Aikido Basics. Phong Thong Dang

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.

      The Hakama

      The hakama is the formal pleated skirtlike pants worn by advanced students. The hakama symbolizes the accomplishment of many hours and years of training, dedication, and discipline. It is a status symbol in some schools. Some schools allow women to wear the hakama out of modesty. This comes from traditional Japanese culture, and should not be considered politically incorrect or sexist. Some modern schools do not make this exception, however.

      There is a ritual for folding your hakama when you are finished training. It provides a time to reflect on your training and your purpose for taking aikido.

      You may have some difficulties getting dressed at first. With time, putting your uniform on will be a part of your ritual for preparing your body and your mind for training. Your uniform will become a statement of who you are and what you will become. Wear it proudly.

      Equipment

      Your school will provide most of the equipment needed to practice aikido. The most important is the mat on which you will train. The mat provides a safe place to fall and roll while practicing the basic techniques.

      The only pieces of equipment that you will eventually have to buy are your weapons. Weapons training begins at various times for the beginner in aikido. There are three primary weapons used in aikido training: the jo, or wooden staff; the bokken, or wooden sword; and the tanto, or wooden knife.

      YOU HAVE ALREADY WATCHED a few classes, so you have some idea what you can expect. You have interviewed and chosen a school and teacher that you believe can provide you with the best training available. You have signed up, shown up, and suited up. You walk into the school for your very first class. Welcome to aikido, the way of peace and harmony.

      Before Class

      Expectations

      A word of advice is not to have too many expectations. The plan you have in your mind may not be the plan your new teacher has for your first lesson. If you are not filled with your own expectations, you will be more open to whatever is offered. As a beginner, you will encounter several new things when you attend your first class. Some will be physical and some will be psychological.

      You may, at first, feel disappointed from a martial arts perspective, since aikido can look soft. As you study, however, you will find that the soft appearance gives way to the power of