Hello, I have a few questions

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[Norman]

Hello,
I am interested in beginning training in Aikido, but I have a few social questions.

I realize that it is a priveledge to be permitted to train in any dojo. Although I am worried that I may just be a "warm body". I am serious about devoting a great deal of time to the art, and I am worried that the Sensai may not accept me.

I have had previous martial arts training, but honestly, I havent been to an Aikido dojo yet. I am looking for serious training. Not the kind where each time you make a payment you get a belt.

I am trying to learn as much as possible to avoid any mishaps in etiquette during my meeting with the sensai.

I guess what I am looking for is an insight as to what to expect from this first meeting. and what would be the do's and don'ts to meeting the sensai.

Yes, I realize that I must sound very weak being so nervous, but I would like to be a serious student, and not be percieved as some kind of "flavor of the month" type interest.

Thank you for any help,
Norman

[Chuck Clark]

Norman,

I don't know what dojo you may be thinking of applying to but you can't go wrong if you: be courteous and respectful, let them know that you are interested in learning aikido, don't let your mouth run away from you, be honest, don't worry...nothin's gonna be alright!

I recommend that you visit all of the dojo in your area which teach aikido more than once. After asking permission to observe, sit quietly with good posture and watch intently. Ask questions of the students after practice and then trust your gut instincts.

Good luck.

[akiy]

As Chuck says above, I too would say just go to all of the nearby dojo and observe a few classes. Watch the teacher-student interactions and also the student-student interactions. If you have any questions for the teacher and/or the students, just ask!

-- Jun

[Norman]

Thank you all for you posts,
I will observe the teacher-student, and student-student relationships. and be courtious and desperately try to avoid and mishaps in etiquette. The audio pronounciation guide on this site is great ! Hopefully I will not sound like a fool, trying to pronouce the words correctly

Thank You,
I hope you dont mind many more questions from me in the future.

Norm

[akiy]

Originally posted by Norman
The audio pronounciation guide on this site is great !
Thanks! I'm glad it helps.

I hope you dont mind many more questions from me in the future.

Of course not. Let us know how it went at the places you visit!

-- Jun

[Erik]

"I will observe the teacher-student, and student-student relationships. and be courtious and desperately try to avoid and mishaps in etiquette."

It's pretty straight-forward and someone should go over it with you on your first visit or class. You'll be fine. If a dojo is filled with psycho-etiquettes I'd go elsewhere (but that's me).

Look hard at the hiearchical relationships. The single biggest thing to me is if it's ok for the senior instructor to mess up. It should happen a pretty fair amount of the time if they are honest and open. Perfection is not a good thing and not found in the Aikido world.

Good luck!

[Chocolateuke]

Go for it! i am an aikido student and was a tang wei student in utah. then i moved over here in California. I looked around for a dojo for anything really but Aikido got my attention. I found the instructer at a demostration at a food fair. i just asked some qs and started a class. but it is deffenetly best to see the teacher and students like everybody else is saying. ( they are wise i am smart) anyhow just one quick thing that i point out to new people some times. DO NOT exspect to turn out to be a bruce lee in one lession. in my dojo first thing you learn is falling and students who are looking for combat stuff get bored and leave before the great meal of study.

[Nick]

I only had to go to one Aikido Dojo to find the art- I am glad they have been as good to me as they have, since there are no others in the area :).

-Nick