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The
Aikido Dojo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) List 1.2
April, 2004
http://theAikidoDojo.com
1.0 What do visitors need to know when
entering the Dojo for the first time?
2.0 What do new students need to know for their first
class?
3.0 What do I need to know about continued training?
4.0 What happens if I stop training?
5.0
How can I give feedback?
1.0 What
do visitors need to know when entering the Dojo for the first
time? The
instructors and members of the Aikido Dojo want all visitors
to come in and feel welcome. Visitors are invited to enter
the dojo at any time, and watch any class that is in session.
Often, the instructors may not be able to immediately answer
your questions; but please don't feel that you are being ignored.
We will be happy to answer any questions after the class has
finished! We are always interested in growing our family of
dedicated students.
Visitors
are especially encouraged to watch both fundamentals classes
(Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) as well as regular
classes (Tuesdays and Thursdays) to get a complete picture
of what Aikido looks like -- new students aren't expected
to participate in regular classes until they have become
comfortable with rolls, can protect themselves, know what
to expect, and are familiar with dojo etiquette and basic
techniques.
Visitors
will note that most classes begin with about 20 minutes
of warm-up exercises, followed by static "basic exercises".
As the class warms up, the instructor will progress toward
more classical Aikido techniques and practice.
Please
do not take photographs without speaking to the instructor
in charge.
2.0 What
do new students need to know for their first class?
2.1 What
should I wear?
At
the Aikido Dojo, we encourage plain white karate or judo "gis" (uniforms)
without patches or logos. We have a small supply available
for sale; however, these are widely available on-line (www.century.com
or www.bujin.com) or at local sporting goods stores. Eventually
(after your first test), you will be encouraged to purchase
and wear a "hakama" - the formal pleated pants that the instructor
will be wearing.
However,
for your first classes, you can wear a martial art uniform
from any other style. You may also wear something loose
such as a plain sweatshirt and sweatpants.
2.2 What
classes can I attend?
The
Aikido Dojo does not have special "starting" classes. New students
can start at any time, and can attend any fundamentals / beginning
classes. The instructor in charge will make sure that the new
student will receive any special instruction or attention needed
to help integrate them into regular training. The advantage
of this is that even in a student's first class, they will
be introduced to other beginning students with a range of experience
and skill levels.
We request
that brand new students attend only the "fundamentals" courses.
Currently, these are taught on Mondays (morning and evening),
Wednesdays (morning and evening), and Saturdays.
After
five classes, new students may attend Friday classes, which
are more intermediate and often include weapons training.
This ensures that students are comfortable with the basics
of rolling and dojo etiquette. At this stage, students
may also attend the various weapons mini-classes throughout
the week.
After
a student has tested for at least one or two rank promotions,
they will be encouraged to try the "regular" training classes
on Tuesday and Thursday. Attendance at these classes is
at the invitation of the Chief Instructor (Messores Sensei),
and depends on the skill level of the student. Traditionally,
these classes are attended by senior (black belt) students
and focus on higher level techniques; in order to keep
these classes challenging for senior students and safe
for all participants, a strong base of Aikido training
is required for all students who attend.
2.3 Do I
need to buy any weapons?
Eventually,
you will be encouraged to purchase your own training weapons.
About once per year, the Dojo makes a group order for supplies.
However, training weapons are usually used only in regular
/ advanced classes, and there is a supply of Dojo training
weapons for everybody to use.
2.4 Where
should I park?
The
parking lot in front of the Dojo is very safe. However, please
do not park directly in front of the Dojo's windows -- we want
to encourage other visitors to see us!
2.5 What
if I'm late for class?
Sometimes,
it is unavoidable to arrive late for class. That is OK! If
you arrive late, please walk around to the back side of the
building and enter by the back door (so you don't have to
cross the mat while class is in session). Go ahead and dress
in, warm up and stretch out on your own; when you are ready,
sit at attention ("seiza style") until the instructor
in charge invites you onto the mat. Please wait until the
class is finished doing warm up exercises before you wait
for an invitation to join the class. If the back door is
locked, please knock and somebody will promptly let you in.
2.6 What
if I have rank or experience in another martial art?
Previous
martial arts experience is encouraged and appreciated at the
Aikido Dojo. We have many students with senior rank in other
styles, including Karate-do, Iai-do, and Tai Chi instructors
with very senior black belt ranks. In fact, our Chief Instructor
has a background in Karate-do as well. While previous experience
is not at all required, you will find that the Aikido Dojo
instruction can build well upon any instruction you already
have.
