Questions and Answers
Q: What style is it ?
A: It is traditional Aikido with an emphasis on realism. It is not sport Aikido
Q: Does it hurt ?
A: Not really. All students are taught to be respectful of the abilities of others to receive the techniques
Q: Will I meet aggressive nutters ?
A: No, we are not aggressive
Q: Is this the art that Steven Seagal does ?
A: Yes, he trained devotedly in Aikido, but has moved on since
Q: Which is more effective, Aikido or Karate ?
A: Both are very effective, but a grappling art like Aikido is less likely to further enrage or grievously harm an opponent
Q: If I have to travel and move to another club will my skills transfer ?
A: Yes, our comprehensive syllabus will put you in a strong position if you ever need to move to another Aikido club
Q: Will I get thrown hard onto the floor ?
A: Not like with say Judo, we train to land softly with a roll not a slam
Q: Will I be asked to believe in any religious or metaphysical system ?
A: No, we are not into all that. The movement and the technique is what matters
Q: Could I get injured ?
A: Far less likely than with say football or rugby. Healthy people generally have fewer problems in life
Q: If I'm from another club can I visit and train with you ?
A: Yes, delighted to meet you. We have no barriers to visitors. Maybe we can learn from you
Q: How does Aikido compare with Karate ?
A: Put simply Aikido is about guiding and throwing, Karate is about kicking and punching
Q: How does Aikido compare with Ju- jitsu ?
A: Quite similar superficially, but in Aikido there's much more emphasis on finding the flow of the movement
Q: It looks more like a form of exercise, so is it actually effective ?
A: Yes, devastatingly so. It is first and foremost a martial art
Q: Are we austere and miserable ?
A: No, we are lively and chatty. It's Aikido !