First time on the mat

Newbie gets on the mat for the first lesson ...

We bowed in. About to start warm-ups.

Newbie sticks hands up to ask a question.

"Yes?"

"Will we stop for a drink later?"

Hhhhmmm .... I think O'Sensei had the right idea when aikido-wannabes had to provide 2 references to be in his dojo.

It is almost 2016, god forbid one might become thirsty for more than a moment, when dehydration and immanent death lurk menacingly in the shadows. Unless he was referring to the more traditional small batch,\ bourbon, and in which case welcome to the club, newbies always get the first few rounds.

Tom Seeto wrote: Newbie gets on the mat for the first lesson ... We bowed in. About to start warm-ups. Newbie sticks hands up to ask a question. "Yes?" "Will we stop for a drink later?"

What was the answer he was given?

I like this guy.

I was thinking a nice refreshing pilsner... In fact, I think I'll have one now.

Nothing like a good session of beer waza.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQqCtqiZUFg

What's the probelm? Too tough for a water break?

My classes are 2 hours long; we take 2 five minutes breaks for water/bathroom/whatever.

We don't take breaks, but there's water in the back and anyone who feels the need is free to step off the mat and get some. Likewise bathroom breaks, breaks to cover superficial scrapes and cuts, and so on. We're all adults, we don't need to hand out hall passes.

While proper hydration is certainly important, I would be a little concerned that a student who asked that as his first act of his first class might not be completely prepared for the physical nature of aikido practice.

Katherine

Rarely will anyone in my class get off the mat, except to use there bathroom. After class, we usually get a few well deserved beers and talk about the class. This newbie can join my class anytime. Time for another Sam Adams.

I can think of plenty of valid reasons why someone would ask (particularly if they weren't given a good opportunity to ask questions beforehand). We've had people train with various physical challenges and medical conditions, and they need to know up-front that their needs will be accommodated. Whether the answer is yes or the answer is no, they have the right to ask and deserve a straight, non-judgmental, non-condescending answer. "I'm sorry, but we can't accommodate that" is a legitimate answer; suggesting that there's something wrong with a person for needing an accommodation is very much not.

I have trained along side a number of brittle diabetics. Also several asthmatics, and a few students with a tendency to panic attacks. Always better for Everyone if these people can leave the mat when they feel it is necessary.

The fifth guideline for practice is that we shouldn't be excessive, and start off gently and progress. I never followed that for myself, now I am paying a price for it.