Sometimes we are confronted with questions from adults about whether it is too late for them to start practicing aikido. Age is not the same, plasticity with elasticity decreases, and there is not as much strength as we would like. On this score, we always have an unequivocal opinion: it is never too late to move forward.

The difference between aikido and professional sports

The peculiarity of Applied Aikido is that there are no uniform standards and requirements that screen out people who do not meet any specific standards. Professional sports are age-limited, require serious physical effort and are associated with injuries. There are several definitions of sport that are correct in their own way. And, as a rule, most of them mention competitions:

• the system of organizing and holding the corresponding competitions;
• elimination of risk to health and life of participants or spectators present at the competition;
• competitions that operate according to the rules excluding chance or luck;
• competitions in different disciplines, exercises or their complexes.

Either way, most definitions include a competitive element. But aikido is not a professional sport. On the one hand, it is a lifestyle. He motivates to always be in motion and develop, but exclusively starting from the initial data and personal capabilities. On the other hand, it is a martial art, and completely different qualities are important in it, in contrast to professional sports. By the way, we have already written about competitions in aikido. You can read the article here.

Undoubtedly, training will not be an easy walk. And the results can only be achieved if you put in the effort. But the important point is that everyone has their own bar and their own goal. We will not demand the impossible from you. But we will help, gradually increasing the load, to strive to the maximum of our capabilities.

Movement for the sake of movement or what is most important in training

The movement is life. In essence, movement is the main goal of what we do. Moving forward to new yourself, to your personal capabilities and heights. Movement for movement’s sake, as the modern sedentary lifestyle brings us many health problems. Aikido is not a panacea or a cure for all diseases. But one thing is for sure: after a good workout, on which you give your best, your well-being will definitely improve. No tricks and no magic. The recipe is very simple:

• release of hormones of happiness;
• lymph circulation;
• blood flow and oxygen saturation.

These are all simple recipes to help you feel better. The main thing is not to rush straight into the whirlpool headlong, but to increase the load gradually. Our trainers will be happy to help you with this.

Many people believe that in the evenings there is neither strength nor energy, and generally do not want to go anywhere, but it is better to just relax. Believe us, good regular workouts will help you get in shape, build endurance, improve your own well-being and even your mood.

How to choose a section?

Having expressed a desire to go in for sports, many try to choose a section for themselves and ask friends / acquaintances / already practicing a question about the fundamental difference between one or another type of martial arts, in which they may not understand. And if the difference between basketball, football and martial arts is quite obvious, it is sometimes extremely difficult to understand the martial arts themselves and choose the best option for yourself.

Firstly, representatives of any kind of martial arts and schools will always claim that their type / school / dojo, etc. are the best.

Secondly, it is extremely difficult to explain to a person the fundamental difference between one or another type of martial arts, especially if you have a very vague or just generalized idea of ​​martial arts in general.

The easiest way to classify martial arts is as follows:

• Karate and taekwondo are punches.
• Aikido, applied aikido and real aikido are self-defense.
• Judo is basically throws and so on.

This is a very generalized classification and cannot be called absolutely accurate, it gives a very superficial understanding of the situation.

But sometimes it is extremely difficult to explain the fundamental difference. Because, as a rule, it is different for everyone. But this does not change the question “what to choose?” In fact, you need to select not by a loud name, not by strong recommendation and not by fashion.

To get started, as a first step, try to find information about a section, club or school on the Internet. This will definitely create a first impression. At least it will be clear what the martial art and the club itself are. The history of our club can be found here.

Step two – contact the club. Ask all your questions, clarify the nuances and sign up for a trial lesson. Talking to your coach will always help you clarify the details. Again, you can check the current schedule, dojo addresses and cost of classes. Our contacts and training schedule can be found here.

Well, the most important, third step – come to a trial lesson. The main thing to feel is how comfortable you feel being in the gym. All factors are important here. There should be a feeling that you are “in place”, “at ease” and so on. There are many definitions for this feeling. It is your feelings that are the best criterion. If you are comfortable, then everything is correct. What to wear, when you come to a trial lesson can be found in this article.

This is the main criterion for choosing what you would like to do. Feel that this is really yours. That you like it, it suits you, it is convenient, comfortable, cozy. And, believe us, there will be nothing wrong with the fact that you will not find your place on the first try. You should also be prepared for this. As well as to the fact that over time, interests, wishes and aspirations may change. And there is nothing terrible or abnormal in the fact that you look into several sections, practicing completely different martial arts. The main thing is that you feel comfortable doing this or that sport. Then your body will be in harmony with the inner world, the desire to go to training, exercise and reach new heights will not disappear. You just need to find exactly your place.

Our advantages

Groups for adults function both on the right and left banks. Our advantages are a convenient transport interchange, evening time, a friendly and fairly diverse team. Another important detail is that we do not distinguish between male and female groups. This allows you to work out techniques with partners of different sizes, without working exclusively with the enemy of the “usual weight”.

If you decide to add a little movement and positive emotions to your life, we will be glad to see you at a free trial lesson.