How to Start Aikido - A Typical Class
Step 2 .
What is a typical class
If you are new then you will need arrive 10-15 minutes or so before the start time to be inducted - as this is a physical activity we need to understand if there are any medical issues that could effect your practice as well as taking your contact details. Forms vary slightly club to club in the way we record where you heard about a club - if you want to view a typical form Click here.
The start time is the start of the class. So students turn up before hand to change and also lay the mat if this is needed.
The class formally starts with acknowledgement and respect to each other through bows and the Founder of Aikido. (This were you just need to copy others).
Warm up exercises to prepare the body for the class are undertaken in just the same as any other physical activity.
Practising basic movement and turning exercises usually follow on.
Then the main class content of learning techniques - each student practises to improve taking it in turns to do the defence. The technique can be taught as a series of progressive steps or overall. The opportunity to learn from higher grades or practise at your own level will occur during the class.
If your are new you will be taught how to move out of techniques including rolling breakfalls.
It will all seem strange at first and you will not remember very much from your first classes ..... the osbstacles tend to be standing posture correctly and which hands to use but gradually the mist will lift as you return to practise techniques you have done in earlier classes. One of aspects of aikido is the breadth of material to be learnt - this stops you getting bored but equally could be one of fustrations if you expect to master skills very quickly.
The class can then move on to studying weapon work in relation to Aikido.
Cool down.
Formal end of the class and putting the mat away if this is needed in the location.
Next Step - Step 3