Frequently Asked Questions 

 

1) How do I choose a Martial Art?

There are many different styles of Martial Arts and the choice can be very hard to make. Different styles of Martial Arts teach punching, kicking, grappling or combinations of them and can offer good self defence training for you.  Younger people tend to get into harder Martial Arts style while older people tend towards softer styles that are easier on the body.

Even Aikido has harder and softer styles in it.  The harder Aikido styles like Yoshinkan or Aikikai emphasize more aggressive movements and angles that cause more strain on the joints than softer styles like Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido taught at Winnipeg Ki Aikido Club.  In our Dojo we teach if you can lift 16 lbs you can throw anyone attacking you.  You will learn to pull when an attacker pushes or to push when an attacker pulls you.  The very aggression used against you gives you everything you need to subdue an attacker.  You really need to see a demonstration to understand this.

2) How do I choose a Dojo to train at?
Visit the Dojo and look for these things:
- Are the students respectful to their Instructors and other students.
- Anger and Aggression between students has no place in the Dojo.
- Ask if you may watch the beginner class, this will give you a better "feel" for the dojo and the training that you will receive with them.
- How old is the Dojo you want to join?  Older clubs tend to have better Instructors with more experience teaching students.
- Do you see a lot of injuries in the club?  While injuries can happen, if the Instructor is properly trained and teaches the students properly then injuries shouldn't be common.  If you see a club where everyone seems to be injured then you should choose another club.

3) What do I look for in an Instructor?
Ask questions before you join the Dojo.
- How long has the Instructor been teaching the martial art and where did they learn?
-What is the Instructor's attitude towards the students?  A good Instructor is demanding yet patient with students.
- Anger and Aggression between the Instructor and the students has no place in the Dojo.
- What qualifications or certification does the Instructor have to teach this martial art?  Some techniques can be dangerous when not properly taught and could cause serious injury if the Instructor is not qualified.

4) Who is the Instructor for the Winnipeg Ki Aikido Club?
Erickson Sensei is our Head Instructor. He has been practicing Aikido for 20 years and teaching Aikido for 15 years.  Winnipeg Ki Aikido is affiliated with an international Aikido organization with its head Dojo in Japan.  Erickson Sensei is recognized internationally as a Head Instructor in this area.