Different Styles

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Andre Cognard Shihan in the USA - Cognard Shihan 8th Dan in CA, Orange County Aiki Kai June 28-July 1

[Scott Grenney]

Hi,

I practiced Aikido for a number of years when I was younger (around 7 years ago now), and I'm thinking of starting it up again, but after reading a number of websites I've found there are different "styles" of Aikido like:

Aikikai,
Yoshinkan,
Ki-Aikido...

And more. What's the difference between them? :).

[mj]

Oh my God! Get ready for the replies...
:eek:

[guest1234]

I'll grab the bandages, you get the splints...

[Greg Jennings]

The teachers, your fellow students and the all around dojo atmosphere will mean much more to you than the style that they practice.

Make a list of schools were you can reasonably attend classes based on your schedule, their schedule, commute times, etc. This will probably be a pretty short list.

Observe and possibly even participate in several classes at each one. Call ahead and ask permission. Be specific about when you're coming. Call and apologize if something comes up and you can't make it.

Listen a lot and don't say much. Don't nod or shake your head to yourself. Don't cross your arms across your chest.

Speak with the teacher. It is important to be very polite. Mainly just introduce yourself. Maybe ask a non-offensive but open ended question like "Does it take a lot of athletic ability to be become accomplished?"

Speak with some senior students. Ask them questions like: "How long have you been training here?", "What do you like about your instructor?", etc.

Don't ask frivolous questions. Specifically do _not_ ask "How long does it take to get a black belt?". You're really just trying to get a feel for the place.

Jot down some written notes (obviously not while you're speaking with them).

Then review your notes and use your own judgement. You know yourself and the kind of training you want. It's different for everyone. However, a lot of people walking around with non-trivial injuries is a universally bad sign.

Remember that it's a long-term venture. Pick a dojo that you can stick with for the long haul.

Regards,

[Jim23]

Scott,

I agree with most of what Greg said, except the part about not crossing your arms across your chest (just kidding).

Although you should be polite when talking to the teacher (by the way, he/she should be polite also), ask as many (non-offensive) questions as you like. In most cases you will be paying for the teaching.

Make sure you find a teacher(s) that you can respect -- avoid the arrogant types.

Jim23

[PeterR]

Good advice from Jim and Greg;

Look at all the students - not just the senior ones. You will be spending time with these people - if you get hooked - more time. Are people having a good time, are they interacting well together, are these a bunch of people you could get to know and like.

Rank of teacher is not important enough to base your decision on. Teaching experience is, they are not necessarily the same.

Finally, try not to pre-conclude what style of Aikido you prefer. Trust your gut - you will know what's right for you when you see it.

As to the original question there are major differences and major similarities. Take a look at the introduction section of http://www.aikidofaq.com I would change a few things such as how to classify Tomiki but essentially it does a good job.

[Scott Grenney]

I'll have a look around. I would liked to of picked up the style I used before, but I guess I'll be started from fresh anyway so the style type would not matter.


Thanks for the advice :)

[PeterR]

Originally posted by Scott Grenney
I'll have a look around. I would liked to of picked up the style I used before, but I guess I'll be started from fresh anyway so the style type would not matter.


I should say when I moved I switched styles and really gained a lot out of it. Ended up opening my own club doing what I did before but there is a lot to be said for exploring a bit.