Teaching, training, and exercising in Aikido



Since the development of Aikido at the hands of its founder Morihei Ueshiba, it has gone through drastic changes. Whether it's the technique, practice, purpose, teaching, or training, Aikido is being interpreted in many new ways.

But around these inevitable changes, the core of Aikido, the basic principles, still remain. Here is a martial art whose aim for its practioners is to achieve peace and harmony without instigating either attack or the use of force on others.

BEFORE YOU PRACTICE - Once you have enrolled into an Aikido class, how do you approach the practice? First, familiarize yourself with everything that you can about the martial art. For the practice of aikido starts the moment you enter the "dojo" or the place where demonstrations, teachings, and training take place. The aikido trainees are instructed and expected to exercise and observe proper etiquette at all times.

Here are some guidelines for those who have just started exercising or training in aikido:

1. Attendance is imperative. - The only way to improve in aikido is by attending regular classes and continuous training. Although attendance is not mandatory in most dojos, as with any substantive learning, being present where the training is taking place, means not missing out on any of the aikido teachings and trainings.

Most aikido practitioners suggest that for a student to advance in aikido, he or she should practice at least twice a week. Aside from not missing out on crucial information, attending aikido classes regularly will help you to cultivate self-discipline.

2. Take responsibility for your own training. - As with any martial art training, Aikido requires attention and dedication from you. And since you are the one who is interested in learning the martial art, you need to be the one in-charge of your own exercise and training. You learn by doing. Once you have decided to practice Aikido, there is no one else who can be responsible for your increased proficiency and improvement.

Instructors and senior students will be there to guide you, but you must take on the ownership for your improvement. To really improve in this martial art, make sure that you observe effectively before asking for any help. Try to learn the techniques on your own first, before you partake in any demonstration.
"Your mind should be in harmony with the functioning of the universe;

your body should be in tune with the movement of the universe;

body and mind should be bound as one, unified with the activity of the universe."


from the Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba. translated by John Stevens.


3. The Aikido training includes more than one technique. - There is more to Aikido than the physical demonstrations. Training in Aikido includes observation and modification of both the physical and psychological patterns of the students' thought and behavior. There are many techniques to learn - an aikido student needs to cultivate awareness to be ready to react to any circumstance.

4. Memorize the basic teachings and principles of the martial art. Aikido is known as one a non-aggressive method of self-defense. That is why most aikido trainings involve cooperative activities.

In order to learn and excel in this martial art, you must coopirate with your partner as you practice, thereby enabling both to reap the benefits of aikido. Make sure that you are truely careful when training and practicing aikido - some of the techniques can damage or even kill when not practiced judiciously.

5. Be prepared for anything and everything. AWARENESS. Exercising, teaching, and training in Aikido is not simple. The dynamic nature of this martial art can be very frustrating, if you haven’t prepared yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Part of your training will be about coping with the frustrations that comes along with the training.

The best solution whenever frustration sets in, is for the practitioner to observe what the possible causes of this frustration are. Self-awareness. And then to consider how they overcome these challenges. Avoid comparing yourself with others and concentrate on improving your techniques.


The author, Scott Harker, is the publisher of websites about Coin Collector's Dream, Solar Energy, Survey Taking, Humor, Wine and Hybrid Cars.





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My Articles

Using Aikido In Combat
The Hard Style Aikido
Tips In Choosing An Aikido School
Using Aikido Moves In Practice Or In Combat
Teaching, Training, And Exercising Aikido
Fundamentals Of Aikido
The Dynamics Of Aikido's Techniques
Aikido Secrets Everyone Should Know
Practicing The Art Of Peace
The Beginnings Of Aikido
Why Watch Aikido Clip Video?
Founding Principles Of Aikido
Weapons In Aikido
The Relaxed Martial Art
Knowing The Basics Of Aikido
A Basic Guide To Aikido
Dressing Up To Train
Into The World Of Aikido Martial Arts
The Underlying Principle Of Everything
Learning Aikido By Watching Aikido Video
Aikido Weaponry Is All About Techniques
Aikido In Everyday Life
Defending Oneself Using Nothing But Aikido Tomiki
Where To Practice Aikido






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