Anyone here learn Aikido?

[seeker89]

I've been doing Martial Arts for a couple of years now, but relatively recently have started learning about Aikido. It's got this whole philosophy behind it and might possibly interest some of you guys. The name Aikido translates roughly to "Way of harmony with energy" (there's a few different translations) and from what I understand, is a Martial Art that seeks to neutralize and control an attack by using your opponents energy against them and striving for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

I'm not really doing it justice here, so I recommend those who are inclined to this kind of thing to look up some information and/or video clips of Aikido to see what it's all about. I'm currently looking for a place to learn it

Happy new year.

I encountered Aikido some years ago, during a self-defence course, where the principles were used against attackers. Very good for 'weaker' ladies! Alot of it was about flowing with the momentum and using the attacker's energy in a deflecting, dancing way. I'd love to learn it properly.

[Silver]

I suppose you could say that it's for the 'weaker' ladies, but the practice of using an attacker's own movements and weight against him/her is a brilliant strategy ~ for anyone of any age. And all I did was take a beginner's course at a community college and I absolutely loved it.

What I meant by 'weaker ladies' is the fact that, no matter how strong a woman is, a man is stronger so trying to use strength against strength is pointless. Far better to use their own momentum, pride and intensity against them...

I have a shodan in Aikido. What about it? :)

[seeker89]

Congrats Michael, that's quite an achievement I've been learning Jujutsu and Karate for the last few months, but have pretty much decided to make the switch to Aikido, pretty much for the philosophical reasons I mentioned in the first post. May I ask, Michael, what the things to look for when choosing an Aikido Dojo to train at are?

Thanks,

seeker89