| Teaching, training, and exercising Aikido | | | | Although instructors and senior students will be |
| Since the development of Aikido from the hands | | | | there to guide you, they wouldn't be the one |
| of its founder Morihei Ueshiba, it has gone through | | | | responsible for your improvement. So if you really |
| drastic changes. From the technique, practice, | | | | want to improve in this martial art, make sure |
| purpose, teaching, and training, Aikido is being | | | | that you observe effectively before asking for |
| interpreted in so many ways. Despite these | | | | any help and that you try to learn the techniques |
| glaring changes, the basic principle of Aikido still | | | | on your own first before you partake in any |
| remains: a martial art that aims to achieve peace | | | | demonstration. |
| and harmony without instigating attack and force. | | | | 3. Bear in mind that Aikido training includes more |
| BEFORE YOU PRACTICE | | | | than one technique. Aside from the physical |
| If you are into aikido and already been enrolled in | | | | demonstrations, training in aikido includes |
| one of the classes, you must familiarize yourself | | | | observation and modification of both physical and |
| with everything that you need to know about the | | | | psychological patterns of the students' thought |
| martial art. You must realize that the practice of | | | | and behavior. Since there are so many techniques |
| aikido starts once you have entered the "dojo" or | | | | to learn, an aikido student should be ready to |
| the place where demonstrations, teachings, and | | | | react to circumstances so he or she can cultivate |
| training take place. | | | | awareness. |
| The aikido trainees are instructed and expected | | | | 4. Memorize the basic teachings and principles of |
| to exercise and observe proper etiquette at all | | | | the martial art. Aikido is known as one of the |
| times. Here are some guidelines for those you | | | | non-aggressive means of self-defense. That is |
| have just started exercising or training for aikido: | | | | why most aikido trainings involve cooperative |
| 1. Attendance is important and a must. Indeed, | | | | activities. |
| the only way for you to improve in aikido is by | | | | In order to learn and excel in the martial art, you |
| attending regular classes and continuous training. | | | | must be cooperative enough with your partner so |
| Although attendance is not mandatory in most | | | | you will both reap the benefits of aikido. Make |
| dojos, you better keep in mind that for you to | | | | sure that you're careful when training and |
| learn and master aikido, you must be there when | | | | practicing aikido because some of the techniques |
| you have training so you wouldn't miss any of the | | | | can kill or damage when not practice judiciously. |
| aikido teachings and trainings. | | | | 5. Be prepared for anything and everything. |
| Most aikido practitioners suggest that for a | | | | Exercising, teaching, and training in Aikido is not |
| student to advance in aikido, he or she should | | | | simple. Because of the dynamic nature of the |
| practice at least twice a week. Aside from not | | | | martial art, it can be very frustrating if you |
| missing out something, attending aikido classes | | | | haven't prepared yourself mentally, emotionally, |
| regularly can also help you cultivate self-discipline. | | | | and physically. Part of the training is learning to |
| 2. Make your training your own responsibility. Just | | | | cope with frustrations that come along the |
| like in any martial art training, Aikido requires | | | | training. |
| attention and dedication from you. And since you | | | | The best solution whenever frustration sets in is |
| are the one who is interested in learning the | | | | that the practitioner should observe what is or |
| martial, you should also be the one in-charge of | | | | are the possible causes of this frustration and |
| your own exercise and training. Once you have | | | | how can they overcome these challenges. They |
| decided to practice Aikido, it is given that you | | | | should avoid comparing themselves with others |
| should be the one who is responsible for your | | | | and continue improving their techniques. |
| proficiency and improvement. | | | | |