Tampa Aikido specializes in offering instruction in Aikido to adults and youth 12 and up in the Tampa Bay area. We do not have separate classes or regular signup periods for new beginners; instead we prefer our new members do a one-on-one introductory session and then mix in right away with our full community, where they can benefit from training with the full range of experience and skill of our other members. Don’t worry – you will feel very welcomed and fit right in; new members aren’t judged based on inexperience, and classes are structured so that everybody gets to train at their own level, with personal attention from the teachers and experienced students in the class. However, we do have a special fundamentals class offered each Monday for members who wish to focus on basic, structured technique.
It’s a long-standing point of humor among our teachers that sometimes we’ll have a visitor watch a fundamentals class, and say “well, that’s just not realistic! I can’t see how that will be useful for self defense!” On another night, we’ll have a visitor watch an advanced class, and say “well, that’s amazing, but I can’t see myself ever being able to do any of that!” It’s important to experience a full range of classes to get a sense of how we ease new members into building basic skills all the way through performing at spontaneous and advanced levels.
Getting started is easy! We understand it can be a little scary making that first step, but all great adventures start with a sense of anticipation. Simply call, text(preferred) or email us using the information on the “contact” page, and our Dojo administrator will contact you and talk to you about your questions and interests. Alternatively, you can reach out to let us know you’d like to watch a class, then simply bring yourself to the Dojo a few minutes before any regularly scheduled Aikido class. You’ll be made to feel welcome and invited to watch!
If you want to get a “jump start,” and get on the mat right away, simply click on the startup package shown on the welcome page of this website. You’ll be prompted to select a day and time that works for you to come in and have a personalized 20-30 minute orientation. You can prepare by wearing loose-fitting, comfortable workout clothes, or a Karate or Judo uniform. If you know you plan to sign up as a member after your intro session, or want to join as a member even before you come in for your session, let us know, and you will be given a uniform at your session. Getting started is just a few clicks away!
On your first day, you will be introduced to Dojo customs, basic exercises and etiquette(as we observe traditional Japanese etiquette at the Dojo). After going through some foundational stances and movements, the instructor will walk you through the basics of protecting yourself by falling and rolling safely and under control – an important life skill! You’ll be led through some helpful stretches and given an idea of breath work in Aikido. Finally, (each session is unique to the individual,) your instructor may work with you on one particular aikido principle or walk you through a technical movement or two. The session will finish with addressing your questions.
New students aren’t just thrown in! For your first class, you can expect to be led through a stretching, breath work and footwork routine, followed by falling and rolling drills. After this warmup period, the instructor will demonstrate an aikido technique and the class will practice it. You will be paired with an experienced training partner who will help you explore and learn the technique together. During the initial 8-weeks, beginners are given specific material to concentrate on. We’ve found by limiting the amount of information, beginners are able to focus on a few key points and gain confidence quickly. Instruction generally builds from more basic movements up to more advanced principles throughout the duration of a class. You will take turns performing and receiving different techniques with a variety of partners throughout class who are experienced working with and helping out beginners. Mostly, on your first day you can expect to feel welcomed and enjoy the feeling of a new, positive undertaking!
What you will achieve will depend on what you invest into your training. One of the beautiful aspects of Aikido is that you can depart every class with some new insight or improvement. Over time, you will grow more and more confident dealing with difficult situations, more and more relaxed and comfortable managing attackers in whatever form they may appear, and more perceptive about how human emotions, human ego, and the human body work together. Through training, we come to appreciate how those insights apply in daily life, to work interactions and stressors, and in relationships. How quickly and how far down the path to mastery you travel, and what your particular path looks like is up to you! What you can expect to achieve is the discovery and appreciation of your own path, and the manifestation of your own personal strengths.
“Aikido really interests me, but I’m just not physically in shape enough to be a martial artist.” Aikido is not a martial sport, where you are pitted in physical contests against matched opponents. It is a life art, which means it is a practice and philosophy for your life, your entire life. Aerial acrobatics may be very impressive when you are in your twenties, but their usefulness will be limited if you cannot perform or apply them in your 30s, 40s, and beyond! The Aikido you discover will look different than anyone else’s, and as an expression of your own body and life it will provide a path that will provide results and challenges that fit your unique situation. If you have the mindset and will to embrace Aikido, it will reward you no matter your physical situation. That being said, if you have a particular concern, please let us know!