Aikido Basics. Phong Thong Dang

of Aiki. Several different organizations teach variations of the Aikikai style. The Aikikai style of aikido places great emphasis on technical proficiency of technique. Tomiki aikido, or Tomiki Ryu, is a style originated by Kenji Tomiki, who imitated the sport of judo competition in the hopes of acceptance into the educational institutions. Yoseikan Budo, established by Master Minoru Mochizuki in Japan, is a style strongly influenced by judo. Iwama style aikido, as taught by Morihiro Saito, emphasizes the relationship of unarmed techniques executed with ken (wooden sword) and jo (wooden staff) movements. Sensei Gozo Shioda established Yoshinkan aikido, emphasizing self-defense applications. Tenshinkai, meaning the association of heavenly hearts, is the name given to the fluid and powerful style of aikido from Vietnam founded by master Phong Thong Dang.

      Koichi Tohei, a dan under O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, founded the Ki-Society in 1971 to reflect a different emphasis and curriculum. The Ki-Society, known as Shin Shin Toitsu aikido, means aikido with body and mind coordination. Tohei Sensei brought aikido to the United States at the request of O'Sensei in 1953. The Ki-Society style of aikido emphasizes the development and use of ki to remain calm and relaxed in stressful situations in daily life. The Ki-Society combines ki development and breathing exercises with soft, flowing aikido techniques. Seidokan aikido, founded by Roderick Koayashi in 1981, draws from Tohei Sensei's Ki-aikido but emphasizes a balanced practice of principles and techniques

      While the emphasis of these two major branches of aikido is different, their basis and origin are the same. There may be several other styles, or branches, of aikido—too many to keep track of. Many independent schools have opened and are actively training students. Their styles may not be covered here, but their exclusion is not meant in any way to be disrespectful.

      AN OLD SAYING tells us that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Your journey into the beauty and power of aikido will be like that thousand-mile journey. It is filled with fascinating and unique scenery and traveling (or training) companions.

      The beginning step sets the direction of the journey. Getting started in your aikido training can be very difficult. As a beginner, you do not know what to look for and what questions to ask.

      First of all, getting started in aikido means choosing a school, buying your first uniform, showing up for your first class, and training safely.

      CHOOSING THE RIGHT aikido school for you is essential for both your practice and your personal development. There are many considerations to keep in mind. Here are some guidelines to help you on your search.

      Finding Available Schools

      To find the aikido school closest to you, check your local Yellow Pages. Many sites on the Internet offer school-search functions. These listings may be somewhat limited, however, so check martial arts supply stores in your area for business cards and flyers of local teachers and their schools. Check the local parks and recreation departments, the YMCAs, local health clubs, and community or state colleges, for possible classes or aikido clubs.

      Your Goals and the School's

      The first step is to realize who you, as a new student, are. An important aspect to consider is the ethics of your motivation for studying aikido, and the ethics of the school's motivation for teaching it. Why do you want to learn aikido? Are there specific aspects of the art that you are more interested in, and that you'd like your training to focus on? If your primary motivation is self-defense, for example, then your criteria for judging a school depend on that. Many aikido schools do not emphasize the self-defense aspects of training, but rather the development and transformation of the person. The focus of each aikido school may vary according to the style and the instructor. Some schools will focus on the development of ki over technical proficiency. Others will focus on more practical self-defense or weapons training. Just as you need to determine the focus of aikido that interests you, you'll also need to determine the focus of potential schools.

      The right school is the one that best matches your reasons, motivation, and ethics. Therefore, it is important for new students to be clear about why they want to train in aikido and what they want to get out of that training. By asking these questions of yourself up front, you'll be better able to recognize the school that best suits your needs.

      School Location

      According to an old joke, success in business depends on three things: location, location, and location. Convenient location is an important consideration. If it is not easy to get to the school, you may not be able to get to class on a regular basis, which will hinder your training.

      Class Schedule

      Convenient class schedule is another important consideration. While some aikido schools offer classes at various times, others can be very limited in class meeting times and frequency. Many schools only offer classes during the evening, or only in the morning and on weekends. Try to find a school that provides classes that match your schedule.

      Financial Responsibility

      Training in aikido also comes with a financial commitment and responsibility. It is important to know up front what financial agreement and contract you will face as a new student. Many schools have a monthly rate with unlimited class attendance. Others have a monthly rate that only allows a certain amount of class time. Local service organizations and colleges charge fees on a course or semester basis. Some schools offer a special rate if you pay in advance for a "black belt" program—but many people drop out of training before reaching the black belt level. Ask yourself how much training is worth to you. How much can you afford? There are enrollment fees, dues, testing fees, clothing and equipment 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