New To Martial Arts - Aikikai Aikido

I am relatively new to martial arts in general, and Aikido in particular. My idol has always been Steven Segal, but I am not sure how true the claim is that he is an Aikido Master, but I loved the parts he has played. I am seeking to learn Aikido as a form of self defense as it seems to be an art that has more of a passive posture. I am 56 yrs old and run 3-4 times a week as well as do other forms of exercise like CORE, and strength training. I found a dojo near my home that has a no contract plan at $50./mo., but am not sure what all it involves. I am ready and committed to learning this and will give up my regular gym membership to commit myself to this. I want to continue to run and exercise and figure Aikikai Aikido will enhance my all around fitness level...I am currently deployed with the military in southwest asia, but will return in May. I am hoping to get some advice on how an old guy like me can successfully pursue this.

Terry, welcome to aikiweb.
Many folks have taken up aikido later in life and the fact that you come to it with a higher-than-average fitness level certainly will help. Making sure you are warmed up before each class and pacing yourself will always help. If you aren't doing any kind of flexibility or stretching exercise, adding that in in advance of starting may help too.
Thanks for your service - safe return home!

Take it easy and listen to your body. It seems like you are in decent shape, so it will make it easier for you to dive in. My husband is in his late 50's and his only problem is his knees. Most instructor's are willing to work with you if you have a health problem or injury that needs to be considered. My advice to you is show up and train. Listen to your body and try not to over do it. You can always swim a little further towards the deep end of the pool, but if you dive right into the deep end and find you can't swim, then it makes things a bit difficult.

Hi Terry,

Welcome to AikiWeb and to aikido. I hope you'll keep us apprised as to your experiences.

-- Jun

Terry Upton wrote: I am relatively new to martial arts in general, and Aikido in particular. My idol has always been Steven Segal, but I am not sure how true the claim is that he is an Aikido Master, but I loved the parts he has played. I am seeking to learn Aikido as a form of self defense as it seems to be an art that has more of a passive posture. I am 56 yrs old and run 3-4 times a week as well as do other forms of exercise like CORE, and strength training. I found a dojo near my home that has a no contract plan at $50./mo., but am not sure what all it involves. I am ready and committed to learning this and will give up my regular gym membership to commit myself to this. I want to continue to run and exercise and figure Aikikai Aikido will enhance my all around fitness level...I am currently deployed with the military in southwest asia, but will return in May. I am hoping to get some advice on how an old guy like me can successfully pursue this.

Hi Terry,
Nice to meet you.You seem to be a fit guy,Nevertheless as others have said listen to your body.Take time out to learn how to neutralise the forces being applied on you. Personally at 56 I consider you a young chap.Best of luck, Cheers, Joe.

Hi Terry,
I started at the tender age of 56 myself. If you are in generally good physical condition you should have no problem. If you aren't you probably won't have any significant problems either. Just pay attention to your own body and go at your own pace. There is nothing written in stone that you have to be capable of every exercise or technique in the beginning. There will probably be a number of much younger folks on the mat with you and some will be incredible athletes. In time you will be able to do virtually everything they do. Getting past the frustration is the hardest lesson I had to learn. But when it is all said and done, Aikido is simply fun to practice no matter how "hard" your school is and how challenging the training is. Enjoy and don't make yourself crazy.