As a
rule of thumb, our school officially recognizes rank registered
with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) or the Aikikai
World Headquarters. Practitioners of other styles and martial
arts are asked to wear white belts and enroll as new students.
This is not because we do not respect your previous instructors,
but because our style is different enough to require the
development of a "new base" of techniques and ability.
If you have any questions, please speak to the instructor
in charge
2.7 What
do I need to know about etiquette?
The
Aikido Dojo is a traditional school, and practices fairly formal "samurai" Dojo
etiquette. This is done to ensure a constructive atmosphere
that is focused on serious training. There are a few simple
rules to keep in mind; you will pick up the rest quickly.
2.7.1.
Entering the Dojo. Bow from the hip, facing the front of
the Dojo, when you enter the door. This is to remind you
that the Dojo is a special place, and to leave the "outside
world" past the door. Remove your shoes, and place them
facing inwards against the wall near the door. Bow when
exiting the Dojo as well.
2.7.2.
Entering the mat. Do not enter the mat while class is in
session. If you are late for class, enter the back door,
dress in and warm up, and wait for the instructor to invite
you in. Make sure your feet are clean, especially if you
are wearing sandals - the mat stains very easily and permanently!
When you step onto the mat, again, bow to the front of
the Dojo. This is to remind you that you have now begun
training, and should pay special attention and respect.
Bow when exiting the mat as well.
2.7.3.
Starting Class. Until class starts, you are welcome to
stretch and visit with other students. Do not lean against
the wall at any time. When students begin to line up in
seiza (kneeling position), or the senior student claps
his or her hands twice, this is a signal to line up at
attention and wait for the instructor to begin class. The
class will line up with the most senior people to the right,
the most junior people to the left. Please line up in kneeling
position - if your knees prevent you from doing this, kneel
to the best of your ability, even if you can only "stand" on
your knees.
When
the instructor is ready to begin class, he or she will
be in seiza facing the front of the Dojo. The instructor
will raise his or her hands, then bow, then raise and clap
twice. This is traditional and has no religious meaning;
students will bow and clap at the same time as the instructor.
Again, students and instructor will bow to the front. Then,
the instructor will turn to face the students, and everybody
will bow one final time while saying "onei gashimasu" (pronounced "oh
- nye - gosh -e - mas"). This simply means "I hope to learn
from you", and indicates respect and attention. Please
note that the instructor says this as well!
2.7.4.
During class. In between each technique, the class will
line up in seiza - in no particular order. The class will
watch silently while the instructor demonstrates techniques.
When the instructor announces the technique, all students
bow to the instructor quickly, and find a partner to practice
the technique. Usually students try to find a different
partner for every technique. With your partner, find an
open space, make a standing bow to each other, and begin
practice. Usually, each partner practices each technique
four times (twice on each side, right and left), and then
trades places. The senior-most student usually begins as "nage" (pronounced "nah-gay",
the person performing the technique).
2.7.5.Odd
Person Out. Aikido is a partner practice, and often there
is an odd number of people training. If you end up as the "odd
person" without a partner, simply pick a pair that
you would like to practice with, and sit in seiza out of
the way (but where they can see you) until it is your turn.
You will be able to "rotate in," so that everybody
gets a turn. Remember, it is up to the unpaired person
to choose a group; people who are already training should
not invite other people to participate as it wastes training
time and appears to be an excuse to take a break! Just
as important, if somebody is waiting to train with your
group, you should be sure to not ignore them but switch
out after both you and your partner have had a turn. When
taking turns in a three person group, it is customary for
each person to do the technique four times, then uke (attacker)
sits down, and the partner who was sitting gets up and
begins as uke.
2.7.6.
Ending class. At the end of class, the instructor will
tell the class to line up. Students should line up in seiza,
in no particular order. The instructor will raise hands,
bow, clap twice, and bow, just as at the beginning of class.
The instructor will face the students and bow again; this
time, everybody will say "domo arigato gozaimashita" (pronounced "domo
aree-gah-toe goe-zai-mash"), which simply means "thank
you very much!" Finally, the instructor will ask the
class to sit in a circle, where everyone will bow to each
other.
2.8 Are
there any special personal appearance or hygiene requirements?
All
students are expected to keep good hygiene. Uniforms should
be washed regularly, and fingernails and toenails should be
trimmed neatly and closely. This is to prevent injury to yourself
and others. If you have long hair, you are encouraged to keep
it tied (in a ponytail for example)
2.9 Is it
a problem if I wear jewelry?
