Beginners Advice

Beginner Advice

We teach Beginner Aikido Basics in all of our classes along with safe, comfortable and effective Aikido training including dojo etiquette & terminology, warm-ups & exercises, breathing & posture, basic movement & blending, basic falling & basic techniques. 
As a beginner, you will be helped and guided by both the instructor and your more experienced training partners to have fun learning at your own pace and comfort level.

Remember -You're not alone. 
We all started just like you — 
and we're here to help.

"One small step for you. 
One giant leap for Your LIFE"
(to paraphrase Neil Armstrong :)

As you begin Aikido...

Click on "Member Advice Docs" and "Videos"
for a variety of helpful documents with lots of advice as well as helpful reference videos.

Come to class a little early
Feel free to use the time before class to clarify anything with one of the other students or instructors. Or use the time to relax and leave your day behind and prepare your mind for the class to come.

Keep your body clean
especially your hands and feet—and keep fingernails trimmed.

Take care of your gi
Wash it after each class and fold it neatly for the next class. Transport it to and from the dojo in an appropriate carry bag.

Do your part to help keep the dojo clean

Do not practice the techniques you learn on anyone outside the dojo 
Anger and serious injury may result.

Conduct yourself in an honorable manner 
both in and out of the dojo. You represent Sensei Greg O’Connor, your Aikido Centers Instructors and the Dojos.

Enjoy your training
Use good judgment. Always practice with safety in mind.

More for You...

REFERENCE VIDEOS for BEGINNERS

We can give you your own personal, comfortable, safe,
learn-at-your-own-pace
Intro to Safe Falling in any class.
Note:
In Aikido we're known for our safe falling skills. However, falls and falling are never required in any of our classes.
Always feel free to ask a senior or instructor for help or advice.

Set Your Own Level of Intensity

Whether a beginner in Aikido or a long time Aikido practitioner, you can practice as the appropriate pace and level of your choosing in each and every class you come to.

Easy Interactive Movement 
or Intense Dynamic Training

Everyone benefits from the simple act of just moving in Aikido. That movement can be slow and comfortable or, if the practitioners have developed the higher skills required, can be quite dynamic and powerful.
The main thing is - to be SAFE and have FUN!

"Slow is smooth . . . 
and smooth is fast."

So when starting, just take your time. Join slow when learning anything new is the best training. Speed and power are then enhanced if one wants further intensity with Safety.

We want you to enjoy every class and learn at a pace that's most right for YOU. As you get more comfortable with your Aikido training it's entirely up to you if you want to add any skills or levels of application. We'll always offer encouragement and support.

Let us know what we can do and we’ll do our best to help. 

Breathe Deep & Relax

The main benefit we gain from our Aikido training is learning how to relax and breathe. By relaxing we allow the body to naturally breathe deeper. This sends rich oxygen into our bloodstream to better nurish our bodies and brains, calming our spirit and emotions, quieting the chatter in our head and making us more effective at being, thinking and responding to the many aspects of life and its occasional challenges

It's All About You...

Yes, that's right. You're main focus in your Aikido training should be about you—how to recognize and adjust to your own body, your own natural responses, your own comfort, pace, your own value.
In any worthwhile pursuit it's necessary to have comfortable control over yourself first in order to gain control over anything else.
Take the advice of any flight attendant to heart...
"Place the oxygen mask on your own face before attempting to help others."

So — Pay attention to what YOU need. 
As a result your Aikido will rock!

Moriehei Ueshiba - 
"O Sensei"
Founder of Aikido

The Founder of Aikido

The founder of Aikido is Morihei Ueshiba, commonly referred to as O Sensei ("Great Teacher"). He was one of Japan's most famous martial artists but he came to feel that winning at the expense of another was not what true budo, "warrior's way", was about. His epiphany led to his creation of Aikido which is now exploding in popularity all over the world. He was designated one of Japan's National Treasures. He passed away on April 26, 1969.
"Aikido Centers is a great and well run organization made of individuals that come together each for their own reasons, but aside from their main motivations, to develop physical and mental sharpness in a healthy environment among like-minded men and women, in a joyful manor. It’s not just about the martial training. Beyond the training are a plethora of opportunities to add to the Aikido experience."
Michael C.
Aikido Centers has kids classes, multiple locations, great facilities and friendly atmosphere. As a person who has been around Aikido and other martial arts for more than 30 years, I can honestly say that Aikido Centers is the pinnacle of martial arts instruction. More than student/teacher relationships for effective self-defense, each and every person is part of a family that insures that your technique is far above and beyond the run-of-the-mill martial arts school. Great care is taken for physical, mental and personal growth." 
John M.
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