style within the aikikai, which is a very general classification...


I can't quantify "a lot" more variation, but there is (no more than I can quantify...) "significant" variation in yoshinkan aikido as well. The videos posted definitely display Yoshinkan aikido, but for the specific dojo mentioned, I would argue they (the videos) don't represent the aikido taught there, simply because I have, though very limited, experienced Payet's and the current LA sensei David Fryberger's aikido.

That is my opinion, and I'm not a representative of the afore mentioned dojo.

That said, David and all the guys at the los angles dojo are a blast to train with... as the other poster said, try it out.

[crbateman]

There is no need to rush... Visit all the dojos within your practical reach. Watch, listen, ask questions, take a trial class or two, if offered. Go where the fit feels best. You will know that before we do. And remember, there's no blood oath involved; you can always make a move if your first choice proves to be less than you had hoped.

[swchiro]

Just visit many schools as possible, follow your gut instinct when you choose one, your gut is smarter than your heart or brain!...many factors, but main one, how does the teacher interact with their students visa versa, and how friendly they are!...etc...

[danj]

I agree with Clark and Steven
Its more like looking for a new suit than a flat screen tv, the fit is everything, rather than comparing specs.