First look at Aikido
I did indeed go along tonight to Hart Leisure Centre where Fleet Aikido Club runs its sessions. I got there a little later than intended, misjudging the distance I have to walk (need 45 minutes for it to be comfortable, I'll leave an hour before sessions start in future).
But once there it was great. The head Sensei was very nice, someone I will count as a good friend eventually I hope. I love his teaching style and felt very comfortable chatting with him both about the Aikido and things relating to me starting it, and also just generally.
Observing the class I can see that I should enjoy it. It's all done very gently with any mistakes being pointed out with advice on correcting them. I'm a little 'scared' to ever become good enough to be the one picked out for the Senseis to demonstrate something as you never know what's coming next (simply because they'll demonstrate what can go wrong or more forcefully why what they're teaching works).
Now I need to sort out a few things ready for next Friday (I'll delay until then to try and give my right shoulder chance to stop being sore or locking up):
* Get a sports strap for my glasses. I'm not going to risk contacts, for now at least, given my problems with them drying out and losing focus.
* Check the shorts I have are suitable for a couple of lessons. Sensei Foster did say that would be fine for the couple of "see if I do want to sign up fully" sessions.
* Make sure I have a supply of plasters or something else suitable for protecting my nipple piercings. Boy that's going to hurt taking them off each time as I have enough hair on my chest for that to be an issue.
And a note for myself. It's £4.20/session and you can attend any session that isn't above your current level. When (yes, not if :P) I decide to join up it's £25.00/year membership, which principally covers the insurance. And £15 was mentioned for the clothing, although I'll email for clarification, I think he meant the bottom half of things, but it could have been the price of each half.
But once there it was great. The head Sensei was very nice, someone I will count as a good friend eventually I hope. I love his teaching style and felt very comfortable chatting with him both about the Aikido and things relating to me starting it, and also just generally.
Observing the class I can see that I should enjoy it. It's all done very gently with any mistakes being pointed out with advice on correcting them. I'm a little 'scared' to ever become good enough to be the one picked out for the Senseis to demonstrate something as you never know what's coming next (simply because they'll demonstrate what can go wrong or more forcefully why what they're teaching works).
Now I need to sort out a few things ready for next Friday (I'll delay until then to try and give my right shoulder chance to stop being sore or locking up):
* Get a sports strap for my glasses. I'm not going to risk contacts, for now at least, given my problems with them drying out and losing focus.
* Check the shorts I have are suitable for a couple of lessons. Sensei Foster did say that would be fine for the couple of "see if I do want to sign up fully" sessions.
* Make sure I have a supply of plasters or something else suitable for protecting my nipple piercings. Boy that's going to hurt taking them off each time as I have enough hair on my chest for that to be an issue.
And a note for myself. It's £4.20/session and you can attend any session that isn't above your current level. When (yes, not if :P) I decide to join up it's £25.00/year membership, which principally covers the insurance. And £15 was mentioned for the clothing, although I'll email for clarification, I think he meant the bottom half of things, but it could have been the price of each half.