As with anything you want to become good at you must practice.  Class time is limited, but in your spare time while watching T.V, waiting in line, etc. you should practice moving in circular motions and do hand stretches.

 

No martial art will make you a Superman, but it will give you an edge. You will still need stamina, and though physical strength is not a prerequisite, it always helps...  Exercise!



Respect the mat, it is your friend. Though as a new student learning how to fall and roll is scary, and can result in bangs and bruises, the mat, or the floor, can be your best friend. Finishing off an opponent with a throw or a takedown on a hard floor, can be more devastating than any punch or kick you can deliver. In this way the floor becomes another weapon in your arsenal,  (once you learn not to fear it!) and use it for your advantage.



While some Martial Arts stress keeping a certain distance from your opponent, and while it may seem logical to step back from an advancing or striking opponent, very often we use an “entering motion” to cut off the power of the attacker.  By stepping in we get close enough to employ our locks, throws, and other takedowns.  IRIMI NAGE is a prime example of such an entering motion... and you would be wise to learn it well !



All Martial Arts are contact arts.  It will hurt, but, we don’t want to “get hurt” by our "uke"(partner). KNOW WHO YOU ARE WORKING WITH!  If your partner is sloppy, you want to be on guard. Everyone has to start somewhere, but we can avoid accidents by following a few simple rules:



 

• 1. Don’t vary from the technique, stick to what is being taught.

• 2. Don’t throw you partner if he/she can’t take the falls!! Not only will someone get hurt, but a wrong fall can hurt YOU when trying to avoid a bad fall !

• 3. Set up the technique a few times before going through it completely. This will give both of you additional practice, before doing it for real.

 GO SLOWLY!

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VISUALIZING THE TECHNIQUE! Sometimes you have to “see” what you are going to do before you do it. Recently I tried a new technique which required me to jump in place, wrap my legs around my opponents neck, and roll out in a sacrifice. I could never have done this if I didn’t visualize it first! It works!



While it is said that the straight line is the shortest distance between two points, it can be argued that a winding road may be a more satisfying trip.  Aiki-Jujutsu employs circular motions in its blocking, controlling and takedowns. While it is easier to step back or otherwise avoid a linear confrontation, a circle creates a “whirlpool effect” sucking in the opponent, offering little chance for escape.



Everyone who decides to study Martial Arts does so for any of a thousand reasons. Perhaps you find yourself in a confrontational situation a lot because of your job and want the extra training. Maybe you just get picked on a lot at school or at work, and want to defend yourself. Maybe you fear a future attack from an unknown assailant.

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Whatever your reason is now, it will probably change somewhere along the line. You will begin to learn it for the art. As you go through the techniques (very slowly) you will see the changes, the weight shifting, the legs bending in a certain way, and you will also notice the weak points in your techniques. It will happen​, don’t rush it.



Keep your back straight, bend your knees, move in circular motions with your entire body moving in harmony, and yes... most of all... BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!



There is no secret, no short cut, and no easy path. If you want to learn, please, by all means come join us. We are slow... we are repetitious; we are traditional, and honest in our approach. Most of all, if you are honest in your desire to learn, we welcome you.