costs, and gas or other transportation expenses.
The Teacher
A major consideration for successful training is the competence of the instructor. Competence is more than just high rank and recognized affiliation. Competence means whether or not the instructor can teach. Can the head instructor actually convey the basics of aikido in a manner that makes them understandable and learnable? Does the head instructor actually teach the classes? It is common practice for a martial arts school to be established on the basis of the head instructor's rank and reputation, but the head instructor may actually teach very little. The beginning student can learn a great deal from assistant instructors, because they are advanced in their training, but the advanced student will want to train more directly with the head instructor. This is considered a great honor.
Class Size
Class size can be an important factor in finding the right school. Some students require instruction that is more personal, and prefer a smaller class size, while others like the social aspects of being involved in a larger group activity. The right class size will be the one that provides the best learning environment for you. No matter how large or small the class, however, there should be a sense of control and discipline at all times.
Atmosphere
The general atmosphere of the school and its classes should also be a consideration. Atmosphere takes into account how the students interact with each other. Aikido should be practiced cooperatively, not competitively. As a beginning student, you will be caught up in the atmosphere of the school. As you eventually become a senior student, it will be your responsibility, obligation, and privilege to help establish and maintain a positive atmosphere that is conducive to teaching and learning aikido.
Clutter and Cleanliness
The clutter or cleanliness of an aikido school indicates the teacher's desire to make a comfortable training place for students. Cleanliness has many health benefits, too. A school that is too cluttered, or not clean, indicates a cluttered and unkempt mind. The beginning student will feel more welcome in a clean, uncluttered school. The advanced student will take active responsibility for, and participate in, its cleanliness and upkeep.
Safety
Another important consideration is safety. Accidents and injuries do happen, but these are exceptions to the rule. There should always be a first aid kit available, and the instructors should have training in emergency first aid. Most injuries in aikido training can be avoided by taking training seriously, following instructions, using common sense, and relaxing.
Reliability
How long have the school and teacher been in the area? Perhaps more importantly, how long do they intend to stay in the area? Many schools open, attract new students, and then fail for one or more reasons. This leaves the new students with nowhere to train, after possibly paying many dues and fees up front.
Ethical Responsibility
First, last, and always, the ethical responsibility of the school and teacher is extremely important. Ethics are a set of guidelines established by a specific profession to govern the activities of people doing business within that field of expertise. This is separate from the legalities of a business practice. Very few martial arts instructors have taken business courses that teach them to run their business in ethical, yet profitable, ways. Many have been trained in the instructor/student relationship of traditional martial arts, which implies a lifelong commitment and responsibility to each other. In the Western world, where martial arts are more of a hobby taken up for health and entertainment reasons, the students only feel responsible for paying their fees and showing up for class. Likewise, instructors may feel that they are simply responsible for collecting fees and sharing some of their knowledge. Aikido teachers must be willing to accept that their ethical responsibility to the student extends far beyond the class or the school.
Once you find a school that is convenient in location and is affordable, you will need to assess if the techniques taught appear effective and learnable. Are the students having a good time while they train? In addition, how does the school treat its new students? As a new student, are you welcomed into the aikido community?
Before making any decision, it is important to visit several schools and watch their classes. It cannot be emphasized enough that you should gather as much information as possible about the school and the instructor. Whatever choice you make, don't stay with a school if you later find that the choice was not the right one for you. In traditional martial arts training, the choice of the right school and teacher is very important. This right choice can make the difference between frustration, humiliation, and quitting or finding a lifelong hobby, or way of life. The study of aikido has applications far beyond the school walls.
AIKIDO REQUIRES appropriate clothing and equipment that will i help you fit in and train properly.
Clothing
There are three basic personal requirements aside from the traditional uniform, or dogi: the belt, selected undergarments, and ultimately, the hakama.
Uniform (Dogi, or Gi)
The most important piece of equipment is the purchase of the dogi. The dogi, referred to as a gi, is the traditional martial arts uniform. It consists of a jacket and pants. The jacket is a wraparound, long-sleeved jacket without buttons, made of bleached cotton. The pants are often of the same material, with either a drawstring or elastic waist. Most pants have reinforced seams and a gusset crotch for increased flexibility. The legs should not be so long that they drag on the ground. There are many styles and weight of dogi. Many students start with the less expensive, lightweight karate-style dogi. Advanced students prefer to wear the heavier judo-style dogi. Some dogi come with elaborate embroidering or calligraphy. Some schools sell their preferred dogi, while others include it in the enrollment cost.
The Belt
The belt wraps twice around the dogi and ties in front with a square knot. There are two ways to tie the belt. You can either start with a small section of the belt in front and then wrap the belt around you twice, over itself, before tying it in front. Another way is to start by holding the belt in front of you, with the middle at your center, and then wrap it around you until both ends are in front.
The belt represents more than something that holds your pants up and your top together. Your belt represents your rank and your training. People may ask what color belt you wear. Your dogi will last you for years, but with disciplined practice, you will earn a different belt of another color. In reality, however, the color of the belt is not as important as the skill and integrity of the person wearing it.
Undergarments
Many people find it useful and courteous to wear an undershirt under their gi while training. For many women, this becomes a means of maintaining a sense of modesty. Others appreciate the absorption quality of an undershirt. It is a personal preference.
Since aikido does not use strikes or kicks directly to the groin area, it is not necessary to wear any sort of groin protector. Wearing undergarments that provide some sense of support is useful and provides both safety and comfort.
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