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I just went and looked up Aikido and it sounds perfect. I'll start looking for classes in my area and take your advice in choosing one. Thanks so much!
posted by
TVBlogger
on October 14, 2006 at 11:46 AM
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TV, Aikido would probably be a good match for what you have described
It concentrates on bringing mind and body into harmony and blending forces instead of destroying things.
That was the easy part.
Finding a good instructor is the hard part. Most instructors will let you take a class or two for free to get a feel for the class. Talk to the instructor and ask about their philosophy. Ask what they expect of their students. Ask them about other instructors that you are considering. Talk to the students and see what they like about the class and what they don't like. Ask the students if they have been to other instructors and why they quit. Many people in the martial arts have tried several before finding what the like. I've taken Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Shorinji Kempo, and American Kenpo plus dabbled in a few others.
The age of Eastern mysticism is gone. What you are doing is interviewing the instructor to see if want to hire him or her. The students and other instructors are references. You want to find an instructor that is competant, that shares your philsophy, and that you mesh well with. If you end up in a class that you dread going to, you won't go and that doesn't do you or the instructor any good.
I would also try to avoid year long contracts if possible. If a contract is required, 3 months is ideal. That will give you time to get over the initial awkwardness and see if you like the class. If you don't like it, switch to a different school for 3 months. Contracts vary from school to school.
posted by
SuccessWarrior
on October 14, 2006 at 11:22 AM
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Sort of off topic...
but I have a question about martial arts. I briefly took TaeKwon-Do and really enjoyed the discipline. I have very good srength, balance and flexibility so it seemed a good match for me. However, I've had problems with instructors and in one case left the class after I was told that a particular blow was designed to break off the sternum and drive it into the heart. Is there a martial art that is more defensive than offensive? I'm pretty much a pacifist and find the idea of aggressively causing bodily harm repulsive. And how do you find a good instructor? I've been thinking more lately of wanting to take up this activity but my past experiences are getting in my way. Thanks for any advice you have to offer.
posted by
TVBlogger
on October 14, 2006 at 10:58 AM
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