Learn Aikido

"Warming Up Many schools have a series of warm-up and stretching exercises at the start of class. Others assume that you will do this on your own. Regardless, it's worth taking the time to stretch out. Aikido can be physically demanding and the warm-up exercises are designed to limber up the student. Beyond getting in shape for the class, the warm-ups provide a time to mentally shift from the everyday world to practice. Thinking about problems at work during practice won't lead to absorbing what the instructor is saying and could potentially compromise your safety. In addition, many of the warm-up exercises are related to Aikido techniques. Think about breathing and balance while you work through the warm-ups with the rest of the class. Do any of the exercises remind you of the techniques you've started to learn? One additional note about practicing in the heat. Hydration is important. If it's hot in the dojo (many are not air conditioned) consider drinking some water before class. If you get light-headed during the class don't be shy about sitting off to one side for a while. If you need to leave the mat for water or for any other reason, ask the instructor first. Absorb the Culture The Japanese are a polite people. Because of crowded conditions, they have evolved a complex set of manners, protocol, and rituals, some of which come down to us in the study of Aikido. It's worth the time to get familiar with Aikido Etiquette even if your school is very casual about such things. It could save you much embarrassment should you visit another school. These are not purely empty traditions - they serve several purposes including:"