Students
are requested to remove all jewelry before class. This is partially
to maintain a clean, uniform training environment. Most importantly,
however, this is to prevent injury. Aikido practice includes
close physical contact with others and the mat (such as rolls),
as well as very quick movements and grappling. All of this
can result in rings, earrings, watches, bracelets and necklaces
catching fingers and skin on yourself and others, creating
unpleasant injuries. Although students occasionally wear tight
fitting, smooth wedding rings, students are encouraged to remove
rings as well, or place tape over them.
2.10 I wear
glasses. Is this a problem?
Many
students have vision problems. It is perfectly acceptable to
wear regular glasses to practice, though of course protective "sports" glasses
are even safer. The nature of Aikido practice is such that
with a little care, glasses will not be damaged or cause injury.
Contact lenses work very well.
2.11 What
if I have to leave the mat during class?
Sometimes,
due to injury, emergency, or other need, you may have to leave
the mat while class is in session; this is OK. Please do not
leave while the instructor is demonstrating a technique; however,
if you need to step off the mat, it's best to get the instructor's
attention or permission first so they know what is happening.
Once you have addressed the problem, you may step back on the
mat. As always, be sure to bow when stepping on or off the
mat, and do not interrupt the instructor when they are demonstrating
a technique. Please don't leave the mat unless you have a reason.
2.12 What
do I do if I get an injury?
Our
school has a very good record with injuries; very few injuries
occur, and none of them have been very serious to date. All
students are taught to look out for themselves and their surroundings
at all times. Further, we encourage an atmosphere where the
goal is to help each other learn, and not hurt other students.
However, we practice serious martial arts, and accidents can
happen.
If you
have a minor cut or scrape, please get the instructor's
attention and leave the mat and attend to it quickly. The
Dojo policy is for the injured student to clean, disinfect,
and cover even minor wounds, to maintain a safe and sanitary
environment. Bandages, a first aid kit, and disinfectants
are available in the desk (a senior student can show you).
When you are done, take diluted hydrogen peroxide and some
Q-tips (in the desk drawers) and scrub any places on the
mat where you may have bled. Please note, you may have
to cover the injury with duct tape to keep the bandage
in place!
If you
have a sprain or strain, we have ice packs. Even if you
think you might have injured yourself, please tell your
partner, and take a break for a couple minutes to rest
and recuperate. Very often, minor injuries are unnecessarily
made more serious by "toughing it out". Remember, a neglected
injury can keep you from training!
Follow
the advice of your doctor. If you have a more serious injury
(whether received in class or not), be careful about attending
class until you are sure the injury has sufficiently healed.
2.13 What
if Aikido seems too difficult for me?
Beginning
the study of Aikido can be very daunting. Unlike many arts,
all techniques are practiced with a partner - who will be actively
resisting your efforts. You must learn new ways of moving,
which can make you feel clumsy. You will probably be surrounded
by people who make the things you have difficulty with look
effortless and graceful. You will learn to roll and fall to
avoid injury, which can be frightening at first - and can generate
a wealth of bruises and stiff joints until you become comfortable.
We want
all new students to know that is is natural. Even more
importantly, every single person in the Dojo has gone through
the exact same experience! In fact, just about any senior
student can probably share humorous stories of when they
were beginners too. It takes a lot of guts to enter a new
school, filled with strangers, and commit to the long process
of training in a martial art.
So hang
in there! We all know how discouraging it can be, but before
you realize it you will be helping others!
3.0 What
do I need to know about continued training?
3.1 How
long does it take to reach black belt?
This
is a very common question. In the United States, we are raised
to seek external recognition and rewards, so this is understandable.
However, the black belt rank is not a terminal degree, pedigree,
or certificate of skill, and it certainly does not mean one
has "mastered" a martial art. In fact, the japanese term for
black belt is "shodan", meaning "first step" - traditionally,
attainment of a black belt means the student has learned enough
of the basic movements that they can finally focus on studying
the real core of the art. Actually, Aikido practitioners can
train and receive up to the 10th degree of black belt (though
only after a lifetime of service and at the very highest level
of attainment)!
What
this means is that in a traditional Dojo such as ours,
attainment of a black belt is not easy or quick. Depending
on the student's determination and discipline, natural
skill, and progression, it could take as little as five
years or as much as ten or more. Do not be discouraged;
learn to appreciate the subtle changes you are creating
in yourself. The study of Aikido is its own reward and
goal.
