Frequently Asked Questions
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How long will it take until I'm proficient?
That depends on what you mean, and there's no way of predicting how long it takes anyone to reach any level of proficiency—whether that's from the perspective of self-defense or personal growth. Try to think of it this way. No matter what discipline we're talking about, effectiveness has more to do with the person than the art. People are effective. The art is your chosen operating system. The bottom line is...embrace the lessons of Aikido on and off the mat, and it will come as quickly as it could come. How long does it take to get a black belt? On average, about five years. Sometimes a little less, and sometimes a little more. Stop thinking about it and enjoy the ride. It's where the good stuff is. What's the difference between Aikido and other martial arts with more familiar names? Basically, it's like the difference between squares and circles. Both are shapes, but completely different in nature. The most commonly practiced arts like Karate and Taekwando focus on linear movement, blocking, striking, and a competitive relationship with conflict. Aikido focuses on centered and circular movement, and favors application that uses the energy of attack in receptive and powerful ways. Aikido teaches us to work WITH the conditions of conflict rather than against them. While all the arts value a warrior spirit, Aikido fosters one that is peaceful in nature. Can I try out a class before I join the dojo? You are invited to observe as many classes as you like and ask as many questions as you can think of. We do not, however, allow beginners on the mat until they've crossed the threshold of membership. We are very financially accessible, and that small initial investment in your practice plays an important role in your motivation and commitment. Remember, you're not buying a car. You're investing in yourself. Experienced Aikidoists who are visiting from other dojos are welcome with a small mat fee. I would be starting at an older age and I'm a little worried about falling, rolling, and stuff like that. How would I fit in? Everyone is expected to train at a level accessible to their partner. Learning how to receive technique—including falling on some level—is part of Aikido practice. You learn it and incorporate it at your own level and pace, though. More "athletic" training partners also benefit by using their time with you to improve the clarity of their skills. We also offer a lower impact class which would probably interest you. What "style" of Aikido do you practice? Do you know what a "style" is? It's a self-imposed boundary on the bigger picture. Aikido of San Diego does not subscribe to any single "style" of Aikido. We believe that highly stylistic Aikido equals limitations. With that said, we do have a distinct lineage and connection to the founder, Morihei Ueshiba. We are part of the Aikikai (the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo) through active membership in the California Aikido Association under Shihan Robert Nadeau—a direct disciple of the founder. If it interests you, you are welcome to discuss the Chief Instructor's training background and lineage with him personally. I just want to learn how to protect myself from anything as quickly as possible. Is Aikido of San Diego for me? Maybe...mabe not. Aikido is a very effective martial art. If you did join us, though, I would hope that the premise you're coming from would change. You're never going to be invulnerable. If there's a pressing reason you believe you need to defend yourself now, then there are plenty of simple, intensive self-defense classes to take. It's a mistake to see self-defense and Aikido as exactly the same thing. Self-defense is an objective, and a martial art like Aikido is a warrior's journey into personally uncharted waters. Aikido can be used very aggressively if you choose to do so in an assault situation, but it's also intended to develop more dimensional people and help us reconcile the "mucky-muck" of life. It should be understood, however, that things generally don't happen overnight. Improvement happens better when you're enjoying the practice, displaying some patience, and trusting the path. Aikido is a wonderous tool, but it doesn't reveal its best expression through anxious lenses. |