beginners class at Aikikai Honbu

Hi all.
I'm currently living in Japan, on the opposite side of Tokyo . and I've just started aikido classes 3 three months ago. I was thinking of going to the Aikikai honbu dojo next year for some training. Their site specifies a beginners level and a regular level. What is the difference between the two?
Also, has anyone trained in Osaka, and if so, any recommendations on Dojos, down there?

Thanks.
Wil

Wilfred Wong wrote: Also, has anyone trained in Osaka, and if so, any recommendations on Dojos, down there?

For Osaka please check this Recent thread.

Is there a reason for the Osaka question? Are you moving there or just for a visit?

Hi Peter, Thanks for the link. Well, after my current contract isup, I'm going to decide whether to live in Osaka or Tokyo for a year to train.
Why Osaka? I love the city. That's the simple answer.
Thanks.
Wil

I love the city also - I train in Osaka all day once a week. Just not Aikikai. If you want to move to the wild side follow the links below my name. That dojo is open seven days a week for multiple lessons. I don't know that many other groups that offer that amount but I do have a few names (well actually one in particular) that might be a good bet. You can PM me for that information.

Hi Wilfred,

The beginner`s class at the Aikikai Honbu is in the smaller dojo on the 2nd. floor. Most of the students are not yudansha, which is quite different from regular classes. The teachers actually go around and teach, correcting students` movements, whereas in regular classes, this does not happen much. The number of students is also less. In addition, Honbu has what they call Aikido school which meets two nights a week and the teachers are more actively helping students in these classes. Regular classes at Honbu are generally not real classes, they are more like training sessions. The various shihan cannot control who can attend, and they respond in various ways. Some will completely ignore everybody, while some only help their personal students. Others will help and correct everybody, while others will help those they feel are making a real effort to learn their particular style and ignore those who don`t.

Hope this helped.
Charles Hill