3.2 Are
there any belts and ranks before black belt?
At
the Aikido Dojo, there are 6 junior (white belt) ranks, and
a different test to progress between each. We do not use colored
belts, only white or black. When you enroll in the Dojo, you
will receive a handbook that explains the testing an progression
requirements.
3.3 How
do I progress?
Testing
eligibility requires a minimum number of classes attended,
a minimum period of time (between a few months and a year between
tests, depending on rank), and skill level. You should keep
track of classes and seminars you have attended on the ledger
in the Dojo. If you feel you are ready and eligible to test,
please speak with your instructor; however, your instructor
may also prompt you to prepare. There are no "surprise" tests;
special classes will be conducted to rehearse test techniques
and to demonstrate "practice" tests.
3.4 Do I
have to test?
At
the Aikido Dojo, we don't require testing; progression
is up to each student. However, testing is a very important
part of your training; there is no lasting value in being humble
by not testing. As human beings, we tend to quickly reach "plateaus" in
our skill advancement, where we can get diminishing returns
from our training. This is only natural, as we all develop
habits very quickly. The process of preparing for tests, and
performing in front of your peers, plays a very important role
in breaking those habits and starting us out on a new level.
For the good of your own training and advancement, we encourage
you to test as soon as you are ready.
Tests
also help the instructors, as they demonstrate to the instructor's
peers and teachers where they need to improve their teaching.
Testing also helps other students as they help you prepare,
and helps improve the combined excellence of the Dojo.
3.5 Are
there any special exercises that I can do to help my Aikido
training?
In
order to improve at Aikido, the best thing you can do is practice
Aikido. Aikido practice is based on person-to-person practice.
However, if you are interested in exercises you can do at home
that can help you memorize your techniques or practice basic
Aikido movements, your Aikido instructor can suggest some "suburi" or "kata" (solo
weapons forms) or "kihon waza" (basic exercises).
Many
students are tempted to supplement their martial arts training
with anaerobic weight training to build strength. However,
too much strength training will quickly reduce flexibility,
suppleness and speed in muscles, and can be a serious detriment
to your Aikido training. True martial power comes from
timing, structure, and developing your "center", which
can only be distilled in martial training.
However,
most martial artists will agree that low-impact cardiovascular
and aerobic exercises (running, swimming, bicycling) can
be good complements to martial arts training as they increase
endurance, lung capacity, and circulation.
3.6 Are
there any Aikido books or videos I should buy?
Again,
there is absolutely no substitute for training, and a regular
schedule of training is best. As such, it is not necessary
to buy books, videos, or other paraphernalia to improve your
training and reach your goals.
Nonetheless,
high-quality instructional books and videos (your instructors
can recommend some) can occasionally be helpful for memorizing
complex movements, understanding the Japanese terms, learning
the history of Aikido, or just spurring new ways of thinking
about your training. However, a student should keep in
mind that books and videos are unable to capture many of
the subtleties of live training, and cannot teach your
body. There are many "armchair" martial artists with impressive
libraries!
3.7 There
seem to be a lot of Japanese words used. Do I have to memorize
them?
Japanese
terms are used for the techniques we practice, as they are
used in Aikido Dojos around the world. This allows students
to travel and visit other Dojos (even where language barriers
exist) and be able to train and practice with other students.
However, at the Aikido Dojo we do not place a special emphasis
on Japanese terminology, and generally students are instructed
that they will "pick up" all the common terms over time, as
part of hearing them in regular practice. It is unnecessary
to make a special effort to memorize the terms. However, a
glossary of common terms is contained in the student handbook
that is provided to every new student.
4.0 What
happens if I stop training?
Sometimes,
for health or personal reasons, students feel they must stop
training for an extended period of time, for months or even
years. The student may have to travel, devote more time to
their family or work, or even just explore the need to "try
other things." Since Aikido is meant to complement and strengthen
your everyday life, we understand this, and do not think poorly
of students that must take time off.
No matter
how long a student has been away, however, they are still
part of the Dojo, and will be welcomed back without question.
5.0 How
can I give feedback?
The
instructors of the Aikido Dojo welcome all comments, questions,
and concerns; we are strongly interested in any feedback our
students have to give. Please talk with your instructor, send
email to the address listed on the "Contact" page, or use the
anonymous feedback page under the "Community" link.
This FAQ
is copyright © 2000-2004 the Aikido Dojo / The Academy
of Warrior Spirit. |
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