The applicants get instructions after a personal interview with the master and on the basis of this talk. First the history of aikido is briefly told them. After that they are informed on the dojo etiquette and the commands used at the trainings. Information is provided on the proper clothing and the conditions of enrolment, too. When they fill the application form for membership, simultaneously they have got to accept the rules of the union.
The training begins with meditation, followed by a breathing exercise combined
with movement which aims to take energy up, clear the aura and get in tune with
the energies of the Universe. Then comes the warming up, some gymnastics and
stretching. In the first 3 or 5 months the basic techniques are practised: stances,
steps, rolling techniques (the latter are especially important for the safe
training without any accidents), attacks, ways of avoiding blows and breaking
free from grasps. The next phase is to start practising the inductive techniques.
At the first examination students shall prove that they are familiar with the
above mentioned skills. After that starts the learning of techniques in the
form of paired exercises. An interesting part is that the techniques are learnt
in a kneeling position as well as standing. (This should not be mistaken for
the ground-fight at wrestling or judo. The exercises imitate real situations
when a sitting person receives the attack of another sitting person, and they
are carried out with maximum stability and concentration).
A previous experience in martial arts is a great advantage because it helps
to get an insight into the whys and wherefores of the techniques and get a feeling
of the attitude and philosophy lying in their background. Those who start to
learn aikido as 'laymen', treading their first path in martial arts, need more
time to become proficient at the movements.
The examinations are held on the basis of a purpose-made special scheme. It
pays attention to the personal development of each aikidoka and takes it into
consideration. Conditions are as follows: accomplishing the required amount
of practice between grades, profound exploration of the subject-matter of the
wished grade, industriousness, persistence and willingness. There are differences,
and it manifests clearly for the master which student is ready to acquire the
next grade and when.
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